Slade Reservoir (Lower)

Tucked into the rolling hills above Ilfracombe, this working reservoir offers a surprisingly peaceful spot for a gentle walk. The concrete-banked water body might not win any beauty contests, but it's a proper breath of fresh air after the holiday park hustle. A well-maintained footpath runs around most of the perimeter - nothing too taxing, maybe forty minutes for a full circuit if you take your time.

Families with young children will find it manageable, though there's not much to hold their attention beyond the ducks and occasional heron. Dog walkers seem to love the place, and rightly so. The views back towards the coast are lovely on a clear day, giving you a different perspective of this stretch of North Devon.

It's completely free to access and makes for a decent leg-stretch if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Hele Valley or Golden Coast. The lack of facilities means bringing your own refreshments, but that's hardly a hardship for a short outing. Worth combining with a trip into Ilfracombe proper rather than making it the sole destination for your day out.