Explore the lakes of the south west

Whether your passion is watersports, angling, walking, cycling or simply enjoying nature with loved ones, you’ll find the perfect escape at South West Lakes’ picturesque locations in Cornwall, Devon and on Exmoor this spring

Book your spring getaway now at one of South West Lakes’ five lakeside campsites. Choose between the majestic Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor (a two-hour drive from Bath) and the idyllic Roadford Lake on the edge of Dartmoor or experience a different view of Cornwall at Tamar Lakes near Bude, Siblyback Lake near Liskeard or Stithians Lake near Redruth. With footpaths and cycle trails to explore, woodlands to discover and play areas to enjoy, everyone can get involved and benefit from being outdoors. It’s your outdoors – come and explore!

Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor

Nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, this 530-acre lake has something for the whole family to enjoy. The family-friendly campsite has five bell tents, two wooden camping pods and a cabin as well as a choice of hard standings, electric and non-electric pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans. You can hire a fire pit, purchase wood and charcoal made onsite, rent a telescope and discover why Exmoor National Park is a designated Dark Skies Reserve.

Hire watersports equipment, launch your own or learn something new with the friendly and knowledgeable instructors. Tackle the high ropes course or hit the bullseye on the archery range. You’ll also find a packed programme of activities during the school Easter, May half term, summer and October half term holidays.

Explore Exmoor and walk to Haddon Hill from Wimbleball. Look out for the range of wildlife at the lake, such as the iconic Exmoor ponies and deer. The closest town to Wimbleball is Dulverton but it’s also worth venturing slightly further to explore the popular towns and villages of Tiverton, Porlock, Minehead, Watchet, Wiviliscombe, Taunton and Wellington. The campsite opens on 1 March.

Surrounded by countryside, and nestled amongst the beautiful surroundings of the Wolf Valley with the dramatic tors of Dartmoor as its backdrop, Roadford is the perfect location for your next family escape. The scenic campsite offers a choice of spacious electric and non-electric pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes as well as a fantastic bell tent called Bertie. A new play area opened last year, next to Roadford Lake Café.

Hire watersports equipment, launch your own or learn to kayak, canoe, paddleboard or sail with the activities team. You’ll also find a packed programme of activities during the school May half term and summer holidays as well as at weekends in June and July. Roadford is also one of the best brown trout fisheries in the UK, with 700 acres of fishing to explore by boat or bank.

Roadford is the perfect base to explore the spectacular Dartmoor National Park. Enjoy a day trip out and discover some more of South West Lakes’ Dartmoor sites including Burrator, Fernworthy, Meldon, Avon Dam, Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford. Within easy reach of Roadford are the historic towns of Launceston and Okehampton and some of the best beaches in Devon and Cornwall are less than an hour away. Campsite opens 10 February.

With the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, a designated International Dark Sky Landscape, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Right next to the lake the small campsite has a choice of electric and non-electric pitches for tents and motorhomes.

Watersports equipment hire and self-launch is available when the Activity Centre opens in May. Stithians is also renowned for its fly fishing. It is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and home to a large population of resident brown trout. A must-do on your visit to Bodmin Moor is Dozmary Pool, where, according to legend, King Arthur rowed out to the Lady of the Lake and received the sword Excalibur. Campsite opens 28 April.

Stithians Lake, Cornwall

Surrounded by farmland and moorland, Stithians is the largest inland water in West Cornwall. Stithians Lake’s family-friendly campsite has a choice of electric and non-electric pitches. If glamping is more your style, you can stay in one of the luxury bell tents, furnished with comfy double beds and the option of camp beds for up to two children. Everything you need will be in your tent, including storage for clothes, bean bags, fairy lights, lighting and a charging point for your gadgets. Each bell tent has an undercover outdoor cooking area with table and seating.

Hire watersports equipment, launch your own or learn to kayak, canoe, paddleboard or sail. You’ll also find a packed programme of activities during the school Easter, May half term and summer holidays. The lake is open for fly-fishing from March to November. Cornish landmarks the Minack Theatre, Glendurgan Gardens and Pendennis Castle are all within easy reach. Campsite opens 1 April.

Tamar Lakes, Cornwall swlakestrust.org.uk/activities

Tamar Lakes are bordered by peaceful countryside and tucked away on the Cornwall and Devon border. The campsite has a choice of electric and non-electric pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Alternatively, the onsite four-berth glamping pod is perfect for families not wanting to travel with lots of camping gear. It’s furnished with two bunk beds, a table and chairs, cutlery and a cool box. There is a solar powered light, but no other electricity supply – so it’s not really cheating, right?

Hire watersports equipment or launch your own. Upper Tamar Lake is also renowned for its carp and match-fishing. The Cornish coastal town of Bude, with its sea pool and popular beaches, is nearby. Under an hour’s drive from the lake are Dartmoor National Park and the ever popular beach resort of Newquay. Campsite opens 31 March.

South West Lakes is an independent charity dedicated to caring for and enhancing the region’s reservoirs and lakes. Your support helps keep these places special for people and wildlife.