Attractions and Places To See around Ashwater - Top 6

Ashwater is surrounded by beautiful natural features. You can visit Roadford Lake, the largest body of water in the Southwest, offering various water sports and scenic views. Another option is Upper Tamar Lake, also a large freshwater lake with an activity centre. The River Torridge, with its quaint bridges along the Tarka Trail, is perfect for cycling. Additionally, Dartmoor National Park is just 30 minutes away, providing dramatic tors and hills for exploration, and the sandy beaches of Bude are a short drive for coastal walks.

Yes, the area boasts several significant historical sites. Launceston Castle, built shortly after the Norman Conquest, offers a glimpse into Cornwall's past as its former capital. You can also explore Okehampton Castle, once the largest castle in Devon, or Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, known for its 13th-century prison tower. Ashwater Parish Church itself is a thirteenth-century structure with a decorated Norman font.

Both Roadford Lake and Upper Tamar Lake offer a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Both lakes also feature on-site cafes for refreshments.

Absolutely! Many attractions are suitable for families. Both Roadford Lake and Upper Tamar Lake provide water sports and activities for all ages. The Tarka Trail along the River Torridge is ideal for family cycling. Launceston Town Square Monument is also considered family-friendly and wheelchair accessible, offering a historical town experience.

Ashwater is a great base for cycling. You can enjoy routes around Roadford Lake, or follow the traffic-free Tarka Trail alongside the River Torridge, passing many quaint bridges. For more detailed options, you can explore various cycling routes, including touring, road cycling, and mountain biking trails, in the guides for Cycling around Ashwater, Road Cycling Routes around Ashwater, and MTB Trails around Ashwater.

Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting Penhallam Manor, which features the low, grass-covered ground-plan of a moated 13th-century manor house set in woodland. Another unique spot is DuPath Well, an ancient spring believed to have curative properties, housed in a charming well-house dating to around 1500.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like cycling, water sports, and exploring historical sites. However, Dartmoor National Park and coastal walks can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn offering beautiful foliage and winter providing a different, often dramatic, landscape.

Yes, both Roadford Lake and Upper Tamar Lake have cafes on-site, serving freshly prepared food and drinks. Launceston, a nearby market town, also offers various dining options.

Yes, the Ashwater area is popular for horse riding, with both on and off-road hacking opportunities available in local forests and fields. It's also within reach of several hunt countries.

Launceston, often considered the gateway to Cornwall, was once the ancient capital of the county. It's a historic market town with steep-sided hills and is home to the impressive Launceston Castle and the Town Square Monument.

Ashwater is well-positioned for accessing Dartmoor National Park, which is about 30 minutes away. Here, you can find walks showcasing Dartmoor's natural beauty and historical artifacts, such as those around Sourton Tors, Lydford Gorge, and the Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement. These walks offer opportunities to experience the dramatic tors and hills of the moor.

Yes, the North Cornish resort of Bude, with its sandy beaches, surf, and cliff-top walks, is approximately 20-30 minutes away by car. It's a great option for a day trip to the coast.