Top 16 Lakes in Wiltshire
Lakes in Wiltshire are set within a landscape characterized by chalk downs, river valleys, and historic estates. The region offers a variety of aquatic environments, from tranquil nature reserves to extensive water parks. These locations provide opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and water-based activities. Many lakes are integral parts of protected natural areas or historical parklands, contributing to the area's natural and cultural heritage.
Best lakes in Wiltshire
- The most popular lakes is Fonthill Lake, a viewpoint that is a tranquil stretch of water nestling in the picturesque Fonthill Estate. Visitors can hike along the west banks of the lake and observe birdlife.
- Another must-see spot is Shearwater Lake, a viewpoint with a traffic-free trail around its perimeter. Visitors can enjoy walks and find a cafe on one side for refreshments.
- Visitors also love Stourhead House and Gardens, a historical site featuring a central lake. This lake is surrounded by gardens that are particularly notable in autumn.
- Wiltshire is known for its diverse range of lakes, including village ponds, estate lakes, and those within nature reserves. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different interests.
- The lakes in Wiltshire are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and over 20 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Biddestone Village Pond
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Crofton Locks and Pumping Station
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The area also provides important habitat for wildlife and is home to lots of swans, ducks, moorhens, thrushes and even common lizards and and slow worms.
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The Crammer Pond
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The story goes that a group of Wiltshire smugglers heard the Excise Men approaching the town, therefore they had to quickly conceal the contraband brandy they were carrying by rolling the barrels into the Crammer. Once the Excise Men had passed, the smugglers needed to recover the barrels using a rake. The Excise Men were suspicious and therefore came back to take a second look. Catching the men with rakes they demanded to know what they were doing. Not being stupid, one pointed to the reflection of the moon in the pond’s surface and said that they were trying to rake out the cheese from the water.
The Excise Men left, laughing at how stupid Devizes people can be. However it was the smugglers who had the loudest laugh as their quick thinking had stopped them being caught.
To this day, Wiltshire people are known as ‘Moonrakers’.
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Shearwater Lake
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Fonthill Lake
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Stourhead House and Gardens
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Duck Pond
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Tollard Royal Village Pond
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Lily Pads on the River, Southwick Country Park
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Lydiard Park
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Park is host to Parkrun on each Saturday morning at 9am to around 10am, where about 300 runners form to run two laps.
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Popular around Wiltshire
King Alfred's Way — History, chalk, grassland and forest
New Forest National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Bikepacking Brighton to Bristol — Ridges, canals and rail paths
Celtic Way — An epic pilgrimage through prehistory and wild beauty
White Horse Trail — Linking Wiltshire's epic hill carvings
The Old Chalk Way
Wiltshire Round weekender – Lanes, gravel, views and epic history
Just Around The Corner — exploring the best of the South West by bike
Hiking the Greater Ridgeway — Following Roman roads across England
Hiking the Orange Way — Southern England in the footsteps of a king
Other adventures in Wiltshire
Tips from the Community
Stunning Duck Pond in the equally beautiful (and very sleepy) village of Alderton. The ducks have nesting boxes & are free to come & go as they please. You can't go "in." As such, there's a fence around the pond & nest boxes, but it was lush to watch the array of ducks for a while!!
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Amazing place. I was able to check out the shop and cafe, and have a peak at the garden, whetting my appetite to make it a day's destination some time.
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Very cute little pond, watch out for crossing ducks as per the local signage ;)
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Had incident again today in the woods at Shearwater ... Welcome cyclists please remember that it’s actually the law they give way to pedestrians & not tell people walking to ‘get out of the way or shout coming through’
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Crofton Pumping Station advertises that it has the oldest working steam engine in the world. The idea was actually to route the canal through a mountain at a lower altitude using a tunnel. But this project was too expensive and too complex. That's why the pumping station was built. It once reliably filled the canal with water at the geographically highest points of the route.
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An oasis of green on the edge of the town of Trowbridge, Southwick Country Park is a nature reserve and home to a wide variety of wildlife, including rare reptiles such as adders, grass snakes and slow worms, alongside diverse wetland, woodland and grassland habitats. With a mix of surfaced paths, good for year-round and buggy/wheelchair use, and adventurous off-road trails, which do get muddy in winter, there's a walk to suit everyone. The Hope Nature Centre on site has goats, ponies and other animals - great for children - and there's parkrun on a Saturday morning, too.
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"Please slow down, ducks may be crossing the road".
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Frequently Asked Questions
What lakes in Wiltshire are suitable for families?
Many lakes in Wiltshire are family-friendly. Biddestone Village Pond and The Crammer Pond in Devizes offer charming village settings. For more active families, the Cotswold Water Park provides an inland beach and various activities. Southwick Country Park and Stanton Park near Swindon also feature lakes with parks and playgrounds, making them great for children.
Where can I find accessible lakes in Wiltshire?
Langford Lakes Nature Reserve is particularly accessible, offering level paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, along with six bird hides. Lily Pads on the River, Southwick Country Park is also listed as wheelchair accessible.
Are there good places for birdwatching around Wiltshire's lakes?
Yes, Wiltshire is excellent for birdwatching. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve is a prime location, home to around 150 bird species including kingfishers and ospreys, with six hides for observation. Fonthill Lake also boasts impressive displays of birdlife year-round, and the Cotswold Water Park is a significant haven for wetland wildlife, with thousands of waterbirds visiting in winter.
What historical or cultural sites are associated with Wiltshire's lakes?
Stourhead House and Gardens features a magnificent lake surrounded by ancient grottoes, classical temples, and bridges within its renowned 18th-century landscape garden. Crofton Locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal are a historic set of nine locks with a nearby pumping station, designed by John Rennie. The Crammer Pond in Devizes is famed for its connection to the local legend of the 'Moonrakers'.
Which lakes offer opportunities for water sports?
The Cotswold Water Park is the premier destination for water sports in Wiltshire, offering a wide array of activities including sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing across its 180 lakes.
Are there lakes in Wiltshire with cafes or pubs nearby?
Yes, several lakes offer refreshments. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve has the Kingfisher Cafe with views over the main lake. Shearwater Lake has a cafe on one side. Stourhead House and Gardens has a National Trust cafe. Additionally, Biddestone Village Pond is in a village with two pubs, and Crofton Locks has a cafe and gift shop.
What are some good lakes for walking in Wiltshire?
For leisurely strolls, Shearwater Lake offers a traffic-free trail around its perimeter. Fonthill Lake allows hiking along its west banks. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve has peaceful, level paths. Stourhead House and Gardens provides picturesque walks around its central lake. The Cotswold Water Park also features miles of off-road paths for walking.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes in Wiltshire?
Many outdoor areas in Wiltshire are dog-friendly, but specific rules vary by location, especially in nature reserves or private estates. It's always best to check individual site regulations regarding dogs, particularly concerning lead requirements and access to certain areas, to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone and to protect wildlife.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in Wiltshire?
The lakes in Wiltshire offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying warmer weather and water activities at places like the Cotswold Water Park. Autumn is particularly stunning at Stourhead House and Gardens, when the trees around the lake turn vibrant colors. Winter brings thousands of waterbirds to the Cotswold Water Park and offers peaceful, crisp walks around many lakes.
Are there any unique or lesser-known lakes worth visiting in Wiltshire?
Beyond the well-known spots, Biddestone Village Pond offers a charming, historic village setting. Bowood Lake, within the Bowood House & Gardens estate, provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery. Ivy House Lakes near Chippenham is a dedicated fishing complex set in tranquil countryside, ideal for anglers.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Wiltshire's lakes?
Beyond lakeside walks, Wiltshire offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the Bradford-on-Avon & Avoncliff loop or more moderate routes like the Fonthill Lake loop. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as the Salisbury and New Forest Loop. For more details on routes, you can explore guides like Hiking in Wiltshire or Road Cycling Routes in Wiltshire.
Where can I go fishing in Wiltshire?
Ivy House Lakes near Chippenham is a 22-acre fishing complex specifically designed for anglers of all abilities, offering opportunities for carp and coarse fishing in a peaceful countryside setting. Some other lakes, like Shearwater Lake, are also popular for fishing from shaded spots.
What are the parking options at Wiltshire's lakes?
Parking availability varies by location. Larger sites like Langford Lakes Nature Reserve, the Cotswold Water Park, Stourhead House and Gardens, and Lydiard Park typically have dedicated parking facilities, though some may be paid or require National Trust membership. For smaller village ponds or less developed areas, roadside parking might be available, but it's always advisable to check specific location details beforehand.
Are there lakes suitable for winter walks in Wiltshire?
Yes, many of Wiltshire's lakes offer beautiful winter walking opportunities. The paths around Shearwater Lake and Fonthill Lake are great for crisp, peaceful strolls. Stourhead House and Gardens remains open in winter, offering stunning reflections on its lake. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve is also accessible with level paths, making it suitable for winter visits.
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