Palmers Dam

Water levels at Palmers Dam shift with the seasons, and that's precisely what makes this spot near South Brent worth a detour. The dam itself is a modest affair - built to supply the local area - but the setting along the river valley carries genuine appeal, especially if you're combining it with time at Ashbourne Woods just down the road.

This isn't a destination you'll spend hours at, but thirty minutes to an hour works perfectly. The walk to and around the dam gives decent views of the water and surrounding moorland, and it's the sort of place where you actually feel like you've stepped away from things rather than queued at a car park. The banks are accessible enough for families with children, though proper footwear matters - it can get boggy after rain.

If you're already holidaying at Ashbourne Woods, Palmers Dam makes a logical morning or afternoon extension rather than a standalone trip. It's the kind of addition that rounds out a day in Devon's countryside without demanding much planning. Check locally about access routes before you go, as paths can shift depending on maintenance work. Best visited when the water level is reasonably full - summer drought years do diminish the appeal somewhat. Perfect if you enjoy quiet riverside walks and aren't after anything too dramatic.