Canonteign Falls
Explore our Victorian falls and magical fern gardens
Home to England’s highest manmade waterfall, Canonteign Falls is a magnificent example of a Victorian folly set in a magical natural paradise. The waterfalls themselves descend for over 70m making this one of the most breathtaking attractions in Devon and providing a wonderful day out for all the family.
Waterfalls and Lakes
The Waterfalls
There are two sets of waterfalls at Canonteign today: the natural falls which have existed in this valley since time immemorial and the spectacular Lady Exmouth Falls, named after the 3rd Lady Exmouth and built under her direction in 1890.
There are two sets of waterfalls at Canonteign today: the natural falls which have existed in this valley since time immemorial and the spectacular Lady Exmouth Falls, named after the 3rd Lady Exmouth and built under her direction in 1890.
Lakes & Poets' Corner
Canonteign has a total of 7 lakes including the Lily Lake and Swan Lake, the latter being home to our pair of Black Swans, Dame Margot and Rudolph. The Lower Lakes provide a fascinating walk in themselves, giving you the opportunity to visit wildlife in its natural habitat and spot kingfishers, bats, butterflies, wildfowl and otter. In the early 1990s the current Lord Exmouth constructed these lakes and here, particularly in spring and early summer, carpets of yellow buttercups and orchids adorn the grass meadows surrounding the lakes. We have recently added a round sitting bench and 12 poems around an ancient oak tree, which we have named Poets' Corner. Poets' Corner is designed as a peaceful area where you can sit and dream away a sunny afternoon surrounded by some of the most beautiful views Devon has to offer.
Canonteign has a total of 7 lakes including the Lily Lake and Swan Lake, the latter being home to our pair of Black Swans, Dame Margot and Rudolph. The Lower Lakes provide a fascinating walk in themselves, giving you the opportunity to visit wildlife in its natural habitat and spot kingfishers, bats, butterflies, wildfowl and otter. In the early 1990s the current Lord Exmouth constructed these lakes and here, particularly in spring and early summer, carpets of yellow buttercups and orchids adorn the grass meadows surrounding the lakes. We have recently added a round sitting bench and 12 poems around an ancient oak tree, which we have named Poets' Corner. Poets' Corner is designed as a peaceful area where you can sit and dream away a sunny afternoon surrounded by some of the most beautiful views Devon has to offer.
Woodland Wildlife Walks
We have 3 distinct walks available at the Falls designed to provide something for all ages and abilities. Ask at the Reception desk for details. In spring and early summer you will see an abundance of primroses, bluebells, wood anemonies and wild garlic. There is every chance of spotting Roe or Fallow deer, which are prolific in our woods. The woods also provide a perfect habitat and places to nest for robins, blackbirds, finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches and wrens. Once coppiced for a variety of uses, the last time the woodland at Canonteign was managed for commercial purposes was during the 2nd World War, when wood was felled for the war effort; some of this wood was never in fact collected.
We have 3 distinct walks available at the Falls designed to provide something for all ages and abilities. Ask at the Reception desk for details. In spring and early summer you will see an abundance of primroses, bluebells, wood anemonies and wild garlic. There is every chance of spotting Roe or Fallow deer, which are prolific in our woods. The woods also provide a perfect habitat and places to nest for robins, blackbirds, finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches and wrens. Once coppiced for a variety of uses, the last time the woodland at Canonteign was managed for commercial purposes was during the 2nd World War, when wood was felled for the war effort; some of this wood was never in fact collected.
Location Map
The blue marker on the Google map indicates our approximate location. Use the '+' and '-' buttons near the top left of the map to zoom in and out. Use the arrow buttons or click and drag to pan around.
Contact Details
Canonteign Falls, Christow, Nr Exeter, Devon, EX6 7RH