Top 16 Lakes in Wiltshire

Many lakes in Wiltshire are family-friendly. Biddestone Village Pond and The Crammer Pond in Devizes offer charming village settings. For more active families, the Cotswold Water Park provides an inland beach and various activities. Southwick Country Park and Stanton Park near Swindon also feature lakes with parks and playgrounds, making them great for children.

Langford Lakes Nature Reserve is particularly accessible, offering level paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, along with six bird hides. Lily Pads on the River, Southwick Country Park is also listed as wheelchair accessible.

Yes, Wiltshire is excellent for birdwatching. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve is a prime location, home to around 150 bird species including kingfishers and ospreys, with six hides for observation. Fonthill Lake also boasts impressive displays of birdlife year-round, and the Cotswold Water Park is a significant haven for wetland wildlife, with thousands of waterbirds visiting in winter.

Stourhead House and Gardens features a magnificent lake surrounded by ancient grottoes, classical temples, and bridges within its renowned 18th-century landscape garden. Crofton Locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal are a historic set of nine locks with a nearby pumping station, designed by John Rennie. The Crammer Pond in Devizes is famed for its connection to the local legend of the 'Moonrakers'.

The Cotswold Water Park is the premier destination for water sports in Wiltshire, offering a wide array of activities including sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing across its 180 lakes.

Yes, several lakes offer refreshments. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve has the Kingfisher Cafe with views over the main lake. Shearwater Lake has a cafe on one side. Stourhead House and Gardens has a National Trust cafe. Additionally, Biddestone Village Pond is in a village with two pubs, and Crofton Locks has a cafe and gift shop.

For leisurely strolls, Shearwater Lake offers a traffic-free trail around its perimeter. Fonthill Lake allows hiking along its west banks. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve has peaceful, level paths. Stourhead House and Gardens provides picturesque walks around its central lake. The Cotswold Water Park also features miles of off-road paths for walking.

Many outdoor areas in Wiltshire are dog-friendly, but specific rules vary by location, especially in nature reserves or private estates. It's always best to check individual site regulations regarding dogs, particularly concerning lead requirements and access to certain areas, to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone and to protect wildlife.

The lakes in Wiltshire offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying warmer weather and water activities at places like the Cotswold Water Park. Autumn is particularly stunning at Stourhead House and Gardens, when the trees around the lake turn vibrant colors. Winter brings thousands of waterbirds to the Cotswold Water Park and offers peaceful, crisp walks around many lakes.

Beyond the well-known spots, Biddestone Village Pond offers a charming, historic village setting. Bowood Lake, within the Bowood House & Gardens estate, provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery. Ivy House Lakes near Chippenham is a dedicated fishing complex set in tranquil countryside, ideal for anglers.

Beyond lakeside walks, Wiltshire offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the Bradford-on-Avon & Avoncliff loop or more moderate routes like the Fonthill Lake loop. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as the Salisbury and New Forest Loop. For more details on routes, you can explore guides like Hiking in Wiltshire or Road Cycling Routes in Wiltshire.

Ivy House Lakes near Chippenham is a 22-acre fishing complex specifically designed for anglers of all abilities, offering opportunities for carp and coarse fishing in a peaceful countryside setting. Some other lakes, like Shearwater Lake, are also popular for fishing from shaded spots.

Parking availability varies by location. Larger sites like Langford Lakes Nature Reserve, the Cotswold Water Park, Stourhead House and Gardens, and Lydiard Park typically have dedicated parking facilities, though some may be paid or require National Trust membership. For smaller village ponds or less developed areas, roadside parking might be available, but it's always advisable to check specific location details beforehand.

Yes, many of Wiltshire's lakes offer beautiful winter walking opportunities. The paths around Shearwater Lake and Fonthill Lake are great for crisp, peaceful strolls. Stourhead House and Gardens remains open in winter, offering stunning reflections on its lake. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve is also accessible with level paths, making it suitable for winter visits.