Best lakes around Holybrook offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. This area, situated near the Kennet and Avon Canal, features a collection of lakes, ponds, and natural reserves. Visitors can explore environments ranging from tranquil waters surrounded by meadows to woodland settings. The lakes provide accessible routes for walking and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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A quiet, peaceful walk with lots of wildlife around the lake.
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This is a picturesque lock situated along the Kennett and Avon Canal on the western outskirts of Reading. On the other side of the lock is one of the Hosehill Lakes so you're granted great views in all directions.
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A wonderful place to enjoy nature and escape from the suburbs of Reading. Children will have fun feeding the ducks and there is a flat path that goes round the perimeter of the lake. You can easily link up with Highwood Local Nature Reserve to the east if you would like a longer walk.
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Set in the grounds of Reading University, Whiteknights Lake is a secret wildlife wilderness in the chaos of the town. There is a public right of way through the park but some routes, like the loop around the lake, are permissive paths.
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Short route but nice views
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A nice 1mile circular walk around the lake, close to the Kennet and Avon Canal https://www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/hosehill-lake 'A beautiful lake surrounded by meadows, ponds and sheltered reedbeds, a great place to watch time go by.'
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Covering 58 acres (23.5 ha) on the edge of Theale, Hosehill Lake is a lovely nature reserve. Here, you will find sprawling meadowland, wild Exmoor ponies grazing and colourful butterflies. The site also has over 168 species of birds such as Sand martins, Swallows, and Goosander.
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For a pleasant walk, consider Hosehill Lake, which offers a 1-mile circular path through meadows and reedbeds. Whiteknights Lake, located within Reading University grounds, provides a quiet, peaceful walk with abundant wildlife. South Lake also features a flat path around its perimeter, perfect for enjoying nature.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Hosehill Lake, Whiteknights Lake, and South Lake are all categorized as family-friendly. At South Lake, children can enjoy feeding the ducks, and the flat path around the lake is ideal for a stroll.
The lakes around Holybrook are rich in wildlife. Hosehill Lake, with its meadows and reedbeds, is a great spot for nature observation. Whiteknights Lake is known for its diverse wildlife, offering a peaceful setting to observe local fauna. You might spot various birds and other creatures in these natural environments.
Yes, Hosehill Lake offers a popular 1-mile circular walk. South Lake also has a flat path that goes around its perimeter, providing an easy circular route.
For walks around Hosehill Lake, you can park in the Fox & Hounds pub carpark.
Beyond walking around the lakes, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes like the 'Burghfield & Linear Park loops from Southcote along the Kennet & Avon Canal' or 'Fobney Island Nature Reserve loop from Holybrook'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking and MTB trails, including routes that pass by Hosehill Lake. Explore more options in the easy hikes, gravel biking, and MTB trails guides for Holybrook.
Yes, the area boasts several interesting features. Hosehill Lake is surrounded by meadows, ponds, and sheltered reedbeds. Garston Lock, a man-made structure on the Kennet and Avon Canal, offers picturesque views of one of the nearby Hosehill Lakes. Additionally, Kiln Pond and Beaver Sculpture provides a pleasant pathway through woodland with views of the pond and surrounding wildlife.
Yes, from South Lake, you can easily connect with Highwood Local Nature Reserve to the east if you're looking for a longer walk and more extensive nature exploration.
Whiteknights Lake is a forest lake nestled within the grounds of Reading University. It's considered a secret wildlife wilderness within the town, offering a quiet and peaceful walk with abundant wildlife around its loop.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The komoot community particularly enjoys the tranquil waters, surrounding meadows, and the chance to observe local wildlife. The accessible routes for walking and the peaceful atmosphere are frequently highlighted.
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural features, Garston Lock is a notable man-made structure along the historic Kennet and Avon Canal. It offers a glimpse into the region's canal heritage and provides scenic views of the nearby lakes.


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