Otterhead Lakes, nr Churchinford, Somerset
A tranquil, slightly haunting atmosphere pervades this former Victorian estate in the Blackdown Hills; the big house was demolished in 1952 and the gardens fell to rack and ruin but are now a nature reserve, with woodlands, two lakes and a diversity of semi-natural habitats. If you’re quiet you may spot a kingfisher or a dipper, and at dusk you can watch bats flitting about; if you’re really patient you might see badgers when they come out to forage. There’s a lovely circular walk taking in lanes, fields, a turbary and the lakes.
Otterhead Lakes can be found close to the hamlet of Otterford, and the villages of Bishopswood and Churchinford. There is a free car park and dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads.
All information correct at the time of writing