Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement
Yelverton, Devon
A Bronze Age settlement and three stone rows side by side on open Dartmoor, unfenced and always open, so you and your dog walk straight in.
Merrivale is the best introduction to prehistoric Dartmoor because everything sits together in one place. On open moor beside the road you get the remains of a Bronze Age settlement, its hut circles clearly visible, immediately alongside a complex of ritual monuments: three stone rows, a stone circle, standing stones and a number of cairns. Seeing the houses people lived in and the monuments they built for their dead within a few hundred metres of each other is genuinely rare.
Whilst you read the settlement and the rows out of the moor, your dog gets unenclosed moorland with no gates, no ticket and no closing time, which is close to ideal. Short moorland turf, granite, streams to drink from and huge open views across the moor.
Free and permanently open. No dog rules are published because there is nothing enclosed. Dartmoor rules apply instead: ponies, sheep and cattle graze freely and ground nesting birds are present in spring and summer, so leads stay on. Download the audio guide before you set off, as signal on the moor is unreliable. There are no facilities.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Prehistoric Site
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement dog friendly?
Merrivale is about as dog friendly as it gets — it's open, unfenced moorland with no ticket barrier, no closing time, and no published dog restrictions. Your dog can roam across short moorland turf, drink from streams, and take in the wide open views while you explore the Bronze Age hut circles, stone rows, and standing stones.
Are dogs allowed at Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement year round?
Yes, the site is free and permanently open, so you can visit any day of the year at any time. There are no seasonal restrictions on dog access, though it's worth being aware that ground nesting birds are present in spring and summer, so keeping your dog on a lead during those months is the responsible approach.
What should I know before visiting Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement with my dog?
Dartmoor rules apply here: ponies, sheep, and cattle graze freely across the moor, and ground nesting birds are present in spring and summer, so leads are expected throughout. There are no facilities on site, and mobile signal is unreliable, so it's worth downloading the audio guide before you leave home. Arriving prepared makes the visit much more relaxed for both of you.
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