Top 5 Lakes around Wappenham
Lakes around Wappenham, a village in West Northamptonshire, offer tranquil settings for outdoor activities. The area is known for its natural features, including Silverlake and Astwell Mill, which are popular destinations for angling. These lakes provide diverse fish populations and peaceful environments within the countryside. Wappenham's landscape features rolling terrain and open spaces, making it suitable for those seeking natural escapes.
Best lakes around Wappenham
- The most popular lakes is Foxcote Reservoir, an other natural feature that was created…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Palladian Bridge at Stowe
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Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins
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Foxcote Reservoir
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Octagon Lake
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Lamport Manor Rock and Water Garden
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore around Wappenham?
Around Wappenham, you'll find a mix of natural lakes, reservoirs, and purpose-built fishing lakes. The area is known for tranquil settings, diverse fish populations, and historical significance. Examples include the popular Foxcote Reservoir and the picturesque Astwell Mill lakes.
Are there any lakes suitable for fishing near Wappenham?
Yes, Wappenham is particularly popular for angling. Both Silverlake and Astwell Mill are well-known fishing destinations. Silverlake is a four-acre, purpose-built lake with Carp, Roach, Orfe, Chub, Barbel, Bream, Perch, and Tench. Astwell Mill offers two lakes with Rudd, Tench, Perch, Roach, Pike, Crucians, Grass Carp, and Bream. Day tickets are available for both, though non-members often need to be accompanied by a member of the Towcester & District Angling Association.
Which lakes are family-friendly around Wappenham?
Several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Foxcote Reservoir is a great option for families. Additionally, Octagon Lake and the surrounding area, including the Palladian Bridge at Stowe, are noted for being family-friendly with accessible paths.
Are there accessible paths around any of the lakes for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, Octagon Lake is known for having accessible paths all the way around, making it suitable for visitors with wheelchairs or strollers. This allows everyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes near Wappenham?
The lakes around Wappenham are home to diverse wildlife. Foxcote Reservoir is particularly important for wintering waterfowl, including wigeon and coot. Angling lakes like Silverlake and Astwell Mill also boast a variety of fish species, from Carp and Pike to Roach and Tench, which in turn support local birdlife.
Can I go hiking or walking near the lakes in Wappenham?
Absolutely. The region around Wappenham offers various hiking and walking opportunities. You can find easy routes like the 'Winding Forest Trail loop from Silverstone' or 'Hazelborough Woods loop from Silverstone'. For more options, explore the Hiking around Wappenham guide or the Easy hikes around Wappenham guide.
Are there any historical sites or monuments associated with the lakes?
Yes, the area features several historical sites. The Palladian Bridge at Stowe, completed in 1738, is a significant historical monument. Nearby, the Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins also have a rich history, with structures dating back to the 1720s and 1730s.
What cycling routes are available near the lakes?
There are several cycling routes in the vicinity of Wappenham's lakes. Options range from easy rides like the 'Rural Bicycle Stop loop from Helmdon' to more challenging ones such as the 'St Mary's Church, Culworth – Forge Coffee loop from Silverstone Circuit'. You can find more details and routes in the Cycling around Wappenham guide.
Is night fishing permitted at any of the lakes?
Night fishing regulations vary by lake. At Silverlake, night fishing is not permitted. However, at Astwell Mill, night fishing is allowed on the top pond only. Always check with the local angling association or fishery for the most current rules and requirements.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Wappenham?
Visitors appreciate the tranquil settings and the opportunity for peaceful outdoor experiences. Many enjoy the historical aspects, such as the Palladian Bridge at Stowe, and the accessible paths around places like Octagon Lake. Anglers specifically value the well-stocked waters of Silverlake and Astwell Mill.
Are there any less crowded lakes for a more peaceful experience?
While specific crowd levels can vary, both Silverlake and Astwell Mill are described as offering tranquil settings in the countryside, making them good choices for a peaceful day, especially outside of peak fishing times. These are generally less commercialized than larger tourist attractions.
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