Christow, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7RH
Canonteign Falls
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
Half day
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0A Victorian fern garden, lakes and woodland paths lead to Lady Exmouth Falls, where a climb up 90 Victorian steps opens onto views across the Teign Valley.
The appeal here is the combination: a waterfall climb, a Victorian fern collection, lakes and woodland walks within a 90-acre Devon estate. It offers more to explore than a quick waterfall stop, though this is a managed, paid attraction rather than a remote wild place.
Atmospheric · Family-buzz
Find your way
Open mapChristow, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7RH
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Follow estate paths beside lakes and through woodland and the Victorian Fern Garden, then climb the steps towards Lady Exmouth Falls and the Teign Valley views. There is also a café on site. Admission is charged; check opening and access details before setting out.
Things to do
Climb to Lady Exmouth Falls
Follow the waterfall trail and, if the steep climb is suitable for you, take the 90 Victorian steps towards the summit and its Teign Valley panorama.
About 30–60 minutes within the visit
Explore the Victorian Fern Garden
Wander through the original Victorian garden and look closely at the collection of ferns.
Allow time during your visit
Walk beside Lily Lake and the estate paths
The circular trail passes Lily Lake, bridges, the fern garden and the falls. AllTrails describes a one-mile loop, but check the route and conditions locally.
About 30–60 minutes for the listed loop
Pause at the lakeside café
Canonteign Kitchen is listed on the official website. Check its current opening hours before planning a stop.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick escape: lakes and fern garden
- 01
Check the current opening and last-entry time, then enter the estate.
- 02
Take a short wander beside Lily Lake and through the Victorian Fern Garden.
- 03
If conditions and your mobility allow, continue towards the waterfall paths before returning.
Half day · About 2–3 hours
Make a half day of it: climb to the falls
- 01
Follow the woodland trail beside Lily Lake and through the Fern Garden.
- 02
Continue to Lady Exmouth Falls and climb the Victorian steps towards the summit.
- 03
Take in the Teign Valley view, then return by the estate paths and pause at the lakeside café if it is open.
Verified history
The estate was acquired by the 1st Lady Exmouth in 1811 and developed by successive generations of the Pellew family. The falls were built in the late nineteenth century; the route account says Lady Exmouth arranged their construction to provide work for local miners. The Victorian steps and fern garden remain part of the visitor experience.
Hidden details
A waterfall shaped by Victorian employment — Lady Exmouth Falls are described as a late-nineteenth-century construction intended to keep local miners in work, rather than an entirely natural waterfall.
Look for the Victorian steps — The climb includes 90 Victorian steps. They are both a practical challenge and a tangible part of the estate’s historic garden landscape.
When to go
· Arrive near opening to allow time for the walks and falls before the last entry to the trails.
The official site describes a seasonal visitor operation and advises checking opening status during severe weather. No specific best month is established by the supplied sources.
The official website advises checking whether the estate is open during heavy rain and high winds. The waterfall route includes steep sections and steps; wear suitable footwear and check conditions.
The route
- ascent
- 308 ft
- distance
- 1 mile for the AllTrails circular route
- duration
- 0.5–1 hour for the listed loop; allow longer for the visit
- difficulty
- Moderate; the climb includes steep sections and 90 Victorian steps
- route shape
- Loop
- start point
- Canonteign Falls trailhead; confirm the exact start on arrival
- parking start
- AllTrails reports a car park at the trailhead; check current arrangements
- shorter alternative
- A shorter visit focused on Lily Lake and the Fern Garden is possible, but a specific shorter route is not provided in the sources.
- Lily Lake
- Victorian Fern Garden
- Bridges and woodland paths
- Lady Exmouth Falls
- Teign Valley panorama
What to look for
- 01
The Victorian Fern Garden and its fern collection
- 02
the 90 Victorian steps
- 03
Lady Exmouth Falls
- 04
Lily Lake and the bridges along the circular trail
- 05
and the view across the Teign Valley from the upper path.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Spring to autumn; the estate’s visitor season and current opening dates should be checked before travelling.
Arrive near opening for time to explore the paths and falls before the last entry to the walks. The official site advises checking whether the estate is open during heavy rain or high winds.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Families · Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-4pm
- Tuesday: 10am-4pm
- Wednesday: 10am-4pm
- Thursday: 10am-4pm
- Friday: 10am-4pm
- Saturday: 10am-4pm
- Sunday: 10am-4pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A privately managed visitor estate with paid admission. The official website advises checking opening status during heavy rain or high winds; check current access and ticket details before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
A car park is reported at the trailhead. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
An accessible toilet is listed in the source information; confirm facilities are open on the day.
Food & drink
Canonteign Kitchen is on site. Check its current opening hours before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The official website promotes the attraction as dog-friendly; check current rules and any restrictions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source lists a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and toilet. The waterfall route includes 90 Victorian steps and steep sections, so access to the falls may not be suitable for everyone; check the official accessibility information.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Waterfalls, lakes
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Canonteign Falls
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
