Tamar Lakes
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Tamar Lakes

4.6
·101 reviews·, United Kingdom

Scenic reservoir offering level walking trails, abundant wildlife, and popular spots for fishing and Parkrun.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Parkrun buzz and bird activity

CrowdMedium
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Tamar Lakes

Tamar Lakes

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Parkrun buzz and bird activity

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Scenic reservoir offering level walking trails, abundant wildlife, and popular spots for fishing and Parkrun.

4.6
(101 reviews)

"A beautiful place to walk with a level circular route around the lake. Lots of wildlife and amazing plants and grasses."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential

The circular walk is lovely but can be muddy. Wear sturdy shoes for the best experience!

🚗 Parking Fees Apply

Be prepared for parking charges, which help maintain the beautiful grounds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 101 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tamar Lakes Parkrun

Tamar Lakes Parkrun

Upper Tamar Lake

Join a vibrant community for a scenic 5k run or walk, often crossing county lines!

Birdwatching Haven

Birdwatching Haven

Upper Tamar Lake

Spot diverse bird species, including Willow Tits, during guided ringing sessions.

Fishing Hotspot

Fishing Hotspot

Tamar Lakes

Experience excellent coarse fishing, particularly for roach, with helpful bailiffs.

Lakeside Stroll

Lakeside Stroll

Circular trail around Tamar Lakes

Enjoy a level, accessible walk with beautiful views and abundant flora and fauna.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

Tamar Lakes offers a refreshing escape with its scenic walking trails and abundant wildlife. It's a popular spot for fishing and watersports, so check activity schedules if you plan to participate or observe. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the walk around the lakes.

Parking and Amenities

Parking is available but can be costly, with fees contributing to maintenance. The cafe offers refreshments, but it's wise to check its opening times, especially outside peak season, and consider bringing a picnic as a backup.

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Parkrun buzz and bird activity
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter for walks and fishing
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn/Winter
Why
Great for fishing and birding
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tamar Lakes Parkrun in all its glory! 🏃‍♂️☀️
swallow_parlour
35 likes • 775 views

👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential

The circular walk is lovely but can be muddy. Wear sturdy shoes for the best experience! Instagram

🚗 Parking Fees Apply

Be prepared for parking charges, which help maintain the beautiful grounds. Reddit

Not sure exactly when I got into running, but here we are doing 5ks… Summit about ✨hybrid athlete✨ init Cheeky lil Parkrun PB today at Tamar Lakes in Cornwall/Devon - apaz this lil route goes between not one, but TWO counties! I did it in 35 mins 4 secs… But to be honest, I still think it’s some kinda miracle I can even run 5k without stopping 🥹 Hooray! Mum and Dad even joined in with Park w...
sophiegoodwincoaching
14 likes • 800 views
early morning at tamar lakes #nothingbetter
rich_wilson_fishing
10 likes • 149 views

☕ Cafe Check Recommended

The cafe is a great spot, but check opening times before you go. Reddit

🎣 Fishing Permits Needed

If you plan to fish, ensure you have the correct permits and check with local bailiffs. Reddit

Ever wondered what a morning bird ringing looks like? Join us for a morning of bird ringing at 📍Upper Tamar Lakes! Here we caught a variety of passerines, including our target species of Willow Tits which we are colour ringing at the moment! A massive thank to Rod, a local bird lover there who has been monitoring and looking after the willow tits there! If you see any colour ringed willow tits ...
north_cornwall_bird_ringers
41 likes • 943 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential

The circular walk is lovely but can be muddy. Wear sturdy shoes for the best experience! Instagram

🚗 Parking Fees Apply

Be prepared for parking charges, which help maintain the beautiful grounds. Reddit

☕ Cafe Check Recommended

The cafe is a great spot, but check opening times before you go. Reddit

🎣 Fishing Permits Needed

If you plan to fish, ensure you have the correct permits and check with local bailiffs. Reddit

🐦 Bird Ringing Tours

Look out for opportunities to join bird ringing sessions for a unique insight. Instagram

🏃‍♀️ Parkrun Fun

Join the Tamar Lakes Parkrun for a fun, scenic 5k, often crossing county borders! Instagram+3

What Travellers Say

4.6
(101 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tamar Lakes is widely praised as a beautiful and accessible spot for walks, fishing, and wildlife observation. Visitors appreciate the level trails and the opportunity to enjoy nature. Some find the parking fees a bit high, and it's advisable to check cafe opening times.

"A beautiful place to walk with a level circular route around the lake. Lots of wildlife and amazing plants and grasses.
Cafe serves delicious food and drinks to give you a bit of energy to get round the upper and lower lakes"

Kate Laubscher

"Lovely walk, nice and easy."

Roger Barrett

"Lovely place to walk the dogs,sit n picnic, enjoy the different sounds of the birds, unfortunately café wasn't open on the day we went but we brought our own picnic with us, have to pay for parking"

Susan Boraston

What People Like

Beautiful lakeside walks
Abundant wildlife
Great fishing opportunities

What People Dislike

Expensive parking fees
Cafe opening times vary

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tamar Lakes is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. It's located on the border of Cornwall and Devon. For public transport options, it's advisable to check local bus routes as direct services might be limited. Instagram

Yes, there is a car park at Tamar Lakes. However, visitors note that parking fees apply and can be a bit expensive, with the funds contributing to the site's maintenance. Reddit

Cycling is a great way to explore the area. The multi-use paths around the lake are suitable for cycling, offering a scenic route. Instagram

The circular route around the lake is generally level and considered easy, making it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Reddit

Tamar Lakes is situated near towns like Bude in Cornwall and Holsworthy in Devon, offering a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entry fee to access Tamar Lakes for walking and enjoying the scenery. However, parking charges do apply. Reddit

Tamar Lakes is generally open year-round for visitors to enjoy the walking trails and natural beauty. Specific facility opening times, like the cafe, may vary. Instagram

Yes, there is a parking fee at Tamar Lakes. Visitors have mentioned it can be expensive, but the revenue supports the upkeep of the area. Reddit

Yes, Tamar Lakes is a popular spot for recreational fishing, particularly for coarse fish like roach. You will need to obtain the appropriate fishing permits. InstagramReddit+2

While generally open, it's always a good idea to check for any temporary restrictions or event schedules, especially if you plan to participate in specific activities like watersports or fishing competitions. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Tamar Lakes is ideal for walking, birdwatching, and fishing. It's also a hub for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, and hosts a popular Parkrun event. Instagram+3

Yes, there is a cafe at Tamar Lakes that serves food and drinks, perfect for refueling after a walk or activity. It's recommended to check their opening hours. InstagramReddit

Tamar Lakes is a dog-friendly location, making it a great spot for dog walkers. Ensure your dog is kept under control, especially around wildlife. Reddit

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, and enjoy the diverse plant life and grasses around the lakes. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The level, circular route is perfect for families with children and pushchairs, offering a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Instagram+1

🎫 🎣 Fishing at Tamar Lakes

Tamar Lakes is renowned for its coarse fishing, with anglers frequently catching roach, carp, and other silverfish. Instagram+2

Yes, you will need the appropriate fishing permits to fish at Tamar Lakes. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the venue for specific requirements. Reddit

Tamar Lakes hosts various fishing festivals and competitions, attracting anglers from far and wide. Instagram+1

The bailiffs at Tamar Lakes are known to be helpful and can offer advice to anglers. Reddit

Feeder fishing and float fishing are popular methods for catching silverfish like roach at Tamar Lakes. Instagram+1

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