Top 5 Natural Monuments around Ashton Keynes
Best natural monuments around Ashton Keynes are primarily found within the Cotswold Water Park, an expansive area of over 150 lakes formed from former gravel extraction sites. This unique landscape, spanning approximately 40 to 42 square miles, has transformed into a significant wetland environment. The region is a recognized biodiversity hotspot, particularly important for its diverse birdlife and various mammal species. It offers a blend of serene landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, making it a notable destination for nature observation and outdoor activities.
Best natural monuments around Ashton Keynes
- The most popular natural monuments is Cirencester Amphitheatre, a historical site that represents one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain. This huge earthwork, built in the early 2nd century, would have held around 8,000 spectators.
- Another must-see spot is Daglingworth Gravel Track, an other natural feature. It passes Daglingworth Quarry, known for its geological features and a wide variety of fossils, including rare plant fragments and dinosaur footprints.
- Visitors also love The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World, a natural monument. This yew hedge, planted in 1720, stands 13.1 meters (43 feet) high and surrounds the house belonging to Earl Bathurst.
- Ashton Keynes is known for its extensive water parks, historical sites, and unique geological features. Visitors can explore a variety of natural monuments, from ancient Roman structures to significant wetland habitats and impressive botanical landmarks.
- The natural monuments around Ashton Keynes are appreciated by the komoot community, with 22 upvotes and 8 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Daglingworth Gravel Track
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Cirencester Amphitheatre
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Source of the River Thames
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The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World
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Coronation Tree Carving, Cirencester Park
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Professional tree carver Andy O'Neill, of Bristol-based Wild Wood Carving, began work on the cedar in August and used a range of chainsaws to sculpt intricate designs into the tree.
The wildlife-themed totem encompasses a variety of animals including butterflies, bees, owls, dormice, lady birds, a Roman snail and a Goshawk. On top is a bucks head to represent the park’s history.
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Tips from the Community
If You Have Never Seen the Source of River Thames, Probably worth a look.
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A commemorative carving to celebrate King Charles III's coronation. Professional tree carver Andy O'Neill, of Bristol-based Wild Wood Carving, began work on the cedar in August and used a range of chainsaws to sculpt intricate designs into the tree. The wildlife-themed totem encompasses a variety of animals including butterflies, bees, owls, dormice, lady birds, a Roman snail and a Goshawk. On top is a bucks head to represent the park’s history.
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This yew hedge planted in 1720 is 13.1m (43ft) high and surrounds the house belonging to Earl Bathurst.
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Lovely gravel track connecting Welsh Way to Daglingworth via Quarry
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park at the end of the hike. start of hike missed but is easy to find from top of railway road. We came back via road as access that isn't recorded has a very high turnstile and so not as accessible as the rest of the walk
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Passes Daglingworth Quarry. Hanson Aggregates works Daglingworth Quarry, extracting limestone aggregate for road building, ornamental driveway stone and dust for brick making. Extraction of stone from the site is believed to have started in 1905, since when it has been in almost continuous use. The planning permission for the quarry expires in 2042 and progressive restoration is currently being undertaken. A wide variety of fossils are known from the Daglingworth Quarry. Oysters, pectinids (scallops) and echinoids (sea urchins) can be found within the Taynton Limestone and Hampen Formations. Discovered within the sandy lenses of Hampen Formation are rare plant fragments, and dinosaur footprints have been found near the top of the formation. These are now on display at the quarry office. The Shipton Member is generally devoid of fossils except, for a few beds containing borings and burrows made by marine animals such as molluscs and worms. At the top of this member is the Excavata bed where gastropods and the echinoids, Clypeus and Cidaris are found in abundance. Trace fossils, borings and bivalves are found in many beds throughout the Ardley Member. Fossils from large reptiles have been found from near the top of the member
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Good way to cross the A417. Could be muddy in depths of winter I suspect.
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well worth a visit , you really feel the atmosphere!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the natural monuments around Ashton Keynes unique?
The natural monuments around Ashton Keynes are primarily centered within the Cotswold Water Park, an expansive area featuring over 150 lakes. These lakes were formed from former gravel extraction sites, creating the largest inland man-made water feature in Europe. This unique landscape has transformed into a significant wetland environment and a recognized biodiversity hotspot, offering a blend of serene landscapes and vibrant ecosystems.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Cotswold Water Park?
The Cotswold Water Park is a biodiversity hotspot, particularly important for its birdlife. You can expect to see up to 200 species of birds annually, including common species like coots, ducks, geese, swans, and moorhens, as well as crested grebes, reed warblers, and egrets. The park also hosts significant populations of water voles, otters, and various deer species (roe, fallow, and muntjac), along with 14 out of 18 UK species of bat.
Are there historical natural monuments to explore near Ashton Keynes?
Yes, one notable historical natural monument is the Cirencester Amphitheatre. This huge earthwork represents one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain, built in the early 2nd century and capable of holding around 8,000 spectators. It offers a glimpse into the region's ancient past.
What geological features can be found in the area?
The area boasts interesting geological features, particularly around the Daglingworth Gravel Track. This track passes Daglingworth Quarry, which is known for its wide variety of fossils, including rare plant fragments and even dinosaur footprints found within the Taynton Limestone and Hampen Formations.
Where can I find the source of the River Thames?
The Source of the River Thames is located in this area, with its headwaters straddling the village of Ashton Keynes. It's a significant natural feature and a point of interest for those exploring the region.
Are there any unique botanical natural monuments?
Yes, you can visit The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World. Planted in 1720, this impressive yew hedge stands 13.1 meters (43 feet) high and surrounds the house belonging to Earl Bathurst, making it a remarkable botanical landmark.
What outdoor activities are available near these natural monuments?
The Cotswold Water Park offers a wide array of activities. You can enjoy watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and open-water swimming at designated locations. Fishing is also popular. For land-based activities, there are miles of flat, scenic paths ideal for walking and cycling. You can find various routes for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling around Ashton Keynes.
Are there family-friendly options among the natural monuments?
Many areas within the Cotswold Water Park are family-friendly, offering easy walks and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Cirencester Amphitheatre and The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World are also suitable for families, providing accessible points of interest.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Ashton Keynes?
The Cotswold Water Park is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for watersports, walking, and cycling, with abundant birdlife. Autumn brings vibrant colors, while winter is internationally important for observing wintering wildfowl. The flat terrain makes it accessible in most seasons, though some paths might be muddy in depths of winter.
Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments?
Many trails and areas within the Cotswold Water Park are dog-friendly, especially the numerous paths winding between lakes and reed beds. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, particularly in nature reserves or areas with sensitive wildlife, and to check specific rules for individual sites or nature reserves.
Are there any specific nature reserves within the Cotswold Water Park worth visiting?
Yes, the Lower Mill Estate Nature Reserve, located within the Cotswold Water Park near Ashton Keynes, is a significant 550-acre private reserve. It's known for its diverse native wildlife, including significant bird populations (wintering waterbirds, Nightingale, Cetti's Warbler), and even has populations of beavers and otters. Several other areas within the park are designated nature reserves, some with Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status.
What kind of walking trails are available near Ashton Keynes?
There are numerous walking trails around Ashton Keynes, particularly within the Cotswold Water Park. These range from easy loops, such as a 6 km hiking loop from Ashton Keynes, to moderate routes like the Manhole Cover – Lake at Cotswold Water Park loop, which is about 10 km. The paths are generally flat and scenic, winding between lakes and through open countryside.
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