Top 3 Lakes around Marwood
Best lakes around Marwood are primarily found within the Marwood Hill Gardens, a 20-acre ornamental garden in North Devon. These gardens feature three inter-linked lakes that form a central part of the landscape. The area is known for its diverse plant collections, including Japanese Iris and Astilbe, and offers tranquil settings for visitors. The lakes and surrounding areas also provide a habitat for local wildlife.
Best lakes around Marwood
- The most popular lakes is Isley Marsh Nature Reserve, a…
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Ilfracombe Harbour
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Isley Marsh Nature Reserve
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Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide
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Rapparee Cove
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Wild Swimming Spot by the Shore
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Tips from the Community
The restaurant (Smugglers) is a little gem garlic butter lobster and the also let dogs in provided the fit under the tables very reasonable prices as well £35 for a full lobster
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Just after the Round Tower take the small fishermen’s path on the left through the blackthorn bushes down to the shore. There is an old set of steps carved into the rock. Best around high tide.
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Lovely little harbour with colourful boats and some nice pubs around! Mind the black & white grumpy cat! 🐱
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Without a doubt the true center of the town, it is absolutely pulsating here. Lots of places to stop for refreshments, The excursions to the bird island of Lundy also start here. It's interesting that people are still working hard in this port. We really enjoyed seeing so much!
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Wistlandpound Reservoir is a tranquil place where you can feel close to nature. It is an easy 2.6km hike around the edge of the lake which takes you through the forest and along the water's edge. All the while surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside. The path around the reservoir is accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. The reservoir supplies drinking water to nearby Ilfracombe, Barnstaple and Combe Martin. If the water levels are low, look out for the ruins of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway which used to run though the valley until the reservoir was built in 1956.
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On the southern shores of Wistpoundland Reservoir, take a break in the bird hide to see what wildlife you can spot. You're fairly likely to see western cattle egret, and might be lucky to see a great white egret in the winter. There have also been recent sightings of white-tailed eagles up here! You can see all different waterfowl by taking a jaunt around the reservoir on the path. Check out more about the reservoir and what to look out for here at:https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/wistlandpound
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Running alongside the Tarka Trail, the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve is a haven for many different and unusual bird species. Made up of salt marshes and intertidal mudflats on the Taw and Torridge Estuary, the reserve is home to curlew, greenshank, dunlin and even spoonbills during the winter months. You can find more information about the reserve, here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/isley-marsh/
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The pretty town of Ilfracombe is perched atop some of Devon's most stunning coast line. Ilfracombe's harbour is several centuries old. Boats ferry passengers to Lundy Island, North Cornwall and the Bristol Channel coasts. Ilfracombe is a lovely place to whistle away an afternoon, exploring quaint streets and eating ice cream on the beach. You can find out more about Ilfracombe, here: https://www.visitilfracombe.co.uk/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lakes can I find around Marwood?
Marwood is home to diverse water bodies, including the ornamental garden lakes within Marwood Hill Gardens, natural marshland lakes, and tranquil reservoirs. These offer varied environments for exploration and wildlife observation.
Are there any nature reserves focused on lakes near Marwood?
Yes, the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve is a significant area of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats on the Taw and Torridge estuary. It's an important haven for various bird species like teal, curlew, and spoonbills.
Where can I go for wildlife observation around the lakes?
For birdwatching, the Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide offers excellent opportunities to spot waterfowl and potentially rare species like the great white egret. The Marwood Hill Gardens lakes also attract wildlife, with kingfishers occasionally seen.
Can I go swimming in any of the lakes near Marwood?
Yes, there is a Wild Swimming Spot by the Shore. You can access it via a small fishermen’s path through blackthorn bushes, and it's best visited around high tide.
Are there family-friendly walking trails around the lakes?
The path around Wistlandpound Reservoir is an easy 2.6km hike suitable for families, and it is also accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. Marwood Hill Gardens, with its three inter-linked lakes, offers a pleasant and accessible environment for families to explore.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Marwood?
The lakes offer seasonal beauty throughout the year. Spring brings magnolias and irises, mid-July is particularly vibrant for the Astilbe collection around Marwood Hill Gardens, and autumn provides rich reflections. Wildlife observation opportunities can vary seasonally.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the lakes?
Yes, Marwood Hill Gardens features an award-winning tea room that overlooks the upper lake. It's a great spot to enjoy local produce and cream teas with scenic garden views.
What unique natural features can I expect to see at Marwood Hill Gardens?
Marwood Hill Gardens boasts three inter-linked lakes, a bog garden, and a waterfall. The areas around the lakes are home to national plant collections, including Japanese Iris and one of the finest Astilbe displays in the country.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, you can find various outdoor activities. There are numerous hiking routes, running trails, and gravel biking routes in the wider Marwood area, offering options for different fitness levels.
Are the lakes around Marwood suitable for dog walking?
While specific dog policies for all lake areas vary, Marwood Hill Gardens generally welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads. It's always advisable to check specific rules for nature reserves or private properties before visiting with your dog.
What makes the lakes at Marwood Hill Gardens a special place to visit?
The lakes at Marwood Hill Gardens are considered a 'hidden gem' due to their tranquil atmosphere, diverse scenery, and artistic installations. They offer a unique blend of formal planting, woodlands, and waterside beauty, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and inspiration.
Are there any sculptures or artistic elements around the lakes?
Yes, the lakes at Marwood Hill Gardens are enhanced by several artistic installations. You can find a sculpture of a mother and children on an island in the middle lake, a bronze sculpture of two swans on the lower lake, and a sculpture depicting Dr. Jimmy Smart between the middle lake and the bog garden.
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