The Lakes

Our lakes and walks, now very well established, provide a combination of traditional English wetland vegetation along with selected exotic water plants.

A haven for wildlife, we are working together with the Devon Wildlife Trust to manage our lakes sustainably. Our Devon Wildlife Trust information boards examine the extraordinary dragonflies and damselflies that have made our lakes in Devon their natural habitat.

In the early 1990s the current Lord Exmouth constructed a further four lakes, and here, particularly in spring and early summer, carpets of yellow buttercups and orchids adorn the grassland. Taking the path alongside Lily lake leading to the wetlands and lower lakes, is one of the most fascinating nature walks in Devon, giving you the opportunity to spot kingfishers, bats, butterflies, wildfowl, dragonflies and otter; and the ancient wetland area close to the Elizabethan walled garden provides a habitat for swathes of yellow flag irises.

We have seven interconnecting lakes. The main Lily Lake has a central island with beautiful purple flowering rhododendrons in spring time and a provides safe cover for the many Mallard ducks and their ducklings in spring. Clearing of trees has been undertaken at the Falls end of the lake and the visitor can now enjoy a much enhanced view whilst walking around the Lake.

The six lower lakes are linked up with grassy walks and bridges. Planting combinations fo dogwood, acers, gunnera and pampas grass provide year round texture and colour.

A haven for wildlife

The lakes attract many types of birds, including mallard ducks, moorhens, herons, geese and kingfishers; and occasionally otters have been spotted on the banks of the lakes as they make their way down to the River Teign.

The bridge over the stream takes you through a grassy meadow and past some magnificent old oak trees. Just before crossing the track towards the Lakeside Cafe Terrace you will spot two specimen Tulip Trees Liriodedron (of the magnolia family) - the Tulip Tree is one of the tallest native trees of Eastern North America, and can be known to reach 200 feet in height.