Lakes around Addington offer a variety of natural and man-made water features, primarily located within the Buckinghamshire landscape. This region features historical estates with designed water gardens and reservoirs. Visitors can explore areas known for their natural beauty and historical significance. The lakes provide opportunities for walking and observing local features.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Lying in a rolling Buckinghamshire landscape of arable fields, pasture and woodland, Foxcote Reservoir is the kind of place that rewards patient visitors. Created in 1956 by damming a small tributary of the River Great Ouse, this site has become important for the numbers of wintering waterfowl, especially wigeon and coot. https://www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/foxcote-reservoir
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Public school-boy favourite for stone-skipping and a spot of fishing on the sly. We had a picnic on the bank - it's a lovely place.
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Beautiful lake at the bottom of Stowe Gardens by the main entrance. There is accessible paths all the way around too.
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One of the first areas of the garden that visitors may encounter is the Octagon Lake and the features associated with it. The lake was originally designed as a formal octagonal pool, with sharp corners, as part of the seventeenth century formal gardens. Over the years, the shape of the pond was softened, gradually harmonising it within Stowe's increasingly naturalistic landscape. Source: Wikipedia
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A very prominent Palladian bridge in the park, it is one of the highlights of this property.
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Stowe can trap you in a time warp and you can walk these grounds for hours. Make sure to begin early, it never disappoints.
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Benton Seeley's 1744 Guidebook opens with a description of the Octagon Lake and then highlights this garden structure as "An Artificial Piece of Ruin cover'd with Ever-greens, under which lie the Statues of two River Gods; a beautiful Cascade of three Sheets of Water falls from the Octagon into a large Lake of 10 Acres." The Octagon Lake Cascade or Artificial Ruins Bevington notes that three arches for a cascade were built in 1728-29 and that the artificial ruins decorating them were added by 1738, probably from a design by William Kent. Kent's Shell Bridge in the Elysian Fields, though far less rustic in appearance, has a similar design and serves a similar purpose as a dam and cascade between the Alder River and the River Styx. http://faculty.bsc.edu/jtatter/cascade.html
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The lakes around Addington offer a mix of natural beauty and designed landscapes. You can visit Foxcote Reservoir, which is important for wintering waterfowl. Other notable features include the impressive cascade at Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins, where three sheets of water fall into a large lake, and the serene Octagon Lake itself, which was originally a formal octagonal pool softened to harmonize with the naturalistic landscape.
Yes, the area is rich in historical significance. You can explore the Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins, a garden structure with artificial ruins dating back to the 1700s. The Octagon Lake itself is a historical site, part of the evolution of Stowe's gardens. Additionally, the Palladian Bridge at Stowe, completed in 1738, is a beautiful historical landmark, and the Lamport Manor Rock and Water Garden offers a glimpse into 19th-century landscaping.
Many of the lakes and associated attractions are family-friendly. For instance, Foxcote Reservoir is a great spot for observing nature. The Octagon Lake and the Palladian Bridge at Stowe are also listed as family-friendly, offering pleasant walks and scenic views.
Yes, Octagon Lake is noted for having accessible paths all the way around, making it suitable for visitors with mobility considerations or those using wheelchairs.
The area around Addington's lakes offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. For example, there are several easy hiking routes like the 'Addington Parish Church loop' and various cycling routes, including the 'Crumbs Winslow Café – Chilton Village loop'. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes around Addington, Road Cycling Routes around Addington, and MTB Trails around Addington guides.
Absolutely. The region provides several hiking opportunities. You can find easy walks such as the 'Avenue Walk – Path to the River loop from Padbury' or the 'St Laurence Church, Winslow loop from Winslow'. For more details on these and other trails, refer to the Easy hikes around Addington guide.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Many enjoy the serene walks around lakes like Octagon Lake, often picnicking on its banks. The historical structures, such as the Palladian Bridge at Stowe, also captivate visitors, offering a sense of stepping back in time. The area's importance for wintering waterfowl at places like Foxcote Reservoir is also a draw for nature enthusiasts.
Yes, there are numerous cycling routes available. Whether you prefer road cycling or mountain biking, you'll find options. Examples include the 'Crumbs Winslow Café – Horwood Hill Climb loop' for road cyclists or the 'Buckingham Old Gaol – Foxcote Reservoir loop' for mountain bikers. Detailed routes are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Addington and MTB Trails around Addington guides.
Foxcote Reservoir is particularly noted for its importance to wintering waterfowl, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
The lakes around Addington are set within a rolling Buckinghamshire landscape, characterized by arable fields, pasture, and woodland. Many are part of historical estates with designed water features, ranging from formal gardens to areas softened to blend with naturalistic surroundings, showcasing the enduring influence of landscape architecture.
Yes, several locations offer scenic views. Octagon Lake is itself a natural monument and viewpoint, offering picturesque vistas. The Palladian Bridge at Stowe also provides beautiful perspectives across the water and surrounding grounds.


Still not found your perfect lake around Addington? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.