Top 20 Lakes around Wales
Best lakes around Wales offer a variety of natural and man-made water bodies, providing diverse experiences for visitors. The region features landscapes ranging from country parks to limestone gorges, with lakes serving as central points for recreation and nature observation. These areas often combine natural beauty with historical significance or modern leisure facilities.
Best lakes around Wales
- The most popular lakes is Rother Valley Country Park, a facilities highlight that features four artificial lakes created from an old open-cast…
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rother Valley Country Park
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Langold Country Park Lake
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Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake
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Robin Hood's Cave, Creswell Crags
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Lake at Rother Valley Country Park
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Popular around Wales
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Nice easy flat ride round both lakes a mixture of gravel paths and tarmac roads around the park also a caffe and toilets within the park.
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Feels other worldly, beautiful setting. Fascinating history.
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Langold Country Park was originally planned as a country house and park in the 18th century. The idea was revived in 1818 and although the house was never completed. By the 1890s a lake had been excavated and a weir with a single arch bridge had been constructed. During the early 20th century the area was developed for mining and the park became a leisure facility for the Langold miners, principally for fishing. In 1946 the coal mining industry was nationalised and the National Coal Board expanded the leisure facilities in the park. A lido or swimming pool was rebuilt in the early 1950s and a bandstand was added. In 1968 the mine closed and the park was taken over by the local authority. Mining equipment was moved and children's playgrounds and refreshment facilities were added.
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Great early in the morning. Best avoided after 10am, gets very busy
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It was just a small Sunday stroll but it was lovely. We parked our car at the garden centre which worth to going in too! There is a big farm shop which is lovely and not too expensive compared to if you want to get a quality product!
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The park was formerly a mixture of meadows and marshy bullrush beds before the open cast excavation started. At the eastern side of the lake stands the Bedgrave Mill courtyard, where the visitor centre is located displaying the flood defence map and the original mill mechanism "flour into grain" exhibition from when it was a water mill. There is also a craft centre and "The Stables" cafe.
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Covering 300 acres of parkland and a Local Nature Reserve, the park links into Dyscarr Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest recognised as one of the best examples of a limestone ash-wych elm wood in Nottinghamshire. The park itself has woodlands, wildlife and butterfly meadows, grassy area, a lake, play areas, cafe and skate park, making it a great year-round day trip for all.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find in Wales?
Wales offers a diverse range of lakes, including vast natural expanses like Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) and Llangorse Lake, dramatic glacial tarns such as Llyn y Fan Fach and Cwm Idwal, and impressive Victorian-era reservoirs like the Elan Valley Lakes and Lake Vyrnwy. Each type provides unique scenery and experiences.
Are there lakes in Wales known for watersports?
Yes, several lakes are popular for watersports. Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is well-known for swimming, paddleboarding, angling, canoeing, and windsurfing. Llangorse Lake also offers various water sports with appropriate permits. For adventurous wild swimming, Glaslyn beneath Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is a magical spot.
Which lakes are best for hiking and walking in Wales?
Many Welsh lakes offer excellent hiking opportunities. The twin glacial lakes of Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr in the Brecon Beacons are ideal for ridge walks and moorland hikes. Cwm Idwal in Snowdonia provides a circular walk and serves as a starting point for mountain excursions. For easier paths, Usk Reservoir is great for calm walks with good views.
Can I find family-friendly lakes in Wales?
Absolutely. Usk Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons offers easy paths and great views, suitable for families and dogs. While not strictly in Wales, Rother Valley Country Park, with its four artificial lakes, is a popular leisure destination with well-maintained paths and various activities. Langold Country Park Lake also features woodlands, play areas, and a cafe, making it a great day out for families.
Are there any lakes with historical or archaeological significance?
Yes, Wales has lakes rich in history and legend. Llangorse Lake features Wales' only crannog, an ancient artificial island. Cwm Idwal is steeped in medieval legend, and Glaslyn is believed to be the resting place of King Arthur's sword, Excalibur. The Elan Valley Lakes are a series of dramatic Victorian-era reservoirs. Additionally, Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake, a world heritage site, is known for its prehistoric animal remains and early modern human presence.
Which lakes are good for birdwatching or wildlife spotting?
Llangorse Lake is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, rich in wildlife including otters, ducks, and water voles. Lake Vyrnwy is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, jointly managed by the RSPB and Severn Trent Water. The reed beds at Rother Valley Country Park also support diverse wildlife.
Are there lakes in Wales known for their dramatic scenery or views?
Many Welsh lakes boast stunning scenery. Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr are located beneath the dramatic Carmarthen Fans. Cwm Idwal offers stunning views towards Tryfan and Pen Yr Ole Wen. Llyn Gwynant is considered one of the most beautiful, with serene reflections of the Snowdon massif. Llynnau Cregennan provide breathtaking views of the Mawddach Estuary and Cader Idris. The Elan Valley Lakes are set against a dramatic backdrop of the Cambrian Mountains.
What outdoor activities can I do near lakes in Wales?
Beyond watersports and hiking, you can find various outdoor activities. For cycling, Lake Vyrnwy offers a 12-mile route, and Llyn Brianne is perfect for cycling loops. The gravel biking routes around Wales include trails near Rother Valley Country Park. For hiking, explore easy hikes or more challenging hiking routes around Wales, many of which pass by or around lakes.
Which lakes are good for fishing?
Anglers will find several excellent spots. Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is popular for angling, particularly for the unique Gwyniad fish. Llangorse Lake is known for fishing pike, bream, tench, perch, eels, and roach. Llynnau Cregennan are excellent for brown trout, and Llyn Padarn also offers a picturesque setting for fishing.
Are there any lakes in Wales that are Dark Sky Discovery Sites?
Yes, the Elan Valley Lakes and Llyn Brianne are both recognized as Dark Sky Discovery Sites, making them excellent locations for stargazing and enjoying the night sky.
Where can I find lakes with cafes or visitor facilities nearby?
Llyn Padarn is situated next to the tourist town of Llanberis, offering amenities. Cwm Idwal has a visitor's centre. Rother Valley Country Park has a visitor centre, toilets, and the Stables Cafe. Langold Country Park Lake also features a cafe and play areas.
What makes Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) unique?
Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is the largest natural lake in Wales, over three and a half miles long. It's home to the unique Gwyniad, a prehistoric fish that has survived since the Ice Age. Legends of 'Teggie,' Wales' answer to the Loch Ness Monster, also add to its mystique.
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