Best attractions and places to see around Landkey, a village in North Devon, England, include a variety of natural features, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. The area is characterized by its tranquil countryside, winding rivers, and prominent hills. Visitors can explore ancient woodlands, nature reserves, and historical structures that reflect the region's heritage. Landkey offers a blend of outdoor activities and insights into local history.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
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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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The Tarka Trail is England's longest traffic free cycling and walking route. It stretches for just over 30 miles from Braunton to Meeth via Barnstaple. The trail follows a disused railway line and you will find many pubs and cafes to refuel, rehydrate and rest weary legs. It is named after Tarka the Otter, from the 1927 book of the same name by Henry Williamson. Keep an eye out for sculptures along the route as it is also one of Sustrans Art Trails.
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Nice route by the river with a good surface, ideal for low impact bike touring
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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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A flat easy ride with stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way
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One of the largest medieval bridges in Britain dating back to the mid 13th Century. Comprising of 16 pointed masonry arches, varying in span from 5.5 metres (18 ft) to 7.9 metres (26 ft) giving a total length of 159 metres (522 ft)
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Avoid at rush hour as cars fill the whole bridge. Great cycle trail on way into Barnstaple though!
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Running from Dartmoor into the Atlantic Sea, the River Taw is a wild and beautiful river. Home to various fish species such as recreational trout and sea trout, the area is popular with anglers. The river is easy to explore by bike thanks to the Tarka Trail bike path. It carves 45 miles (72 km) through agricultural landscapes, valleys and woodland.
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The most popular route is the Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington, which is England's longest traffic-free cycling and walking route, spanning over 30 miles. It follows a disused railway line, offering scenic paths and is dotted with pubs and cafes. You can find more hiking routes in the area, including moderate loops like the Landkey to Venn Tarka Trail – Codden Beacon Viewpoint loop, by visiting the Hiking around Landkey guide.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Tarka Trail is excellent for family cycling and walking. Isley Marsh Nature Reserve offers opportunities for bird spotting, and River Taw is great for exploring. Additionally, the Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide provides an accessible 2.6 km path around the lake, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it ideal for families.
For wildlife spotting, Isley Marsh Nature Reserve is an important haven for birds, featuring saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats on the Taw and Torridge estuary. You can observe species like teal, curlew, greenshank, dunlin, and spoonbills. The Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide is another excellent spot, where you might see western cattle egret, great white egret, and various waterfowl.
Landkey is home to Barnstaple Clock Tower, which is part of the Barnstaple Long Bridge, one of Britain's longest medieval bridges dating back to around 1280. Also, St. Paul's Church in Landkey is a historic 15th-century parish church known for its medieval architecture, stained glass windows, and a 16th-century carved screen.
Yes, the path around Wistlandpound Reservoir is accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs, offering an easy 2.6 km hike through forests and along the water's edge. The Tarka Trail is also a traffic-free route with a good surface, making it suitable for low-impact cycling and walking.
The Landkey area is rich in natural beauty. Key features include the tranquil Wistlandpound Reservoir, the wild and beautiful River Taw, and the prominent Codden Hill. The Venn area near Landkey also offers peaceful countryside walks through ancient woodlands and open fields, showcasing North Devon's rural charm.
The Tarka Trail is England's longest traffic-free cycling route, spanning over 30 miles, and is perfect for scenic rides. It follows a disused railway line, offering a flat and easy ride with stunning scenery. For more mountain biking options, you can explore routes like the Barnstaple Castle – Lankham Brake Bridleway loop in the MTB Trails around Landkey guide.
Landkey has a historical connection to the Mazzard fruit, a unique sweet cherry. The Landkey Parish Council has re-established this fruit with a two-acre orchard as part of the Millennium Green project. Additionally, a ceramic plaque near St. Paul's Church, created by local potter Harry Juniper, visually represents local heritage, depicting the church, war memorial, mazzards, and keys.
Yes, there are several easy walking paths. The 2.6 km path around Wistlandpound Reservoir is an easy hike suitable for all. The Tarka Trail also offers flat, easy sections for walking. For more options, including routes like the Rock Park Recreation Ground – River Taw Pedestrian Bridge loop, check the Easy hikes around Landkey guide.
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil natural settings, the well-maintained trails, and the opportunities for wildlife observation. The Tarka Trail is praised for its stunning scenery and being a good surface for cycling, while Isley Marsh Nature Reserve is valued as an important haven for diverse bird species. The blend of outdoor activities and historical sites also contributes to a rich visitor experience.
Yes, the Tarka Trail is known for being dotted with pubs and cafes along its route, providing convenient spots to refuel and rest during your walk or cycle. Specific cafes can be found in nearby towns like Barnstaple, which is easily accessible from many of the local trails.
The Venn area, situated near Landkey, offers peaceful countryside walks, abundant wildlife, ancient woodlands, and open fields, providing a glimpse into North Devon's rural charm away from more frequented paths. The Millennium Green in Landkey, with its historic orchard and scenic walking trails, is another peaceful community area worth exploring.


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