Siblyback Lake
Siblyback Lake
4
About
Siblyback Lake, near Liskeard is surrounded by the striking Bodmin Moor and offers a great day out for the whole family Visit the large children’s play area overlooking the lake or enjoy the plentiful open space for picnics, running and general fun and games with the children. The 5km circular trail is perfect for walking and cycling whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of the lake. Why not treat yourself to a slice of cake from the popular Olive & Co. café? Siblyback is part of an International Dark Sky Landscape meaning it is perfect for a spot of stargazing. Wrap up warm, cosy up with a hot chocolate and fall in love with the sky at night. Want to try something new with the family, during the summer season we have kayaks, paddlebaords and canoes for hire? The lake is also a popular fly fishery. How many trout will you catch?
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
239 reviews
Excellent
109
Very good
84
Average
20
Poor
14
Terrible
12
Parent
Cliveden, UK48 contributions
May 2021
A lovely place to walk around when not during peak times.
Too many people means massive queues at the very expensive cafe which charges almost £10 for a measly wrap!
Too many families fighting over the play area.
Parking spaces ridiculously small.
Uncomfortable and stressful environment brings out the worst in people using the facilities.
Too many people means massive queues at the very expensive cafe which charges almost £10 for a measly wrap!
Too many families fighting over the play area.
Parking spaces ridiculously small.
Uncomfortable and stressful environment brings out the worst in people using the facilities.
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kalash74
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
This place is horrible for anyone thats going to stay here for a holiday. This place isnt prepared for campers at all:
1) there are no washing machines, so if you plan to stay here for a week you'll either need to bring extra clothes or go all the way to the town to get them washed.
2) there is no waste disposal system for people with caravans, to empty out waste you would have to pick up the entire container and dumb it all into a toilet which is inconvenient.
3) everyones space isnt seperated by fences or anything and no one that works here makes sure that they park in their place properly. when we arrived the people already there took up some of our land which was very annoying.
4) our land had a slope, so whenever we would exit the caravan we would have to be extra careful to not hurt ourselves, this couldve been avoided if the neighbouring campers didnt take up our space.
5) theres no mention of the fact that you cant even swim in the lake, which is disappointing for anyone that wants to.
6) no one gave a warning about the strong winds and terrible weather, we couldn't sleep for the entire night and we had to worry about the fact that our caravan tent would be blown away at any second, our family and friends in tents had to sleep in their cars because of all the water, and the staff only asked one person if they're alright, not one member of staff bothered to warn us (we couldn't check the weather as there is no signal), we were supposed to return on sunday but we packed up on friday because of how terrible it was, we wasted time getting here and money.
7) the place is lacking things, its only interesting for one day since all you can really do is go on a boat, go to the playground and go to the cafe for a cup of coffee, to attract more visitors they should add more to the place, so much land yet nothing for visitors to do.
In conclusion, this place is the absolute worst and we wont be returning, dont come here unless youre only coming for one day.
1) there are no washing machines, so if you plan to stay here for a week you'll either need to bring extra clothes or go all the way to the town to get them washed.
2) there is no waste disposal system for people with caravans, to empty out waste you would have to pick up the entire container and dumb it all into a toilet which is inconvenient.
3) everyones space isnt seperated by fences or anything and no one that works here makes sure that they park in their place properly. when we arrived the people already there took up some of our land which was very annoying.
4) our land had a slope, so whenever we would exit the caravan we would have to be extra careful to not hurt ourselves, this couldve been avoided if the neighbouring campers didnt take up our space.
5) theres no mention of the fact that you cant even swim in the lake, which is disappointing for anyone that wants to.
6) no one gave a warning about the strong winds and terrible weather, we couldn't sleep for the entire night and we had to worry about the fact that our caravan tent would be blown away at any second, our family and friends in tents had to sleep in their cars because of all the water, and the staff only asked one person if they're alright, not one member of staff bothered to warn us (we couldn't check the weather as there is no signal), we were supposed to return on sunday but we packed up on friday because of how terrible it was, we wasted time getting here and money.
7) the place is lacking things, its only interesting for one day since all you can really do is go on a boat, go to the playground and go to the cafe for a cup of coffee, to attract more visitors they should add more to the place, so much land yet nothing for visitors to do.
In conclusion, this place is the absolute worst and we wont be returning, dont come here unless youre only coming for one day.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth B
Wisbech, UK236 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
The roads to this lake are insanely small and stressful to travel on. The car park does not accept card payment, and the cafe has a sign up saying they will not give change for parking, so after you’ve driven for hours on tiny roads, you may not be able to park because it is so difficult to pay! Also, the cafe and ice cream shack shut quite early. There are a few public footpaths off the lake which are nice, but they involve walking on these tiny, bendy roads where oncoming traffic cannot see you. One of these footpaths also involves coming back through a sheep field with rams in.
Written 4 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Sorry to hear that you found the journey to the lake stressful. For those who don'tt have cash for parking, payment can be made by card by calling the head office on 01566 771930 during office hours. The 3 mile round lake path is completely off road and suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. We will pass your feedback regarding the cafe opening times onto the cafe operator
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
johnboySheffield
Sheffield, UK276 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Walked up the road to Siblyback from Golitha Falls on a 7 mile circular walk - ok stretch with not too many cars. From our perspective the lake walk was a bit flat and boring. The scenery was ok but not exactly exciting. You can however park at the lake/reservoir and there seem to be lots of facilities and a cafe and children’s play area - obviously more/better without Covid. It’s flat/smooth easy walking and we saw lots of adults/kids walking or on bikes. A nice day when we went but probably a bit exposed on a not so nice day. Fairly safe to go around but one small stretch was road. When we went they were abseiling the dam wall to check it over. There were also some fly fishermen. Sheep and cattle in the fields so I guess it’s interesting for children.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good afternoon. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and we hope to see you back at the lake soon.
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cherry Eddy
Liskeard, UK18 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Such a great place to spend time with the family.... lots to do including paddle board/kayak hire, camping, walking, cafe. The walk around the lake is mostly flat and gravel so is great for an easy walk or bike ride. Great cafe and an ice- cream shed serving Roskilly’s.
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good afternoon. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your recent visit to Siblyback and we hope to see you back at the lake soon
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brit holiday fans
Plymouth, UK141 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Came here for a walk a few weeks ago.
The car park, although busy had spaces left.
We got 2hrs parking- I can't remember the exact cost. It was plenty enough time to have a walk though.
Nothing was open when we walked (suspect it was due to being during Covid and a weekday.)
We walked the circuit of the Lake, which was really nice. The route was flat and we both really enjoyed it. Siblyback was clean and others we came across also appeared to be enjoying their time around the lake walking, cycling, playing in the play park and someone was also fly fishing.
We will certainly return in the future and possibly have a go at some water sports on offer when they are open.
The car park, although busy had spaces left.
We got 2hrs parking- I can't remember the exact cost. It was plenty enough time to have a walk though.
Nothing was open when we walked (suspect it was due to being during Covid and a weekday.)
We walked the circuit of the Lake, which was really nice. The route was flat and we both really enjoyed it. Siblyback was clean and others we came across also appeared to be enjoying their time around the lake walking, cycling, playing in the play park and someone was also fly fishing.
We will certainly return in the future and possibly have a go at some water sports on offer when they are open.
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrshappy605
Plymouth, UK14 contributions
Jun 2020
Had a lovely walk here. Almost level walk around lake on good path. Ideal if you have disabilities as they have an off-roader scooter you can hire. Cafe and Ice cream outlet and toilets open. Nice for picnics as lots of grassed area and sandy beaches around the lake with many picnic areas/benches on route. Easy route of approx 2.5miles with stunning moorland scenery/wildlife around the lake.
Written 18 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good afternoon. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your recent visit to Siblyback. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and we hope to see you back at the lake soon
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Parent
Cliveden, UK48 contributions
Mar 2021
Really overcrowded with no signage for social distancing. The atmosphere and attitudes of visitors was very strained, probably due to the lack of measures in place.
Wider parking spaces for families are definitely needed. People were having disagreements about parking in the tiny bays. Aggressively.
The food available took absolutely ages to be served even though it was cold! £8.50 for a vegetarian wrap is extortionate! How do families in a budget afford this?
We couldn’t get away from here quick enough. Especially after the aggression in the parking areas. The playground was overcrowded too.
The lake was quite lovely but we didn’t have opportunity to explore or enjoy it.
Wider parking spaces for families are definitely needed. People were having disagreements about parking in the tiny bays. Aggressively.
The food available took absolutely ages to be served even though it was cold! £8.50 for a vegetarian wrap is extortionate! How do families in a budget afford this?
We couldn’t get away from here quick enough. Especially after the aggression in the parking areas. The playground was overcrowded too.
The lake was quite lovely but we didn’t have opportunity to explore or enjoy it.
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hanley1976
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, UK13 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Beautiful scenery ruined by rude and arrogant staff members
(not Olive & Co - they were nice people)
Staff members making claims that the lake was closed due to a shortage of staff but in the same breath telling us we could use the lake if we were members.
So it's clearly nothing to do with the staffing levels and more to do with the money.
We tried to purchase day passes online and even tried to purchase them at the venue.
Rude and arrogant staff claiming that the lake is private property and that we were trespassing.
Strange how the website states we were fine to use the lake, there are no signs up to say that it is private property and no signs up to say we couldn't use the lake.
I suggest if you're going to threaten members of the public with fines for trespassing, you get your own house in order first.
(not Olive & Co - they were nice people)
Staff members making claims that the lake was closed due to a shortage of staff but in the same breath telling us we could use the lake if we were members.
So it's clearly nothing to do with the staffing levels and more to do with the money.
We tried to purchase day passes online and even tried to purchase them at the venue.
Rude and arrogant staff claiming that the lake is private property and that we were trespassing.
Strange how the website states we were fine to use the lake, there are no signs up to say that it is private property and no signs up to say we couldn't use the lake.
I suggest if you're going to threaten members of the public with fines for trespassing, you get your own house in order first.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TorsieB
4 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
Great family experience kayaking with a picnic and walk around the lake to finish off. The park was great for the kids. Grace was particularly helpful in getting us all sorted for kayaking. Definitely recommend for adventurous youngsters, teens and adults.
Written 4 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the distance on the path around the lake as I’ve heard different ones.
Written 12 April 2021
Siblyback Lake
Liskeard, United Kingdom
Good morning. We are currently not running watersports activities at the lake. We are in the process of reviewing the offer at Siblyback, so keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates
Written 25 September 2019
Is this wheelchair friendly and are there disabled toilets?
Written 21 August 2019
Hello, yes I would say Siblyback Lake is wheelchair friendly,although I am unable to comment on how far around the lake that this applies.I did not walk all the way around.
I believe there is a disabled toilet next to the Rockhopper Café.
Hope this is of some help?
Written 23 August 2019
Hi,
Yes dogs are allowed on a lead,although there is an exercise field for dogs as you head out on the path from the café.(also dog friendly)
Hope this helps?
Written 4 August 2019
Is the walk around the lake suitable for a pushchair?
Written 17 July 2019
Siblyback Lake
Liskeard, United Kingdom
Hi Jenny. Yes our round lake path is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs
Written 30 July 2019
Siblyback Lake
Liskeard, United Kingdom
Hello, yes the Rock Hopper is open during November
Written 29 November 2018
Can we take our own paddle board on the lake do we need a pass
Thank you
Claire
Written 21 August 2018
Siblyback Lake
Liskeard, United Kingdom
Hi Claire, yes that's absolutely fine, although we do charge a launch fee of £7.
Written 24 August 2018
Are you allowed to run a electric powered radio control boat on the lake at all please?
Written 5 October 2017
Not sure ,i would have thought so .
Written 11 October 2017
Are camp fires allowed at this campsite?
Written 8 May 2017
Not sure.
But their writeup says "toast marshmallows while stargazing at night"!
Written 23 May 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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