Wistlandpound Reservoir

The water here sits surprisingly calm for somewhere so close to Devon's wild northern coast. Wistlandpound Reservoir, inland from Ilfracombe, is the sort of place locals know about and visitors stumble upon by accident - which is precisely when it works best.

It's a proper working reservoir, not some manicured tourist attraction, and that's its charm. You get a decent walk around the perimeter with actual views across the water to moorland beyond. The whole circuit takes roughly an hour depending on pace and whether you stop to watch the ducks. The path is manageable for families with older kids, though younger ones might find the length a bit much.

What makes it worth the detour from Ilfracombe is the sudden sense of space and quiet. After the beach crowds, it's genuinely restorative. On a clear day the light catches the water properly, and you can see why someone bothered building this in the first place.

If you're staying at Longlands or Lakeview Farmhouse - both within three miles - this becomes an easy morning option without needing to drive far. It's free, obviously, and you can turn up whenever. Spring's probably best when there's some life around it; winter can feel a bit bleak and exposed. Allow two hours if you're not rushing. It won't blow your mind, but it's a solid walk that justifies leaving the holiday park.