Late Bronze Age settlement featuring the remains of 24 huts within an area of over 6,000 square metres (four acres), enclosed by a massive stone wall, some 9 feet thick. This was the model for the prehistoric hut in which Sherlock Holmes spent the night in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Eighteen of these huts were excavated in the late 19th century, and 13 of these were found to have evidence of human habitation. A good guess is that the other huts were used for animals or storage. The huts are an average of 10 feet in diameter, and the walls would have risen to a height of 3-4 feet and been topped with branches and turf. The hut entrances are oriented towards the south. It seems likely that the perimeter wall, though very thick, was intended as an animal barrier, and was not used for defensive purposes. An excellent view of the entire Grimspound site can be had by climbing nearby Hookney Tor.

Venue Type:

Prehistoric site, Archaeological site

Opening hours

All year, any reasonable time.
OS Map 191; ref SX 701809

Admission charges


Collection details


Challacombe Farm
Postbridge, Yelverton
PL20 6TD

