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Stockland

Attractions and Places To See around Stockland - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Stockland, Devon, include a variety of natural reserves, historical sites, and tranquil lakes. This region, situated near the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty, offers diverse landscapes for exploration. Visitors can discover ancient woodlands, serene waterways, and historical structures. The area provides opportunities to engage with both local heritage and natural environments.

Best attractions and places to see around Stockland

  • The most popular attractions is Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, a natural reserve that features woodlands of oak, ash, and hazel, home to diverse wildlife. In spring, wild garlic and bluebells are present, and the reserve can be explored via multiple paths.
  • Another must-see spot is Otterhead Lakes, a nature reserve comprising two lakes, a river, grasslands, and wetlands. This site, located within the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty, supports a range of wildlife including dormice, badgers, and various bird species.
  • Visitors also love Beckford Bridge, a Grade II-listed packhorse bridge spanning the River Yarty. Made from local rubble stone, this historical structure is well-preserved and can be admired from a modern bridge nearby.
  • Stockland is known for its natural reserves, historical sites, and tranquil waterways. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient abbeys to diverse woodlands and lakes.
  • The attractions around Stockland are appreciated by the komoot community, with 10 upvotes and 25 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Holyford Woods Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural

A little north of Seaton, this beautiful nature reserve is packed with life. The woodland is comprised of oak, ash and hazel, carefully managed and home to much wildlife. In spring, wild garlic and bluebells are fantastic attractions and you can explore the reserve on many paths.

Wear sturdy boots, particularly after wet weather as paths can get muddy and some are steep.

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Soon accessible via the Seaton tramway

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Otterhead Lakes

Highlight • River

Otterhead Lakes is a beautiful nature reserve on the site of a former Victorian estate in the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty. The reserve features two lakes, a river, grasslands and wetlands and is home to a diverse range of wonderful wildlife species including dormice, badgers, and bats, as well as kingfisher, dipper & wagtail.

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Beckford Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

A wonderful packhorse bridge, Beckford Bridge spans the River Yarty in the Blackdown Hills AONB to the north west of Axminster. Made from local rubble stone, this Grade II-listed span is in remarkably good condition, thanks to a modern bridge taking traffic. You can walk over the old bridge although it's best admired from the new one.

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Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural

Rest the bike up and take in the views across the reservoir, great for all the family with a walk path into the local nature reserve. No cafe or shop, so make sure you take your own food/drinks/fuel!

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Tips from the Community

Lornasingleton
July 28, 2025, Island Hide, Seaton Wetlands

A lovely area to walk around and the hide is well kept and you can see some wonderful birds if you are patient enough.

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Blainer
July 21, 2025, Otterhead Lakes

According to locals, there's beavers here.

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Otterhead Lakes is a beautiful nature reserve on the site of a former Victorian estate in the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty. The reserve features two lakes, a river, grasslands and wetlands and is home to a diverse range of wonderful wildlife species including dormice, badgers, and bats, as well as kingfisher, dipper & wagtail.

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It's a bridge over troubled waters

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Built in 1842 to provide water for the local canal this is now a nature reserve and fishing lake managed by South Somerset District Council.

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Soon accessible via the Seaton tramway

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Park opposite Seaton Tower at the picnic site and enjoy the views to the sea

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From the Island Hide, you have a near-360 degree view across this salt lagoon, which was previously drained agricultural land. Look out for oystercatchers, black-tailed godwits and ringed plovers searching for crustacean and mollusc snacks!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural reserves can I explore around Stockland?

The Stockland area is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, which features woodlands of oak, ash, and hazel, and is known for wild garlic and bluebells in spring. Another excellent option is Otterhead Lakes, a nature reserve with two lakes, a river, grasslands, and wetlands, located within the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty.

Are there historical sites to visit near Stockland?

Yes, the region offers historical sites. You can explore Dunkeswell Abbey, an ancient monument with a history dating back to 1201. Also, don't miss Beckford Bridge, a well-preserved Grade II-listed packhorse bridge spanning the River Yarty, made from local rubble stone.

What are some family-friendly attractions in the Stockland area?

For families, Otterhead Lakes is a great choice, offering a nature reserve with diverse wildlife. Another option is the Island Hide at Seaton Wetlands, which provides excellent views of marshland and various bird species, making it an engaging spot for all ages.

Where can I go for a walk or hike near Stockland?

There are numerous walking and hiking opportunities. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Yarty Farm – Beckford Bridge loop from Membury' or the 'View of Blackdown Hills loop from Luppitt'. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Stockland guide. For more challenging trails, Holyford Woods Nature Reserve offers multiple paths, though some can be steep and muddy after rain.

Are there cycling routes available around Stockland?

Yes, the area around Stockland offers several cycling routes. You can find options ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Honiton and Luppitt loop - The Blackdown Hills' or the longer 'Jurassic Coast loop from Axminster'. Explore more routes in the Cycling around Stockland guide.

When is the best time of year to visit the natural attractions around Stockland?

Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, especially for natural attractions like Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, where wild garlic and bluebells are in full bloom. The diverse landscapes of the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty are generally enjoyable throughout the warmer months.

Can I spot wildlife in the Stockland area?

Absolutely. Otterhead Lakes is a prime location for wildlife spotting, home to dormice, badgers, bats, kingfishers, dippers, and wagtails. The Island Hide at Seaton Wetlands is excellent for observing various waders and seabirds like oystercatchers and black-tailed godwits.

What should I wear for outdoor activities around Stockland?

For walks and hikes, especially in nature reserves like Holyford Woods, it's recommended to wear sturdy boots, as paths can be muddy and steep, particularly after wet weather. Layered clothing is always advisable to adapt to changing conditions.

Are there easy walking trails suitable for everyone?

Yes, the area offers several easy walking trails. You can find routes like the 'Yarty Farm – Beckford Bridge loop from Membury' or the 'Hiking loop from Dalwood' which are rated as easy. These are great for a relaxed stroll and exploring the local scenery. More options are available in the Easy hikes around Stockland guide.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Stockland?

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural environments, from the ancient woodlands of Holyford Woods Nature Reserve to the serene waterways of Otterhead Lakes. The historical significance of sites like Dunkeswell Abbey and the charm of Beckford Bridge are also highly valued.

Can I find running trails near Stockland?

Yes, there are several running trails available. You can choose from moderate loops such as 'St Michael’s Church loop from Cotleigh' or 'Running loop from Stockland'. For more options, refer to the Running Trails around Stockland guide.

How can I explore the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty from Stockland?

Stockland is situated near the Blackdown Hills AONB, offering direct access to its landscapes. Otterhead Lakes is located within this area, providing a great starting point. You can find various hiking and cycling routes that traverse the AONB, such as the 'Honiton and Luppitt loop' for cycling, which are detailed in the respective komoot guides.

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

ExmouthEast BudleighLympstoneWoodburyColaton RaleighBictonClyst St GeorgeAylesbeareBudleigh SaltertonClyst St. MaryFarringdonClyst HonitonSowtonNewton Poppleford and HarpfordOttertonRockbeareEast Devon AONBBroadclystHawkchurchOttery St MaryPoltimoreSidmouthUplymeAxminsterCombpyne RousdonHuxhamWhimpleBranscombeShuteMusburyBrampford SpekeGittishamStoke CanonHonitonSouthleighAll SaintsAxmouthBeerKilmingtonNorthleighColytonFarwayWidworthySeatonNether ExeReweOffwellTalatonChardstockBuckerellDalwoodFenitonAwliscombeBlackdown Hills AonbUpotteryDunkeswellMemburyYarcombeSheldonLuppittPayhemburyBroadhemburyClyst HydonClyst St. LawrencePlymtreeCombe RaleighCotleighMonktonAxe Estuary

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