See spectacular displays of azeleas, camellias and rhododendrons in our beautiful country park.
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Cockington Country Park and Lakes

4.7
·3k reviews·, United Kingdom

A centuries-old Doomsday Book village with manicured parkland, serene lakes, and vibrant craft studios.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-August afternoons

Blissfully quiet even in peak season

CrowdLow
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See spectacular displays of azeleas, camellias and rhododendrons in our beautiful country park.

Cockington Country Park and Lakes

Best Time

Mid-August afternoons

Blissfully quiet even in peak season

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A centuries-old Doomsday Book village with manicured parkland, serene lakes, and vibrant craft studios.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"Absolutely stunning little village which is full of historical charm!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Navigate Narrow Lanes

Be prepared for typical Devon lanes to reach Cockington; they can be narrow but add to the charm!

🅿️ Ample Parking Available

Don't worry if one car park is full; there are several options around the park.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cockington Village

Cockington Village

Cockington

A perfectly preserved 600+ year old village with thatched cottages and a historic church.

Craft Studios

Craft Studios

Cob Barn and surrounding shops

Watch artisans at work, from glass blowing to blacksmithing, and find unique handmade souvenirs.

Ornamental Lakes

Ornamental Lakes

Cockington Country Park

Serene lakes surrounded by parkland, offering a peaceful spot for a stroll and wildlife spotting.

Cockington Forge

Cockington Forge

Cockington Village

A 14th-century forge that has remarkably survived centuries, showcasing historical craftsmanship.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Charm, Prepare for Lanes

Cockington is a picturesque village with a rich history, offering beautiful parkland and craft studios. While admission is free, be ready for narrow Devon lanes leading to the park, which can deter crowds even in peak season. Plan for at least half a day to explore fully.

Parking and Picnic Paradise

Multiple parking areas are available, so don't worry if one lot is full. Pack a picnic to enjoy the expansive parkland, or choose from the pub, cafe, or ice cream parlor. The craft studios offer unique finds, with glass blowing being a particular highlight.

Best Times

When
Mid-August afternoons
Why
Blissfully quiet even in peak season
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy the tranquility before crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny days
Why
Perfect for exploring gardens & parkland
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @A_humble_Gnome Torbay Seagulls are next level Cun.. #devon #uktowns #uksociety #torquay #paignton #westcountry #ukproblems
@olly_dobson
13.9K likes • 212.1K views

🎯 Navigate Narrow Lanes

Be prepared for typical Devon lanes to reach Cockington; they can be narrow but add to the charm! Reddit

🅿️ Ample Parking Available

Don't worry if one car park is full; there are several options around the park. Reddit

Exploring the coast around Torquay! It's a lovely area and seaside town in Devon, UK. Definitely want to visit again 🙌
@daiki.shino
11.2K likes • 98.1K views
We spent a sunny Sunday afternoon at Cockington Country Park today, just 10 minutes from Torquay. Cockington Country Park is a beautiful mix of picturesque gardens, open parkland, rural countryside and substantial woodland. Tucked in amongst this 450 acre country park are three pretty ornamental lakes, an historic Manor House with craft centre and studios, a chocolate box village, delightful tha...
saltwaterescapesdevon
11 likes • 431 views

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Bring a picnic to enjoy the vast parkland, or grab treats from the pub, cafe, or ice cream shop. Reddit

💎 Watch Artisans at Work

Don't miss the craft studios, especially the glass blowing, for unique handmade items. TikTokReddit

Down at the lakes at Cockington Country Park you may find.... 🦆🦆🦆 Just some of the many wonderful animals that call this area home. To help us in our mission for people and wildlife to live in harmony please keep dogs out of the lakes, thank you.
countrysidetrust
9 likes • 89 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Navigate Narrow Lanes

Be prepared for typical Devon lanes to reach Cockington; they can be narrow but add to the charm! Reddit

🅿️ Ample Parking Available

Don't worry if one car park is full; there are several options around the park. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Bring a picnic to enjoy the vast parkland, or grab treats from the pub, cafe, or ice cream shop. Reddit

💎 Watch Artisans at Work

Don't miss the craft studios, especially the glass blowing, for unique handmade items. TikTokReddit

☕ Savor Local Delights

Try the chocolate shop for divine cherry chocolates or enjoy a scone at the cafe. Reddit

🐕 Dog-Friendly Pub

The Drum Inn is a reasonably priced, dog-friendly pub near the park entrance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Cockington for its historical charm, picturesque village, and beautiful parkland, offering a delightful escape. The craft studios are a major draw, with many appreciating the opportunity to see artisans at work and purchase unique items. While parking is available and entry is free, some note the challenging narrow lanes leading to the park and a slightly disappointing children's play area.

"Lovely historical, picturesque village with cheap parking for the day. Free admission to everything. Beautiful grounds and gardens with working craft centre. Great for a family day out or a romantic stroll. Be prepared for the typical Devon narrow lanes to get to it though. That might put people off going, as it was blissfully quiet for us in the middle of August!"

Ian Sims

"Absolutely stunning little village which is full of historical charm!
We enjoyed a delicious jam and cream scone and a wander through the woodland park. There are craft workshops offering items for sale set in the old barns."

Lynne Hill

"You'll need at least half a day to see and enjoy everything (if the weather is good).
Would recommend the Chocolate shop, the cherry ones were particularly divine.
Don't forget to visit Cob Barn where Allan will talk you through his art in his workshop.
Hoping to buy a steel rose from him at some point.
Also check out the Iron Mongers and surrounding shops, then purchase yourself a cute little handmade glass animal at the glass blowers for a bargain £8."

Huk Salih

What People Like

Historical charm
Picturesque village
Beautiful parkland

What People Dislike

Narrow access lanes
Disappointing play area

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cockington Country Park is located on the edge of Torquay, Devon. Access is via narrow country lanes, which can be a bit challenging but are part of the charm. Many visitors find it best to park and walk into the village and park. Reddit

While specific bus routes can vary, local buses do serve the Torquay area, and you can often walk from Torquay town center to Cockington, though it's a significant walk. Checking local bus timetables is recommended. TikTok

Follow signs for Cockington from Torquay. Be prepared for narrow, winding lanes as you approach the village. Reddit

The main paths in the parkland and village are generally accessible, but some of the older village paths can be uneven. The craft studios and manor house may have varying accessibility. Instagram

Cycling is a great way to explore the Devon countryside. There are cycle paths that can lead you towards Cockington, offering scenic routes. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to Cockington Country Park and the village itself is free, making it a great budget-friendly option. Reddit

The parkland and village are generally open year-round during daylight hours. Individual craft studios and the manor house may have specific opening times, so it's best to check their individual schedules. Instagram

As there is no entrance fee, booking tickets is not required. You can visit spontaneously. Reddit

While entry is free, there are charges for parking, and of course, for any purchases made at the craft studios, shops, or eateries. Reddit

Cockington Manor House is often used for events and may have limited public access. It's advisable to check its current status and any visiting opportunities before your trip. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the picturesque village, wander through manicured gardens and open parkland, visit craft studios, enjoy the lakes, and discover historical sites like Cockington Forge. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Cockington Country Park offers numerous walking trails through woodlands and parkland, suitable for various fitness levels. Instagram+1

It's a fantastic family day out with space to roam, charming village atmosphere, and craft activities. However, the children's play area has seen some disrepair. TikTokReddit

Dogs are welcome in the parkland and village, but should be kept out of the lakes. The Drum Inn pub is also dog-friendly. InstagramReddit

You can find a variety of crafts, including glass blowing, blacksmithing, pottery, and artwork. Many artisans are happy to chat about their work. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a pub (The Drum Inn), a cafe, and an ice cream parlour. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in the park. Reddit

The Drum Inn is known for being reasonably priced and dog-friendly, offering a good spot for a meal or a drink. Reddit

Absolutely! The parkland offers plenty of space for picnics, making it a popular choice for visitors. Reddit

While specific menus can vary, cafes and pubs in tourist areas like Cockington usually offer some vegetarian options. It's always best to inquire directly. Reddit

Visitors often rave about the scones, especially jam and cream scones, and the chocolates from the local chocolate shop. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the charm of the thatched cottages, the serene lakes, the historic forge, and the vibrant craft studios. The gardens in bloom are also very photogenic. TikTokInstagram

The parkland, lakes, and surrounding countryside offer beautiful landscape photography opportunities, especially during golden hour. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the village's atmosphere. TikTok

Generally, it's polite to ask permission before taking photos inside private workshops, especially if it interferes with the artisans' work. Reddit

There are no general restrictions on photography for personal use, but commercial photography may require permission. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cockington Country Park is a wonderful spot for families, offering plenty of open space for kids to explore and play. The charming village atmosphere and the chance to see craftspeople at work can be very engaging for younger visitors. While the dedicated playground has seen better days, the natural environment provides ample opportunities for adventure. TikTokReddit

Consider packing a picnic to make the most of the parkland, and don't miss the chance to see the glass blowing or other craft demonstrations, which are often a hit with children. The lakes also offer a chance for wildlife spotting. Remember to be mindful of the narrow lanes when driving to the park. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Cockington is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as admission to the park and village is free. The main costs will be parking and any food or souvenirs you choose to purchase. Reddit

To save money, pack a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful parkland, and focus on exploring the free attractions like the village, gardens, and watching the craftspeople. Many visitors find the experience rich and fulfilling without spending a lot of money. Reddit

💖 Couples & Romantic Strolls

The picturesque village and serene parkland of Cockington make it an ideal destination for a romantic day out. Enjoy a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand through the charming village, explore the manicured gardens, or find a quiet spot by the lakes. Instagram+1

Consider visiting one of the craft studios together, perhaps picking out a unique memento of your visit. A cream tea or a drink at The Drum Inn can add to the romantic ambiance. The peaceful atmosphere, especially on a weekday, is perfect for quality time together. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Stroll Through History: Cockington Village

Cockington Village is a living testament to centuries past, with its origins dating back to the Domesday Book. The village is renowned for its perfectly preserved thatched cottages, a charming 600+ year old church, and the historic Cockington Forge, which has stood for centuries. Wandering through these cobbled lanes feels like stepping back in time, offering a peaceful escape from modern life. TikTok+1

Many visitors are captivated by the sheer authenticity of the village. The narrow, winding lanes leading to Cockington are part of its secluded charm, often keeping it blissfully quiet even during peak tourist seasons. This tranquility allows for a more immersive experience, where you can truly appreciate the architectural heritage and the serene atmosphere. Reddit

The Artistic Heart: Cockington's Craft Studios

Cockington is a hub for local artisans, with a collection of craft studios nestled within its historic barns and cottages. Here, you can witness skilled craftspeople at work, from the mesmerizing art of glass blowing to the intricate metalwork of blacksmiths. It's a fantastic opportunity to see traditional crafts being kept alive and to purchase unique, handmade souvenirs. TikTokReddit

Visitors often highlight the glass blowing studio as a must-see, with artisans creating beautiful pieces before your eyes. Other studios offer pottery, artwork, and more. The opportunity to chat with the makers and learn about their craft adds a personal touch to your visit, making any purchase feel even more special. Reddit

Nature's Embrace: Cockington Country Park

Beyond the village, Cockington Country Park sprawls across 450 acres, offering a diverse natural landscape. The park features beautiful ornamental lakes, expansive parkland perfect for picnics and games, and substantial woodland areas with walking trails. It's an ideal setting for a leisurely afternoon, whether you're birdwatching by the lakes or simply enjoying the fresh country air. Instagram+1

The parkland provides ample space for children to run and play, making it a great destination for families. While the dedicated children's play area has seen some wear and tear, the natural environment itself offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. The lakes are particularly serene, attracting various wildlife, and offer picturesque views. InstagramReddit

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