EVER wondered how people lived on Dartmoor many hundreds of years ago? A 14th-century medieval longhouse known as Higher Uppacott, near Widecoombe reveals just that, and dates are available to book now. 

Higher Uppacott is a medieval farmhouse, or longhouse, in which both people and cattle were accommodated under a single roof. 

As a Grade 1 listed building, it is also of national importance and one of the few remaining examples of this type of historic building.

The only way to explore this building is to book a guided tour; you will get the chance to see its development from medieval beginnings through to the present day. Higher Uppacott vividly illustrates the major changes in domestic family life and the social structures of Dartmoor farming folk over the centuries.

The building has recently undergone a renovation to conserve the building better, and to improve access, understanding and condition of the grade I listed building and its former historic farmstead site.

The work is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund via the Moor than meets the eye Landscape Partnership scheme. This is seeing new combed wheat thatch, slate roof coverings and other external works taking place to provide an authentic historic farmstead setting for the medieval longhouse. 

Dartmoor National Park Authority will also be carrying out works to restore the internal historic fabric and features including the shippon (cattle shelter).

All tours start at 10.30am unless it says otherwise and last around 90 minutes. The cost is £6 per person. Places can be booked by email ([email protected]) or by calling the National Park Visitor Centre at Princetown on 01822 890414.

Dates available are:

- Sunday 2 and Saturday 15 April 

- Monday 1 and Sunday 28 May 

- Saturday 10 June and Sunday 25 June 

- Saturday 8 and Sunday 30 July

- Saturday 5, Sunday 13, Wednesday 16, Saturday 19, Wednesday 23 and Mon 28 August.