Top 4 Lakes around Swindon
Best lakes around Swindon offer diverse natural and recreational areas. The region features a mix of historic park lakes, reservoirs, and smaller lagoons, providing various outdoor activities. These bodies of water are often integrated into country parks or nature reserves, supporting local wildlife and offering accessible walking routes. The landscape around Swindon includes both open water and wooded areas, catering to different preferences for outdoor exploration.
Best lakes around Swindon
- The most popular lakes is Pittville Park Lake, a family-friendly lake that offers a path suitable for running and walking. It is known for its benches and is a location for a weekly 5k park run.
- Another must-see spot is Dowdeswell Reservoir, a scenic man-made lake on the outskirts of Cheltenham. It is surrounded by Dowdeswell Woods, a nature reserve home to various plant and animal species, including birds like coot and great crested grebe.
- Visitors also love Pond in Hatherley Park, a family-friendly lake within a park. It is suitable for leisurely strolls and dog walking.
- Swindon is known for its park lakes, reservoirs, and smaller lagoons. These include historic estates with restored lakes and natural areas, offering a variety of settings for outdoor activities.
- The lakes around Swindon are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 12 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Dowdeswell Reservoir
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Pittville Park Lake
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Apperley Village Pond and Church
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Pond in Hatherley Park
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Witcombe Reservoir
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Tips from the Community
Dowdeswell Reservoir is a scenic stretch of water on the outskirts of Cheltenham. From the reservoir, you step straight into Dowdeswell Woods; a nature reserve that’s home to many species of plants and animals. Keep a lookout for birds including coot, moorhen, great crested grebe and little grebe.
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Hatherley Park is a lovely Park to stroll around either by yourself or with family and friends. Great for walking the dog.
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A great cycleway through the very beautiful Pittville Park... lots of pedestrians and dogs to avoid, but a great way to go and an even better place to plan as a spot to take a break.
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A lovely reservoir set amongst the Gloucestershire countryside. Witcombe Reservoir is surrounded by woodland and just a stone's throw from the ancient Great Witcombe Roman Villa.
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A lovely village pond next to the church with a green shaded by a huge willow. A great place to stop for a break.
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Great afternoon in the woods. Quite a few trees downed by winds and heard one crash whilst on my walk , so caution. Paths very muddy due to logging vehicles.
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Lovely area to walk, along footpaths through the woods and along the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular lakes for walking around Swindon?
For leisurely strolls, Coate Water Country Park offers a 1.75-mile loop around its 56-acre lake. Lydiard Park Lake provides walks through historic grounds, and Peatmoor Lagoon features a 1.3-kilometer paved, flat loop suitable for all ages. Shaftesbury Lake is also popular for local walks.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Swindon with activities for children?
Yes, Coate Water Country Park is excellent for families, featuring a seasonal splash park, children's play area, mini-golf, and pitch & putt. Lydiard Park also has a large children's play area. Shaftesbury Lake includes a playground for children.
Which lakes near Swindon are good for watersports?
While slightly outside Swindon, South Cerney Outdoor in the Cotswold Water Park is a prime destination for watersports. It offers canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing on its 47-acre lake.
Where can I observe wildlife around Swindon's lakes?
Coate Water Country Park is a haven for wildlife, with an extensive nature reserve and bird hides where you can spot swans, geese, ducks, grebes, herons, and kingfishers. The surrounding woodlands and meadows also support diverse plant and animal species.
Are there historical sites or features near the lakes in Swindon?
Yes, Coate Water Country Park features an iconic Art Deco diving platform from the 1930s, now a Grade II-listed landmark. Lydiard Park is a 260-acre historic estate with a Grade I listed Palladian Lydiard House, formal gardens, and a canal dating back to the 17th century. You can learn more about Lydiard Park's history on Wikipedia.
Which lakes offer accessible paths for pushchairs or wheelchairs?
Peatmoor Lagoon is known for its 1.3-kilometer looped trail that is paved and flat, making it suitable for pushchairs and walkers of all ages. Many paths at Coate Water Country Park and Lydiard Park are also generally accessible.
Are there fishing opportunities at lakes near Swindon?
Yes, Stanton Lake is primarily known as a fishing spot, stocked with species such as Tench, Bream, Roach, Rudd, Crucians, and Carp. Angling is also permitted at Coate Water Country Park.
What amenities are available at Coate Water Country Park?
Coate Water Country Park offers a range of amenities including a café, toilets, a ranger centre, and barbecue areas that can be booked in advance. You can find more details on the Swindon Borough Council website.
What kind of hiking routes can I find near Swindon's lakes?
You can find various hiking routes, including easy loops like those around Pittville Park Lake and Dowdeswell Reservoir. For more options, explore the 'Hiking around Swindon' guide, which features routes like the Pittville Park Lake – Pittville Pond loop. You can find more details on these routes in the Hiking around Swindon guide.
Are there options for cycling or gravel biking near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers gravel biking opportunities. For example, routes like the Daisybank Gravel Path – Cotswold Way Singletrack loop are available. You can discover more gravel biking trails in the Gravel biking around Swindon guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Swindon?
Visitors frequently enjoy the peaceful walks, the abundance of wildlife, and the family-friendly facilities. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths and the opportunity to relax by the water, such as at Pond in Hatherley Park, which is great for leisurely strolls and dog walking.
Are there any quiet or less crowded lakes for a peaceful visit?
While popular spots can get busy, Peatmoor Lagoon often offers a more tranquil experience, especially on its smaller offshoot woodland trails. Stanton Lake, primarily a fishing spot, can also be quieter for those seeking a peaceful environment.
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