South Dartmoor Bunkhouse
South Dartmoor Bunkhouse is located in Buckfastleigh, on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park.
South Dartmoor Bunkhouse, 11 Crest Hill, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0AN
Simple, functional group accommodation on the southern edge of Dartmoor
South Dartmoor Bunkhouse is a rugged, honest base for outdoor groups. Owned and managed by the Devon Spelæological Society (Caving Club), the South Dartmoor Bunkhouse is a converted village dairy designed specifically for clubs and groups of adventurers. Located in the historic town of Buckfastleigh, we offer a practical, warm retreat for those spending their days underground, on the river, or out on the tors.
The Essentials, Done Right. The South Dartmoor Bunkhouse provides comfortable, straightforward accommodation for groups of up to 16. We offer a dedicated base for cavers, paddlers, hikers and other like minded groups who need a reliable place to refuel and sleep between adventures. As is customary with this type of accommodation guests are expected to leave as you would hope to find, however we do have cleaners who ensure a basic standard is maintained.
Gear & Storage We understand the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Our combined storage and drying room provides a dedicated space to stash your gear and hang up wet kit on a suspended hanging rack. Equipped with a heater and industrial dehumidifier (metered £1 coins), along with a spinner, it is a functional area to help you prep for the next days outing. There is internal room for approximately 8 mountain bikes or 8 small kayaks.
The Layout The ground floor is split into 3 areas:
* At the heart of the building --- an open-plan heated, kitchen / dining / living area with a table for group meals and soft bench style seating for socialising (a second fold out table, can be found in the corner when needed). The kitchen is set up for self-catering with two electric hobs (each with four rings). Please be aware there is no oven or grill, we do have two microwaves, kettles and toasters. All pots, pans, cups, plates, cutlery and utensils are provided. There is also a fridge and a sink with running hot water. We ask that rubbish is removed at the end of your stay.
* Central Hallway / Wash area --- You will find a toilet, wash hand basin open to hallway and 2 individual showers separated from the corridor by 2 shower curtains (shower cubicle then changing area). A narrow wooden staircase leads to the upper floor.
* Storage / Drying room --- as described above.
The upper floor consists of:
* Two carpeted dorms with wooden bunks and hospital style mattresses, you will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow as NO bedding is provided.
* A single toilet with hand basin is located between the dorms off the landing.
Ideally Placed
• Underground: Less than 10 minute drive to any of the Buckfastleigh cave systems.
• On the Water: Access to the River Dart Loop at Newbridge is a 15 minute drive.
• On Foot or Bike: Situated on the southern flanks of Dartmoor with easy access to the remote uplands, direct from the Bunkhouse or a short drive.
• Town: A 5 minute walk into Buckfastleigh for local pubs, shops, cash point and takeaways.
Important: We host groups and clubs only. We are not available to individual travellers.
We have no allocated parking, parking available on road or local car park.
The whole of Crest Hill is narrow with no turning point.
There is a strict 6’6” width restriction just below our bunkhouse.
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
£1 coins need for drying room
The Essentials, Done Right. The South Dartmoor Bunkhouse provides comfortable, straightforward accommodation for groups of up to 16. We offer a dedicated base for cavers, paddlers, hikers and other like minded groups who need a reliable place to refuel and sleep between adventures. As is customary with this type of accommodation guests are expected to leave as you would hope to find, however we do have cleaners who ensure a basic standard is maintained.
Gear & Storage We understand the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Our combined storage and drying room provides a dedicated space to stash your gear and hang up wet kit on a suspended hanging rack. Equipped with a heater and industrial dehumidifier (metered £1 coins), along with a spinner, it is a functional area to help you prep for the next days outing. There is internal room for approximately 8 mountain bikes or 8 small kayaks.
The Layout The ground floor is split into 3 areas:
* At the heart of the building --- an open-plan heated, kitchen / dining / living area with a table for group meals and soft bench style seating for socialising (a second fold out table, can be found in the corner when needed). The kitchen is set up for self-catering with two electric hobs (each with four rings). Please be aware there is no oven or grill, we do have two microwaves, kettles and toasters. All pots, pans, cups, plates, cutlery and utensils are provided. There is also a fridge and a sink with running hot water. We ask that rubbish is removed at the end of your stay.
* Central Hallway / Wash area --- You will find a toilet, wash hand basin open to hallway and 2 individual showers separated from the corridor by 2 shower curtains (shower cubicle then changing area). A narrow wooden staircase leads to the upper floor.
* Storage / Drying room --- as described above.
The upper floor consists of:
* Two carpeted dorms with wooden bunks and hospital style mattresses, you will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow as NO bedding is provided.
* A single toilet with hand basin is located between the dorms off the landing.
Ideally Placed
• Underground: Less than 10 minute drive to any of the Buckfastleigh cave systems.
• On the Water: Access to the River Dart Loop at Newbridge is a 15 minute drive.
• On Foot or Bike: Situated on the southern flanks of Dartmoor with easy access to the remote uplands, direct from the Bunkhouse or a short drive.
• Town: A 5 minute walk into Buckfastleigh for local pubs, shops, cash point and takeaways.
Important: We host groups and clubs only. We are not available to individual travellers.
We have no allocated parking, parking available on road or local car park.
The whole of Crest Hill is narrow with no turning point.
There is a strict 6’6” width restriction just below our bunkhouse.
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
£1 coins need for drying room
Owned and managed by the Devon Spelæological Society, this converted village dairy in Buckfastleigh is a rugged, honest base for outdoor enthusiasts. Designed specifically for clubs and groups of up to 16, it provides a warm, practical retreat for cavers, paddlers, mountain bikers, and hikers. Located perfectly for exploring Dartmoor’s rivers, tors, and trails, the bunkhouse focuses on the essentials: reliable comfort, a space to refuel and dry out between adventures.
South Dartmoor Bunkhouse is a rugged, honest base for outdoor groups. Owned and managed by the Devon Spelæological Society (Caving Club), the South Dartmoor Bunkhouse is a converted village dairy designed specifically for clubs and groups of adventurers. Located in the historic town of Buckfastleigh, we offer a practical, warm retreat for those spending their days underground, on the river, or out on the tors.
The Essentials, Done Right. The South Dartmoor Bunkhouse provides comfortable, straightforward accommodation for groups of up to 16. We offer a dedicated base for cavers, paddlers, hikers and other like minded groups who need a reliable place to refuel and sleep between adventures. As is customary with this type of accommodation guests are expected to leave as you would hope to find, however we do have cleaners who ensure a basic standard is maintained.
Gear & Storage We understand the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Our combined storage and drying room provides a dedicated space to stash your gear and hang up wet kit on a suspended hanging rack. Equipped with a heater and industrial dehumidifier (metered £1 coins), along with a spinner, it is a functional area to help you prep for the next days outing. There is internal room for approximately 8 mountain bikes or 8 small kayaks.
The Layout The ground floor is split into 3 areas:
* At the heart of the building --- an open-plan heated, kitchen / dining / living area with a table for group meals and soft bench style seating for socialising (a second fold out table, can be found in the corner when needed). The kitchen is set up for self-catering with two electric hobs (each with four rings). Please be aware there is no oven or grill, we do have two microwaves, kettles and toasters. All pots, pans, cups, plates, cutlery and utensils are provided. There is also a fridge and a sink with running hot water. We ask that rubbish is removed at the end of your stay.
* Central Hallway / Wash area --- You will find a toilet, wash hand basin open to hallway and 2 individual showers separated from the corridor by 2 shower curtains (shower cubicle then changing area). A narrow wooden staircase leads to the upper floor.
* Storage / Drying room --- as described above.
The upper floor consists of:
* Two carpeted dorms with wooden bunks and hospital style mattresses, you will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow as NO bedding is provided.
* A single toilet with hand basin is located between the dorms off the landing.
Ideally Placed
• Underground: Less than 10 minute drive to any of the Buckfastleigh cave systems.
• On the Water: Access to the River Dart Loop at Newbridge is a 15 minute drive.
• On Foot or Bike: Situated on the southern flanks of Dartmoor with easy access to the remote uplands, direct from the Bunkhouse or a short drive.
• Town: A 5 minute walk into Buckfastleigh for local pubs, shops, cash point and takeaways.
Important: We host groups and clubs only. We are not available to individual travellers.
We have no allocated parking, parking available on road or local car park.
The whole of Crest Hill is narrow with no turning point.
There is a strict 6’6” width restriction just below our bunkhouse.
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
£1 coins need for drying room
The Essentials, Done Right. The South Dartmoor Bunkhouse provides comfortable, straightforward accommodation for groups of up to 16. We offer a dedicated base for cavers, paddlers, hikers and other like minded groups who need a reliable place to refuel and sleep between adventures. As is customary with this type of accommodation guests are expected to leave as you would hope to find, however we do have cleaners who ensure a basic standard is maintained.
Gear & Storage We understand the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Our combined storage and drying room provides a dedicated space to stash your gear and hang up wet kit on a suspended hanging rack. Equipped with a heater and industrial dehumidifier (metered £1 coins), along with a spinner, it is a functional area to help you prep for the next days outing. There is internal room for approximately 8 mountain bikes or 8 small kayaks.
The Layout The ground floor is split into 3 areas:
* At the heart of the building --- an open-plan heated, kitchen / dining / living area with a table for group meals and soft bench style seating for socialising (a second fold out table, can be found in the corner when needed). The kitchen is set up for self-catering with two electric hobs (each with four rings). Please be aware there is no oven or grill, we do have two microwaves, kettles and toasters. All pots, pans, cups, plates, cutlery and utensils are provided. There is also a fridge and a sink with running hot water. We ask that rubbish is removed at the end of your stay.
* Central Hallway / Wash area --- You will find a toilet, wash hand basin open to hallway and 2 individual showers separated from the corridor by 2 shower curtains (shower cubicle then changing area). A narrow wooden staircase leads to the upper floor.
* Storage / Drying room --- as described above.
The upper floor consists of:
* Two carpeted dorms with wooden bunks and hospital style mattresses, you will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow as NO bedding is provided.
* A single toilet with hand basin is located between the dorms off the landing.
Ideally Placed
• Underground: Less than 10 minute drive to any of the Buckfastleigh cave systems.
• On the Water: Access to the River Dart Loop at Newbridge is a 15 minute drive.
• On Foot or Bike: Situated on the southern flanks of Dartmoor with easy access to the remote uplands, direct from the Bunkhouse or a short drive.
• Town: A 5 minute walk into Buckfastleigh for local pubs, shops, cash point and takeaways.
Important: We host groups and clubs only. We are not available to individual travellers.
We have no allocated parking, parking available on road or local car park.
The whole of Crest Hill is narrow with no turning point.
There is a strict 6’6” width restriction just below our bunkhouse.
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
£1 coins need for drying room
This accommodation is featured on our map of Devon, Cornwall and the West Country and here is its own website.
Details
Beds & Rooms:
16 : 1 x 12, 1 x 4Open:
All yearPrice per night:
£13.00 per person (minimum of 4 people), £160.00 sole use.Booking:
To secure your booking a 50% non-refundable deposit (payable by Bank Transfer to Devon Speleo Society) is required.Directions:
GR 735 660. Enter Buckfastleigh at the A38/A384 junc. at mini roundabout, turn left, past garage on right. Pass 2 turns to Buckfastleigh, (first is NO ENTRY). Continue for 500m taking next right into town, signposted ‘Town Centre’. Continue past car park on right. At junction immediately ahead turn left (signed Town Hall), straight on is NO ENTRY. Pass the Town Hall on left & school on right, after 300m turn right at “T” junc. into Crest Hill. Bunkhouse is approx 85m on the left.Public Transport :
Trains: Newton Abbot or Totnes. Local Buses and Taxis.
Bunkhouses Charitable New to the Independent Hostels Network Dartmoor & Exmoor
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