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Stoke Rivers

Attractions and Places To See around Stoke Rivers - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Stoke Rivers include a small, picturesque village nestled in the heart of Devon, England. It offers a tranquil escape surrounded by beautiful countryside. While the village itself is compact, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider natural beauty and attractions of the North Devon district. The area features significant historical landmarks and extensive natural landscapes.

Best attractions and places to see around Stoke Rivers

  • The most popular attractions is Tarka…

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington

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The Tarka Trail is England's longest traffic free cycling and walking route. It stretches for just over 30 miles from Braunton to Meeth via Barnstaple.

The trail follows a disused …

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Pinkery Pond

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Beautiful freshwater swimming spot on the top of Exmoor, accessible from the Tarka Trail and a variety of other paths. There is also a tunnel that you can go through for some extra adventure!

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Barnstaple Clock Tower

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Connecting Barnstaple and Tawstock, the Barnstaple Long Bridge is one the longest medieval bridges in Britain, dating back to around 1280. As such, it is a Grade-I listed building and …

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River Taw

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Running from Dartmoor into the Atlantic Sea, the River Taw is a wild and beautiful river. Home to various fish species such as recreational trout and sea trout, the area …

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Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide

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Wistlandpound Reservoir is a tranquil place where you can feel close to nature. It is an easy 2.6km hike around the edge of the lake which takes you through the …

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Tips from the Community

FARID L
January 11, 2024, Pinkery Pond

A beautiful and tranquil lake, high on Exmoor. It's around a mile's walk from the YHA layby on the B3358, but well worth it. The pond is a great spot for wild swimming, amongst the lillies in the beautiful deep red peat-infused water.

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Javi Jaavii
September 15, 2023, Pinkery Pond

Right between Chains Barrow and Wood Barrow, you'll find this artificial lake from 1830, formed by the headwaters of the River Barle. An ideal spot to stop for lunch or even dip your feet in to cool off.

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Lovely swimming or lunch stop not far from Chains Barrow trig point.

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Wistlandpound Reservoir is a tranquil place where you can feel close to nature. It is an easy 2.6km hike around the edge of the lake which takes you through the forest and along the water's edge. All the while surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside. The path around the reservoir is accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. The reservoir supplies drinking water to nearby Ilfracombe, Barnstaple and Combe Martin. If the water levels are low, look out for the ruins of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway which used to run though the valley until the reservoir was built in 1956.

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The Tarka Trail is England's longest traffic free cycling and walking route. It stretches for just over 30 miles from Braunton to Meeth via Barnstaple. The trail follows a disused railway line and you will find many pubs and cafes to refuel, rehydrate and rest weary legs. It is named after Tarka the Otter, from the 1927 book of the same name by Henry Williamson. Keep an eye out for sculptures along the route as it is also one of Sustrans Art Trails.

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Kasi Mir
March 25, 2021, Pinkery Pond

Officially a lot of footpath and bridleway. Either push or go on days when nobody else does and animals are far away.

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Nice route by the river with a good surface, ideal for low impact bike touring

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On the southern shores of Wistpoundland Reservoir, take a break in the bird hide to see what wildlife you can spot. You're fairly likely to see western cattle egret, and might be lucky to see a great white egret in the winter. There have also been recent sightings of white-tailed eagles up here! You can see all different waterfowl by taking a jaunt around the reservoir on the path. Check out more about the reservoir and what to look out for here at:https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/wistlandpound

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best natural attractions to explore near Stoke Rivers?

You can explore the beautiful River Taw, known for its wild beauty and popularity with anglers. It's easily accessible via the Tarka Trail bike path. Another natural highlight is Pinkery Pond, a tranquil freshwater swimming spot located on Exmoor, offering opportunities for wild swimming.

Are there any historical landmarks in or around Stoke Rivers?

Yes, Stoke Rivers is home to St. Bartholomew's Church, a significant 13th-century medieval church that was extensively rebuilt and restored. Nearby, you can also visit the Barnstaple Clock Tower, which is part of the historic Barnstaple Long Bridge, one of Britain's longest medieval bridges dating back to around 1280.

What outdoor activities can I do near Stoke Rivers?

The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling or walking along the Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington, England's longest traffic-free route. For more structured activities, there are numerous road cycling routes, mountain biking trails, and running trails available. For example, you can find road cycling routes like the "Chelfham Viaduct – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop" or mountain biking trails such as the "Codden Hill – Farm Track loop." Explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Stoke Rivers, MTB Trails around Stoke Rivers, and Running Trails around Stoke Rivers guide pages.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities near Stoke Rivers?

Absolutely. The Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington is a flat, easy ride suitable for families. River Taw is also considered family-friendly for exploration. For a peaceful outing, the Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide offers an easy 2.6km accessible path around the lake, perfect for families with pushchairs. Additionally, nearby attractions like Exmoor Zoo and Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park cater to families.

What is the Tarka Trail and where can I access it?

The Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington is England's longest traffic-free cycling and walking route, stretching over 30 miles. It follows a disused railway line and offers stunning scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities. You can access various sections of the trail, which runs from Braunton to Meeth via Barnstaple, making it easy to explore the River Taw by bicycle.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in the area?

Yes, several attractions are wheelchair-accessible. The Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington is known for its good surface, making it suitable for low-impact cycling and walking. The Barnstaple Clock Tower and the Barnstaple Long Bridge also have accessible features. Furthermore, the path around Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide is accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Where can I go for bird watching or to see wildlife near Stoke Rivers?

The Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide is an excellent spot for bird watching, where you might see western cattle egrets, great white egrets, and even white-tailed eagles. The surrounding countryside and Exmoor National Park are also home to diverse wildlife, including red deer, otters, and wild ponies, which can often be spotted along the Tarka Trail.

What is there to do in Exmoor National Park, which is near Stoke Rivers?

Exmoor National Park, located nearby, offers a wide range of activities. You can explore its diverse wildlife, including red deer and wild ponies, and enjoy stunning views. The park is ideal for walking or cycling, with historical sites like medieval castle ruins and a 19th-century watermill to discover.

Are there any places for wild swimming near Stoke Rivers?

Yes, Pinkery Pond, located high on Exmoor, is a beautiful and tranquil freshwater swimming spot. It's accessible from the Tarka Trail and other paths, offering a unique wild swimming experience amidst the lillies in its peat-infused water.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Stoke Rivers?

Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquility and picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. The Tarka Trail is praised for its flat, easy ride, stunning scenery, and abundant wildlife. The River Taw is appreciated for its wild beauty, and the historic Barnstaple Clock Tower is valued for its historical significance.

Are there any cafes or pubs along the trails near Stoke Rivers?

Yes, the Tarka Trail, which follows a disused railway line, features many pubs and cafes along its route. These establishments provide convenient spots to refuel, rehydrate, and rest during your cycling or walking adventures.

What other notable buildings or sites are in Stoke Rivers itself?

Beyond St. Bartholomew's Church, Stoke Rivers also has a small Baptist Chapel. Additionally, several other structures in the village are recognized as listed buildings, showcasing the area's historical architectural character, including an apiary, a bank barn, and Glebe House.

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