Great Days Out at Roadford Lake

Just five minutes off the A30, between Launceston and Okehampton, you will find the spectacular Roadford Lake. Surrounded by countryside, and nestled amongst the beautiful surroundings of the Wolf Valley with the dramatic tors of Dartmoor as its backdrop, it’s hard to believe that the site of Roadford once housed a number of buildings and farms before it was selected as a site for a reservoir in July 1975.

Completed in 1989, Roadford holds an astonishing 8,140 million gallons of water when full, that’s equivalent to one hundred and forty-five billion, eight hundred and twenty-two million, nine hundred and seventy-two thousand, nine hundred and one (145, 822,972,901) cups of tea!

The Reservoir has a surface of more than 730 acres (1.9 square miles) and is more than 130 feet deep, making it one of the largest inland waters in the South West. The water supplies North Devon and is also released into the River Tamar system which is treated and then supplied to Plymouth and parts of South West Devon.

Play and Explore

From kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and sailing, to archery, climbing, fishing, walking and cycling – Roadford offers an excellent day out in Devon. Hire watersports equipment, launch your own craft or learn something new with a qualified instructor.

There’s 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.

Whilst enjoying the views you may notice some ripples on the surface of the water. Whilst some believe that a monster may be lurking in the murky depths of the lake, these ripples are actually produced by the air pipe that aerates the water.

A Nature Lover’s Paradise

With a range of natural habitats on its shores, from Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards, Roadford is a nature lover’s paradise. Flora and fauna can be found in abundance including: Teal, Canada Geese, Birds of Prey, Badgers, Bats, Red and Roe Deer and a healthy population of the endangered Hazel Dormouse. Evidence suggests that Dormice were present at Roadford pre-1989 before the valley was flooded and South West Lakes Trust carries out bi-annual surveys which tie in with the national Dormouse monitoring programme, which helps assess the state of the UK population.

The dormouse box checks take place in May and September each year and members of the public are welcome to join.

Roadford Café and Venue

Enjoy the stunning views overlooking the lake whilst tucking into a delicious treat from the popular café. Whether it’s brunch, lunch a Sunday carvery or a coffee and cake, we have it covered. Open 7 days a week.

A Place to Capture Those Special Moments

Whatever time of year you visit Roadford you are sure to find the perfect backdrop for those all-important photos. Whether that’s a funny picture with family and friends in front of the sundial, capturing the beautiful golden leaves on the trees in the autumn, witnessing the glistening of the sun as it bounces off the surface of the lake at sunset or capturing that special moment when your little adventurers conquer the mighty high ropes course.

And that’s not all, Roadford is also the perfect romantic retreat for your wedding celebrations. Nature’s soundtrack provides the most beautiful acoustics for your special day and the magnificent views guarantee beautiful results for your treasured wedding photos.

Something for Everyone

So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie who loves to get out on the water, a keen birdwatcher who is searching for that perfect photo opportunity, a family looking for somewhere to keep the kids entertained or someone who cannot turn down a delicious roast on a Sunday – Roadford really has it all.