Lakes around Quenington are primarily found within the expansive Cotswold Water Park, an area boasting over 150 lakes across 42 square miles. This region, formed from old gravel pits, is a significant wetland supporting diverse wildlife, including thousands of waterbirds. It offers extensive off-road walking and cycling paths, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature observation. The area is recognized for its natural beauty and varied aquatic environments.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
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It’s a wide open space, with lake, wildfowl, children’s play area, bandstand and public toilets near the entrance by the church.
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Great flowing surface track with a quality turns through the lakes.
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It feels like a gated community that you shouldn't be allowed in more CCTV than Swindon town centre but it seems it does have a public right of way through it. Amazing glass fronted lakeside houses and a trendy cafe by main reception. Worth a visit.
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Fantastic gravel paths that pass between the lakes, which are bordered by very posh houses and some even posher cars! Take care if you're on skinny tyres... the gravel is quite deep in places!
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Nice flowy route, good surface and fun corners
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Taking its name from the place where delicious cheese were once loaded onto boats for shipping to London, Cheese Wharf is now a brilliant wild swimming spot on the River Thames near Buscot. It's owned by the National Trust and there are a couple of parking spaces nearby.
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Buscot Lock is the smallest of the 45 locks on the Thames. The manual beam-equipped pound lock was built in 1790, today it looks just as it did more than 200 years ago. Before the lock was built, there was a flash weir, where boats would 'run the rapid' downstream. When the lock was built the weir was owned by E Loveden of Buscot Park, who was a very strong champion of Thames navigation. The lock keeper's cottage was built in 1791 and features a fish house. The old weir was renewed by Lord Faringdon of Buscot Park in 1909, and was replaced by the new cut and weir in 1979. It is a lovely weir pool which is now a National Trust picnic area and otters, kites and kingfishers can be spotted. The lock was purchased (included within a large estate) as part of Buscot Park in 1859 by Robert Tertius Campbell with money acquired in the Australian goldfields. He fitted water wheels to irrigate his estate, but sold up within 10 years, the result of overspending and bad luck. Later owners, Thomas Cook the travel agents, gave the site to the National Trust. https://www.visitthames.co.uk/about-the-river/river-thames-locks/buscot-lock
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The lakes around Quenington are part of the expansive Cotswold Water Park, a nationally important wetland. You'll find diverse landscapes, including numerous lakes formed from old gravel pits, supporting thousands of waterbirds, especially in winter. The River Thames and its tributaries also run through the area, home to water voles, otters, and kingfishers. Many lakes are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest for their rich biodiversity.
Yes, several lakes cater to families. Abbey Grounds Park is a wide open space with a lake, wildfowl, a children's play area, and public facilities. Within the broader Cotswold Water Park, Cotswold Country Park and Beach offers the UK's largest inland bathing beach, an inflatable obstacle course (AquaVenture), kayaking, paddleboarding, pedalos, and rowing boats, making it a major family holiday destination.
For wild swimming, consider the Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot on the River Thames. This tranquil location, owned by the National Trust, is a brilliant spot for a refreshing dip.
The area offers excellent cycling. You can enjoy the Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes, which features great flowing surface tracks and fun corners. There are also Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars that pass between lakes. For more routes, explore the Cycling around Quenington guide, which includes options like the 'Burford Village – Bibury Bridge loop'.
Yes, if you're looking for tranquility, Summer Lake within the Cotswold Water Park is known for its idyllic and peaceful setting. It's perfect for a romantic picnic or a quiet waterside stroll, where the sounds of trees and lapping water are often the only disturbances.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are particularly recommended for activities like cycling, as noted for the Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes. The Cotswold Water Park is also nationally important for wintering birds, making it excellent for birdwatching during colder months.
The Cotswold Water Park offers miles of off-road walking paths suitable for various abilities. You can find peaceful lakeside strolls and nature trails. For specific routes, consider exploring the MTB Trails around Quenington guide, which also features walking-friendly paths like the 'Cotswold Water Park loop'.
Yes, the Cotswold Lakes Trust actively works on conservation and enhancing these areas for both wildlife and people. Cleveland Lakes, for example, is a flagship site for the Trust, highlighting their commitment to biodiversity and responsible recreation.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of activities and the natural beauty of the area. Many enjoy the excellent birdwatching opportunities, the extensive off-road walking and cycling paths, and the tranquil retreat from daily life. The variety, from family-friendly beaches to quiet natural settings, is a key draw.
Absolutely. The Cotswold Water Park area provides excellent mountain biking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Cotswold Water Park loop' or 'Carle's – Lakeside Singletrack loop' which are generally easy. For more options, refer to the MTB Trails around Quenington guide.
Yes, some areas offer amenities. For instance, near the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars, there is a trendy cafe. Abbey Grounds Park also has public facilities. Within the wider Cotswold Water Park, you'll find various cafes and facilities, especially at popular spots like Cotswold Country Park and Beach.


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