Overlooking the lake
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Stover Country Park

4.6
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

A serene nature reserve on a lake, offering woodland, marsh, and grassland habitats, perfect for wildlife spotting and accessible walks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Best for wildlife spotting

CrowdLow
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Overlooking the lake

Stover Country Park

Best Time

Early mornings

Best for wildlife spotting

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene nature reserve on a lake, offering woodland, marsh, and grassland habitats, perfect for wildlife spotting and accessible walks.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Absolutely lovely country park with beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, highly recommended!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Spot the Otters!

Visit early or late for the best chance to see otters and other wildlife. Patience is key!

🚶‍♀️ Accessible Lake Walk

The flat path around the lake is perfect for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Enjoy the scenery!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Otter Spotting

Otter Spotting

Various locations around the lake

Keep an eye out for the park's resident otters, a truly magical wildlife encounter. Best seen during quieter times.

Ted Hughes Poetry Trail

Ted Hughes Poetry Trail

Woodland areas

A charming trail featuring wooden animal carvings and poetry inspired by nature. Fun for all ages.

Lake Circular Walk

Lake Circular Walk

Around Stover Lake

An accessible, flat path offering beautiful views of the lake and abundant birdlife. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Pine Woods

Pine Woods

Woodland areas

Experience otherworldly landscapes in the unique pine woods, offering a different visual and sensory experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Wildlife

Stover Country Park is a haven for wildlife, with otters, bats, and diverse birdlife. Early mornings or late evenings offer the best chances to spot these creatures in their natural habitat. Check the visitor center for any specific feeding times or guided walks.

Parking and Facilities

Parking is available and reasonably priced, with options to pay via app or contactless. The visitor center offers toilets and information, and a popular coffee van serves refreshments. Consider bringing your own food for picnics, especially if visiting during peak times.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Best for wildlife spotting
Crowd
Low
When
Late evenings
Why
Chance to see bats
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Beautiful fall colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Seratonin levels 📈📈#otters #ottersoftiktok #ottersandbutterfliesbuckfastleigh #travel #england #uk #butterfly #fyp #foryoupage
@millys_dead
2.8K likes • 42.4K views

🎯 Spot the Otters!

Visit early or late for the best chance to see otters and other wildlife. Patience is key! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Accessible Lake Walk

The flat path around the lake is perfect for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Enjoy the scenery! Instagram

Amazing Park in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #fyp #park #walk #bueatifulday #lovely
@sob1777
780 likes • 4.2K views
| Stover Country Park ~ Devon | 🐿️ Why go? Home to an abundance of wildlife, Stover Country Park is a beautiful place for a walk. We love the flat circular route around the lake, where you’re guaranteed to spot some rather cool looking ducks and brave squirrels. There’s a lovely children’s trail with wooden animals, bird watching hides, a pond, picnic areas and an aerial walkway too. ⏰ The circ...
thedevonexplorers
45 likes • 994 views

☕ Coffee with a View

Grab a coffee and snack from the van for a perfect break with lake views. Instagram

🐿️ Feed the Squirrels

Bring some food to share with the friendly squirrels and birds. They're quite accustomed to visitors! Instagram

Speciality coffee, scenic lake views, and family strolls. The perfect day out at Stover Country Park! Come and see us and enjoy your favourite brew with a view! 📍Tag your park crew & plan your next visit! #stovercountrypark #fuelledbycaffeine #coffeewithaview #devondaysout #devon #coffee #familyadventures #natureandcoffee #supportlocal
fuelledbycaffeine.devon
29 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Spot the Otters!

Visit early or late for the best chance to see otters and other wildlife. Patience is key! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Accessible Lake Walk

The flat path around the lake is perfect for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Enjoy the scenery! Instagram

☕ Coffee with a View

Grab a coffee and snack from the van for a perfect break with lake views. Instagram

🐿️ Feed the Squirrels

Bring some food to share with the friendly squirrels and birds. They're quite accustomed to visitors! Instagram

🌳 Explore the Pine Woods

Don't miss the unique, almost alien-like pine woods for a different kind of nature experience. Reddit

📜 Discover the Poetry Trail

Hunt for the carved animals along the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail for a fun, interactive walk. Instagram

🦇 Evening Bat Watching

Stay until dusk for a chance to witness the amazing spectacle of bats emerging. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking Payment

Parking is well-priced and can be paid for via the Ringo app or contactless. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Stover Country Park for its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained, accessible paths. It's a highly recommended spot for families, dog walkers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape. Some wish for more indoor dining options during inclement weather.

"What an absolutely lovely country park! Lovely flat access, clean and well maintained, beautiful scenery and wildlife. We went later on one evening while on holiday and saw the bats! They are amazing! Thank you, highly recommend!"

Leanne Frisby

"Love this place. Always see lots of wildlife and walkways are well maintained. The resent refurbishment of the visitor centre is great & the coffee van serves good coffee & snacks. Would be nice to have an indoor coffee shop though as when the weather isn't great it's nice to be able to stay dry whilst enjoying a drink."

Emma Gunatilleke

"Perfect for everyone and so much to see. Very good paths around the lake area, pushchairs, mobility scooters and similar should all be fine, it was dry today so not sure what they would be like when raining. Plenty for kids to see and do as well. We explored the land beyond the lake following the Heritage Trail, such a mix of woodland, pine woods, fields, country lanes, canal everything! The Canadian WW1 memorial is well worth stopping at if you pass it, so tastefully done and a fascinating story. The pine woods are also worth a look, they are like something out of a movie set, the colours make it look like another planet ( well we thought so 🙂)
Some good spots for dogs and kids to paddle in that are well away from the lake so the wildlife isn't disturbed. There is so much wildlife to see, we even saw a Mandarin duck which we've never seen before and didn't realise they were now in the UK! The best bit was waiting for us at the end - Fuelled By Caffeine! So many fab drinks, cakes, traybakes and similar. We opted for ice cream tubs which were local (Plymouth) and lush with the nice touch of a flake to go with them. Dog ice cream too, always a winner!
Plenty of parking, could imagine it being a bit tricky sometimes if it's very busy but really well laid out and well priced, you can pay by app (Ringo) or contactless. There are signs about phone signal but we had no problem and the rangers office is nearby if you get stuck."

Steve Maynard

What People Like

Beautiful scenery and wildlife
Accessible and flat paths
Dog-friendly environment

What People Dislike

Limited indoor dining

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Stover Country Park is located in Devon, UK. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options may be limited, so checking local bus routes in advance is recommended. TikTok

Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Stover Country Park. Payment can be made via the Ringo app or using contactless methods. Reddit

Cycling is a great way to reach the park, especially if you're exploring the surrounding Devon countryside. There are often cycle paths that lead to or near the park. Instagram

The nearest towns to Stover Country Park include Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey, offering additional amenities and accommodation options. Instagram

Absolutely! Stover Country Park is a fantastic option for a day trip from Exeter, offering a refreshing escape into nature. The drive is relatively short. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Stover Country Park itself is free. However, there is a charge for parking, which is typically around £2.50 for two hours. Reddit

Stover Country Park is generally open from dawn till dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty throughout the day. The visitor center and coffee van may have specific operating hours. Reddit

No, you do not need to book tickets in advance as entry is free. Parking fees are payable on arrival. Reddit

It's worth checking the official Stover Country Park website or visitor center for information on any upcoming events, guided walks, or wildlife talks. Reddit

Yes, Stover Country Park is very dog-friendly! It's a great place for a dog walk, but please ensure your dog is kept under control, especially around wildlife. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of wildlife, including otters, bats, numerous bird species (like Mandarin ducks and woodpeckers), squirrels, and butterflies. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Yes, the path around the lake is level and accessible for pushchairs, mobility scooters, and wheelchairs. There's also an accessible viewing platform. InstagramReddit

Children will enjoy the nature trails, spotting wildlife, the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail with its carved animals, and the open spaces for play. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! There are plenty of spots for picnics, both around the lake and in designated areas. Reddit

Recent dredging work was undertaken to clean the lake and replant native trees, ensuring the park's ecosystem remains healthy. This is part of ongoing conservation efforts. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a popular coffee van on-site, 'Fuelled By Caffeine', offering a range of hot drinks, cakes, and snacks. They also serve dog ice cream! InstagramReddit

The coffee van offers speciality coffee, traybakes, cakes, and ice cream. They have plant milk options, but vegan cake choices can be sparse. InstagramReddit

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring the park. Reddit

Currently, the main dining option is the outdoor coffee van. While the visitor center is refurbished, it doesn't have an indoor cafe, so an indoor dining option is limited. Reddit

For more extensive dining options, you would need to travel to nearby towns like Newton Abbot or Bovey Tracey. Trago Mills is also a short drive away and offers food options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake offers beautiful reflections, the pine woods provide unique atmospheric shots, and the wildlife (birds, squirrels, otters) are excellent subjects. The wooden horse and carriage also make for great photos. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a fantastic spot for wildlife photography with dedicated bird watching hides and opportunities to see a variety of animals. InstagramReddit

Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the park authorities or visitor center before flying a drone to ensure you comply with any regulations. Instagram

Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful light for landscape and wildlife photography. Overcast days can also be great for capturing the lush greenery. Instagram

Look out for the Canadian WW1 memorial, the unique pine woods, and the various wooden animal carvings along the poetry trail for distinctive photo opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Stover Country Park is a fantastic destination for families. The flat, accessible path around the lake is perfect for strollers and little legs, offering easy access to beautiful scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities. InstagramReddit Kids will love the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail with its hidden wooden animal carvings, turning a walk into a treasure hunt. InstagramReddit There are also open spaces for children to play and plenty of friendly squirrels eager for a snack (bring some bird-safe food!). The coffee van's ice cream, including doggy ice cream, is always a hit. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Mobility Impaired Visitors

The park excels in accessibility. The circular path around Stover Lake is level and well-maintained, making it ideal for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs. InstagramReddit There's also an accessible viewing platform offering great vantage points of the lake and its inhabitants. This ensures that visitors with mobility challenges can fully enjoy the park's natural beauty and wildlife without significant barriers. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Stover Country Park is a dog-friendly paradise! It's a wonderful place for your canine companions to enjoy a walk, with varied terrain and plenty of space to explore. Instagram The accessible paths are great for dogs too. Remember to keep your dog under control, especially near wildlife and other visitors, and always clean up after them. The coffee van even offers dog ice cream, making it a treat for your furry friend as well! Instagram

🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts

For those passionate about nature, Stover Country Park is a must-visit. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide array of wildlife, from otters and bats to numerous bird species. TikTokReddit Utilize the bird watching hides for optimal viewing. The unique pine woods offer a different ecological experience, and the ongoing conservation efforts, like lake dredging, highlight the park's dedication to its natural environment. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife Wonders of Stover

Stover Country Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. The park's varied habitats, including woodland, grassland, and marsh, support a rich array of species. Visitors often report sightings of otters playing in the lake, a truly special experience that can be enhanced by visiting during quieter periods like early mornings or late evenings. TikTok Bats are also a notable feature, with many visitors staying until dusk to witness them emerge. Reddit

Birdwatchers will find plenty to observe, from common waterfowl on the lake to more elusive species like woodpeckers. The park has bird watching hides to aid in observation. Keep an eye out for the striking Mandarin duck, which has become a resident. Squirrels are also abundant and often approach visitors, making for charming encounters. InstagramReddit+1

Remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the park's commitment to preserving these natural habitats means there's always a chance for a memorable encounter. Respecting the animals' space and avoiding disturbance is key to ensuring their continued presence. Instagram

Exploring the Trails and Landscapes

The park offers a variety of trails catering to different abilities and interests. The circular walk around Stover Lake is a highlight, featuring a flat, accessible path perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and leisurely strolls. This route provides lovely views of the water and opportunities to see waterfowl and other lakeside creatures. InstagramReddit

For a more unique experience, venture into the pine woods. These areas are described as having an almost otherworldly atmosphere, with striking colors and textures that make them stand out. Reddit The Ted Hughes Poetry Trail adds an element of discovery, with carved wooden animals hidden along the path, making it an engaging activity for families. InstagramReddit

Beyond the immediate lake area, the park extends to include woodland, fields, and even parts of a canal, offering a diverse range of landscapes to explore. The Canadian WW1 memorial is a poignant and historically significant stop along the Heritage Trail, offering a moment of reflection. Reddit

Visitor Amenities and Practicalities

Stover Country Park is well-equipped to enhance your visit. A popular coffee van, 'Fuelled By Caffeine', is on-site, serving a variety of hot drinks, cakes, and ice cream, including dog-friendly options. InstagramReddit While there isn't a traditional indoor cafe, this van provides a convenient spot for refreshments with scenic views. The visitor center offers essential facilities like toilets and information about the park and its wildlife. Reddit

Parking is readily available and reasonably priced, with convenient payment options via app or contactless. Reddit For those planning a longer visit or who prefer to self-cater, there are numerous picnic spots scattered throughout the park. Reddit The park's commitment to accessibility is evident in its well-maintained paths, ensuring most visitors can enjoy its natural beauty comfortably. Reddit

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