Welcome To Higher Uppacott

A longhouse is a medieval farmhouse in which both people and cattle were accommodated under a single roof. Higher Uppacott is rare and of national importance. It is one of the few remaining examples of this historic building type, which has retained its lower or shippon end (cattle shelter) in its original unaltered state. It is a Grade 1 listed building.

Dartmoor National Park Authority purchased Higher Uppacott, in 1979, with the help of a grant from the Countryside Commission. The preservation and maintainance of the building in its unaltered state was the prime motivation behind the purchase.

One of the things that makes Higher Uppacott so special is that its development from its medieval beginnings through to the present day is still clearly evident within the fabric of the building. It tells its own story through key architectural features. This development also vividly illustrates the major changes in domestic family life and the social structures of Dartmoor farming folk over the centuries.

In 2002, the historic wing (a separate dwelling since at least the 19th century) and adjoining outbuildings which were converted to domestic use in the 1970s, came onto the market. With the help of a Heritage Lottery grant, the Dartmoor National Park Authority was able to purchase this and thus reunite the two halves of the building and return the site to its original layout – a house in its historic farmstead setting. A fascinating oral history of life here in the first half of the 20th century has been collected and often forms a popular element of visits to the house.

If you would like to find out more, please come for a visit. If this is not possible, we have a virtual tour on www.virtuallydartmoor.org.uk (external website, opens new window) which tells the story of Higher Uppacott by combining expert interpretation of its historic features with the memories of people who have lived in there throughout the last 80 years.

There are several ways you can visit Higher Uppacott:

Join a Dartmoor National Park Authority Guided Event
To fully appreciate Higher Uppacott’s history and heritage, you should join a guided tour.  Your guide will be able to explain what life was like in medieval times and how Higher Uppacott has evolved over the centuries.  
For more details and dates of the guided tours, together with other events at Higher Uppacott visit the guided visits page.

Visit during Heritage Open Days, September 2013
This popular national event celebrates England’s architecture and cultural heritage by offering free access to properties and locations that are usually closed to the public, or which charge a fee.

Book a Private Tour
We welcome bookings from private groups (group size: min 6/max 20) and we will work with you to organise a tailormade visit to suit your requirements. Visit the group bookings page for more information.

Enjoy an Educational Visit
As the buildings at Higher Uppacott span the centuries, from the medieval period in the 14th century to the later editions in the 17th century, there is a wealth of architectural and cultural history at the property - making it an interesting educational site visit. Visit the group bookings page for more information.

Virtually Dartmoor
If you would like a taster before you visit, or if you are not able to come along in person, visit the Virtually Dartmoor website www.virtuallydartmoor.org.uk (external link, opens new window) and you can experience a virtual tour of the house and hear about people’s experiences of living there.

Volunteering
Would you like to volunteer your time to help with various tasks at Higher Uppacott – ranging from meeting and greeting visitors, to helping recreate a medieval garden?  Visit our Volunteering page for more details.

*NEW* Higher Uppacott Booklet
DNPA has recently published a new booklet on Higher Uppacott called 'Higher Uppacott - The evolution of a Dartmoor Longhouse'. The booklet is available to purchase from DNPA Information centres and costs just £3.99. This new booklet forms part of a series of booklets about Dartmoor's historic environment. Other titles include;
Houndtor - A Deserted Medivial Settlement
Grimspound - A Prehistoric Settlement
Merrivale - An Archaeolological Landscape