This short route around Shobrooke Park provides a welcome introduction to these restored Victorian grounds. Along with its gardens which were closely recreated, Shobrooke Park is all that remains from the original mansion built here, which was devastated by a fire during the Second World War. 

While the gardens and estate are private access, this southern part of the park is accessible to the public where a series of four connected lakes take centre stage, along with an impressive Grade II listed bridge which spans the largest of the four.

From the gated entrance at the car park, enter into the park and follow the path to the right (1) as if going counter-clockwise around the lake until you reach the road going through the estate.

The lake attracts a variety of birds and wildlife which you can sit and watch go about their day.

(2) Turn left to admire the bridge up close.

(3) Coming back on yourself, off of the bridge, turn left to follow the well-trodden route steadily uphill through the sweeping hills ahead and towards the wood, passing Keepers Cottage on your left.

(4) As the path starts to make a sweeping 180 degree turn and meets a more defined track, you can pop out of the park at Shobrooke Cross to admire some fantastic views and to see the war memorial honouring the 25 men whose lives were lost in World War I. (5) St Swithun’s Church isn’t much further down the lane to the right.

(6) Back inside the park boundary, follow the tree-lined track as it starts to descend all the way back down to Shobrooke Cricket Club.

(7) Extend your walk by turning left and exiting out of the grand South Lodge exit, with its iron gates and exquisite stone columns. Carefully cross the road, down the quiet lane opposite for approximately 0.3 miles until you find a kissing gate on your right. (8) Head through this gate and follow the footpath as it bends around to the left and towards the River Creedy.

Follow the path alongside the river for approximately 700m until you reach a small wooden bridge over the river on your left (leading into Crediton town centre) and a path across the field to the right. (9) Take the path to the right, which will take you back to the lane the other side of Creedy Court. (10) Turn left here and you’ll return back to the parking area.

If keeping to the shorter park route, turn right at the Cricket Club, then turn left at the lake before the bridge to make your way back to the car park.

For a bite to eat or a drink, drop in to the last remaining pub in Shobrooke village – The Red Lion Inn – dating back to 1580. Open Tuesday – Sunday, this picturesque pub offers traditional pub fayre, a beer garden with unmatched views and a roaring fire to warm you back up.

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