Best lakes around Kingsteignton offer diverse recreational opportunities within this large village in Devon, England. The region is characterized by its natural beauty, featuring former clay pits, reservoirs, and country park lakes. These varied landscapes provide environments ranging from tranquil fishing spots to active water sports locations. Visitors can explore a range of natural and man-made aquatic features in and around the area.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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ensure you have a good waterproof coat, don't go up when it's to dark as it's very rocky and uneven you would get very lost, in the summer it's amazing with great picnic spots and then it's very hot so sun cream needed definitely.
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Super quiet little pocket of history just below the main Tor.
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Here you can admire beautiful water lilies, a beautiful photo opportunity.
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Constructed in 1881, Kennick Reservoir covers 50 acres (20ha) and neighbours Tottiford and Trenchford Reservoirs. For those keen on fishing, it's worth knowing that Kennick is a premier rainbow trout fishery, and waterside access here is limited to anglers only, whereas you can walk around the edges of the other two reservoirs.
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where a lot of stone was taken from, beginning a journey from here to Newton Abbot and beyond
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A short walk but beautiful views and you can always extend it
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Once a quarry, Decoy Park is now a beautiful green space with thriving wildlife habitats. Here you'll find watersports lessons, woodland walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, a refreshment stand and facilities.
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Dartmoor has a fascinating industrial past and its myriad disused quarries are some of the clearest evidence. Just to the east of the phenomenal Haytor Rocks, lies Haytor Quarry. Part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, this quarry is quite difficult to find, as it’s tucked away well out of sight if you’re just rambling about. The granite removed from the quarry was transported on the granite tramway which ran from Haytor, through the enormous Stover family estate to be taken to the Channel via the Stover canal and shipped. The quarry also resides in an area with plenty of evidence of ancient human habitation, with Bronze Age hut circles dotted around the immediate region.
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For walking and nature, Stover Country Park Lake is an excellent choice. It features 114 acres of diverse habitats, including woodland, heathland, and marsh, with accessible circular lakeside paths. It's particularly known as a dragonfly hotspot and offers bird hides for wildlife watching. You can find more information about Stover Country Park here.
Yes, Decoy Country Park, featuring Decoy Lake, is very family-friendly. It offers a large children's play area with a seasonal water play feature, a BMX race track, woodland walks, and picnic areas. The lake itself provides opportunities for sailing and canoeing, and the park has good accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Several lakes are popular for fishing. Abbrook Pond is a mature, stream-fed former clay pit known for coarse fishing, well-stocked with carp, tench, bream, perch, and pike. Sawmills Lake, another former clay pit, is also a prolific fishing spot, particularly for roach and bream. Kennick Reservoir is a premier rainbow trout fishery, though waterside access is limited to anglers only. Day tickets are often available at Abbrook Pond and Sawmills Lake.
The lakes support diverse wildlife. At Abbrook Pond, you might spot kingfishers, various birds of prey, and deer. Stover Country Park Lake is renowned for its dragonflies, with 19 species recorded, and is also a haven for wildfowl. Kennick Reservoir is known for sightings of both little egrets and great white egrets.
Yes, near Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies, you can explore the Haytor Quarry, which is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and provides clear evidence of Dartmoor's industrial past. The surrounding area also features evidence of ancient human habitation, including Bronze Age hut circles.
Near the lakes, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Decoy Country Park offers watersports like sailing and canoeing on Decoy Lake, as well as a BMX race track. For hiking, there are numerous easy trails around Kingsteignton, such as the 'Old Crane at Ventiford Basin – Stover Canal loop'. You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Kingsteignton guide.
Yes, both Stover Country Park Lake and Decoy Country Park offer accessible facilities. Stover Country Park has wheelchair and pushchair-friendly paths around the lake. Decoy Country Park also provides good accessibility, making it suitable for all visitors.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer are particularly picturesque. During these seasons, lily pads are abundant at lakes like Abbrook Pond, and wildlife, such as dragonflies at Stover Country Park, is more active. The warmer months are also ideal for watersports at Decoy Country Park.
For easy walks, consider the paths around Stover Country Park Lake and Decoy Country Park. Additionally, the 'Easy hikes around Kingsteignton' guide features several routes, including the 'Old Crane at Ventiford Basin – Stover Canal loop from Kingsteignton' which is 4.6 km and rated easy. Explore more options in the Easy hikes around Kingsteignton guide.
Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Highlights like Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park are loved for their watersports, woodland walks, and family-friendly facilities. The picturesque views and opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially egrets at Kennick Reservoir, are also highly valued by the komoot community.
Yes, Decoy Country Park has a refreshment kiosk available. While specific cafes are not listed for all lakes, the parks are generally well-equipped for visitors, and Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot offer various dining options a short drive away.
Many of the country parks and natural areas around Kingsteignton are dog-friendly, though specific rules may apply, especially regarding leads and designated areas. Stover Country Park and Decoy Country Park are generally welcoming to dogs, but it's always advisable to check local signage for any restrictions.


Still not found your perfect lake around Kingsteignton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.