The Waterfalls

The Waterfalls are a "truly magical places to see" in Devon and make a wonderful sightseeing opportunity for the whole family. The spectacular waterfalls are the highest sheer drop in England, measuring some 220 ft (67 m). Cascading down massive rock formations into the lakes below and then on down into the River Teign on Dartmoor.

Steeped in a fascinating silver mining history, the Falls were created in 1890 when the 3rd Lady Exmouth, to keep the redundant miners in Devon employed, used them to divert the water over the high outcrop of rocks thus starting the landscaping of the estate.

Buzzards View

During your visit to the Falls, climb the Victorian steps upwards through the Secret Garden and Fern Garden to reach the top of Lady Exmouth Falls and Buzzard’s View, offering the most spectacular view across South Devon and Dartmoor. The path down takes you through ancient woodland, and provides a great opportunity to view Clampitt Waterfalls as they plunge and drop into the valley, while taking in some of the native wildlife that lives alongside. Taking the path alongside Lily lake leading to the wetlands and lakes, is another fascinating walk, giving you the opportunity to visit wildlife in its natural habitat and spot kingfishers, bats, butterflies, wildfowl and otter. 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.

Woodland Wildlife Walks

The woodland is a haven for wildlife and wildflowers. In spring and early summer you will see an abundance of primroses, bluebells, wood anemonies and wild garlic. There is every chance of spotting Roe or Fallow deer, which are prolific in our woods. The woods also provide a perfect habitat and places to nest for robins, blackbirds, finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches and wrens. Once coppiced for a variety of uses, the last time the woodland at Canonteign was managed for commercial purposes was during the 2nd World War, when wood was felled for the war effort; some of this wood was never in fact collected.

Visit our Gift Shop

Take time to visit our Gift shop, where you can purchase a souvenir booklet containing detailed information about the waterfalls and walks.