Positioned between Launceston and Okehampton, Roadford Lake is within easy reach of some of Devon and Cornwall’s best beaches and seaside villages, while on its doorstep are all the outdoor adventures your heart could desire.

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A local’s guide to holidays on Roadford Lake…

 

 

Things to do around Roadford Lake

Roadford Lake lies in Lifton, West Devon and is the largest area of fresh water in the southwest of England. Surrounded by an expanse of countryside and nature, the lake settles in the picturesque Wolf Valley, the tors of Dartmoor creating a dramatic backdrop to this stunning place.

Located just minutes off the A30 between Okehampton and Launceston, Roadford Lake is exceptionally well positioned between some of Devon and Cornwall’s best attractions so guests will discover a host of interesting places to visit during their stay.

If getting active during your stay is high up on the agenda, Roadford Lake offers a range of fantastic land and water-based sports for both adults and children to enjoy!
From instructor-led windsurfing and sailing adventures to kayaking, canoeing and sailing there’s an activity to suit every age and ability. Visitors can hire equipment so there’s no need to bring your own, however if you’d prefer to do so, the lake allows you to self-launch from designated areas.

For those who prefer to stay dry there are high ropes to test your adrenalin levels, climbing, archery and fishing, while a plethora of walking, hiking and cycling routes (ranging from short distance to 13 miles) lie waiting to be explored. There’s also plenty of fun and free things to do. Discover the cob shelter, spot a range of wildlife from the bird hides, whizz through the off-road cycle trails or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular views.

Roadford Lake Attractions

Located just minutes off the A30, Roadford Lake is exceptionally well positioned between some of Devon and Cornwall’s best attractions so guests will discover a host of interesting places to visit during their stay.

Dingles Fairground Museum

Less than 3.5 miles from Roadford Lake Lodges, Dingles Fairground Museum is a terrific day out with the kids. Unique in the UK, this fantastic indoor attraction has been designed to capture the magic of a bygone age through exhibits, and stunning artwork displays. Set in a beautiful rural location, visitors can step back in time and take in the thrills of a vintage fair.

Features of the site include retro rides, shows and stalls as well as a vintage penny arcade. The site also has a lovely gift shop and offers free parking. To find out more or to book tickets please visit the website here

Dartmoor National Park

Just 30 minutes drive away, Dartmoor National Park offers visitors a uniquely wild and beautiful landscape with dams to compass and tors to climb. Wild ponies traverse the bracken and can be seen dotted all over the landscape, along with many a good pub for hunkering down in after a brisk walk or cycle including the family run Dartmoor Inn and Widdecombe on the Moor.

The extraordinary 30 acre Dartmoor Zoo whose story was recently retold in a movie starring Matt Damon, is a wonderful day out with the kids and here you’ll discover a range of exotic and endangered wildlife species’ including tigers, cheetahs, Scottish wildcats and banded iguanas.
Widemouth Bay

Widemouth Bay

Lying about 40 minutes drive from Roadford Lake is Widemouth Bay, arguably one of Cornwall’s best beaches. Though just 3 miles from Bude, it has an unspoilt and wild feel about it, with low tide exposing hundreds of rock pools that are brilliant for little ones (and adults) to explore. Absolutely ideal for dog owners, its three mile sweep of golden sand allows four-legged furbabies to run free, and if you’re partial to surfing, the conditions at Widemouth Bay make it a popular spot for lovers of the sport.

Restaurants in Roadford Lake

Roadford Café

Perched on the lake’s edge the café at Roadford Lake offers the perfect vantage point for taking in the panoramic waterside views while enjoying a delicious light bite with friends and family. All of the café’s produce is fresh and locally sourced so expect your coffee to come from nearby Okehampton rather than Africa and your ice-cream from Devon-based Farmer Tom’s. The menu includes such delights as home made quiches, pasties and sandwiches, and those with a sweet tooth can indulge in a slice of freshly baked cake.
The cafe is open 7 days a week, 9.00am – 5.00pm, with indoor and outdoor seating available so you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere no matter what the season or weather.

Strawberry Fields Farm Shop

Less than 10 minutes’ drive away, this award-winning farm shop has recently been voted the best in Devon by Muddy Stilettos. Purveyors of fresh farm produce, it has an on-site bakery, butcher, dairy and green grocer’s so if you’re planning on whipping up a magnificent feast to enjoy in the comfort of your lodge, this is where you’ll need to shop.
Its on site restaurant serves up an incredible Sunday roast too but we suggest you book in advance as it’s a humdinger, and very popular with the locals.

Find out more about our luxury Roadford Lake Lodges which settle just just 100m from Roadford Lake.

  • How full is Roadford Lake?

    Roadford Lake is managed by South West Lakes Trust. The reservoir levels change continually depending on the rainfall. To check the current levels please visit the South West Lakes Trust website

  • Where is Roadford Lake?

    Roadford Lake, also known as Roadford Reservoir is a man-made reservoir fed by the River Wolf. It is located to the north-east of Broadwoodwidger in West Devon, eight miles (13 km) east of Launceston and is the largest area of fresh water in the southwest of England.

  • When was Roadford Lake built?

    The construction of the reservoir was completed in 1989, and is 430 metres long, 40 metres high and holds a capacity of 34,500 megaliters, (about 14,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools)

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