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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife spotting

Stover Country Park
Best Time
Best for wildlife spotting

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene nature reserve on a lake, offering woodland, marsh, and grassland habitats, perfect for wildlife spotting and accessible walks.
"Absolutely lovely country park with beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, highly recommended!"

🎯 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Woodland areas
Experience otherworldly landscapes in the unique pine woods, offering a different visual and sensory experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Wildlife
Parking and Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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!
☕ Coffee with a View
Grab a coffee and snack from the van for a perfect break with lake views.
🐿️ Feed the Squirrels
Bring some food to share with the friendly squirrels and birds. They're quite accustomed to visitors!
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!
🚶♀️ Accessible Lake Walk
The flat path around the lake is perfect for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Enjoy the scenery!
☕ Coffee with a View
Grab a coffee and snack from the van for a perfect break with lake views.
🐿️ Feed the Squirrels
Bring some food to share with the friendly squirrels and birds. They're quite accustomed to visitors!
🌳 Explore the Pine Woods
Don't miss the unique, almost alien-like pine woods for a different kind of nature experience.
📜 Discover the Poetry Trail
Hunt for the carved animals along the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail for a fun, interactive walk.
🦇 Evening Bat Watching
Stay until dusk for a chance to witness the amazing spectacle of bats emerging.
🚗 Easy Parking Payment
Parking is well-priced and can be paid for via the Ringo app or contactless.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Stover Country Park. Payment can be made via the Ringo app or using contactless methods.
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.
The nearest towns to Stover Country Park include Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey, offering additional amenities and accommodation options.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance as entry is free. Parking fees are payable on arrival.
It's worth checking the official Stover Country Park website or visitor center for information on any upcoming events, guided walks, or wildlife talks.
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of wildlife, including otters, bats, numerous bird species (like Mandarin ducks and woodpeckers), squirrels, and butterflies.
Yes, the path around the lake is level and accessible for pushchairs, mobility scooters, and wheelchairs. There's also an accessible viewing platform.
Children will enjoy the nature trails, spotting wildlife, the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail with its carved animals, and the open spaces for play.
Absolutely! There are plenty of spots for picnics, both around the lake and in designated areas.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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!
The coffee van offers speciality coffee, traybakes, cakes, and ice cream. They have plant milk options, but vegan cake choices can be sparse.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring the park.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for wildlife photography with dedicated bird watching hides and opportunities to see a variety of animals.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Mobility Impaired Visitors
🐶 Dog Owners
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Wonders of Stover
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.
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.
Exploring the Trails and Landscapes
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. 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.
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.
Visitor Amenities and Practicalities
Parking is readily available and reasonably priced, with convenient payment options via app or contactless. For those planning a longer visit or who prefer to self-cater, there are numerous picnic spots scattered throughout the park. The park's commitment to accessibility is evident in its well-maintained paths, ensuring most visitors can enjoy its natural beauty comfortably.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit