Top 6 Lakes around Chalgrove
Best lakes around Chalgrove offer a variety of natural water features in the Oxfordshire countryside. The area, while a village, provides access to notable water bodies like former quarry lakes and wildlife habitats. These locations contribute to the region's natural landscape, offering opportunities for exploration and nature observation. Visitors can find diverse aquatic environments, from geologically significant sites to tranquil ponds.
Best lakes around Chalgrove
- The most popular lakes is Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes), a other_natural area that was…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat
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Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes)
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Wallingford Castle Moats and Grotto Pond
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Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit)
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Russell's Water Pond
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Tips from the Community
This is one of the quarries here, a part of the former Chinnor Chalk Pit, now flooded and known as Old Kiln Lakes. The lakes are freshwater, but very alkaline, and there was a warning to the public issued in 2012 to not swim in there. It's a striking and moon-like place, looking very dramatic and slightly out-of-this-world. A definite must!
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Discover this beautiful complex of lakes just outside Abingdon. The lakes were saved from destruction some years ago by a community-led group, Friends of Radley Lakes, and are now a thriving hotspot for local bird and wildlife.
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A beautiful area to enjoy nature during a relaxing hike or a walk.
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Add a bit here if you like, with a lap of Thrupp Lake!
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Great Circular walks from this village....very flat as well
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Pond is lovely. Full of ducks (keep dogs on lead) and some large fish!
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Bikes are Banned from going around Radley lakes :(
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes to visit around Chalgrove?
Among the most popular are Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes), known for its wildlife, and Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat, which offers dramatic views of its unique geological features from surrounding footpaths.
Are there any family-friendly lakes in the Chalgrove area?
Yes, Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes) is considered family-friendly and is a great spot for wildlife observation. Russell's Water Pond is also a pleasant, small-scale natural environment suitable for a short family visit.
Where can I go for a walk around a lake near Chalgrove?
You can enjoy walks around Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes), which is a significant wildlife habitat. For a smaller, tranquil option, Russell's Water Pond offers pleasant circular walks from the village.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes) is an important wildlife habitat, especially in summer when you can spot damselflies and dragonflies. Russell's Water Pond is home to many ducks and large fish.
Are there any dog-friendly lake walks near Chalgrove?
Yes, Russell's Water Pond is dog-friendly, though visitors are advised to keep dogs on a lead due to the ducks and other wildlife.
What is unique about Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat?
Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its geological importance, with fossil finds dating back 100 million years. The lakes feature bright, high-alkaline water, creating a striking, 'moon-like' landscape visible from surrounding footpaths.
Can I swim in the Old Kiln Lakes?
No, swimming is not advised in the Old Kiln Lakes. A warning was issued in 2012 due to the high alkalinity of the water, which can be unsafe.
Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes around Chalgrove?
You can find the Wandering Kitchen Café at Wet n Wild, which offers nice views over Berinsfield Lakes. For pubs, you might find options in nearby villages, often integrated into local walking routes.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near these lakes?
The Chalgrove area offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, such as the 'Watlington Chalk Pits – Spire & Spoke loop', by exploring the Easy hikes around Chalgrove guide. For cycling, there are road cycling routes like the 'Spire & Spoke – Flat Rural Road Near Oxford loop' in the Road Cycling Routes around Chalgrove guide, and mountain biking trails in the MTB Trails around Chalgrove guide.
What is the best time to visit the lakes for nature observation?
Summer is an excellent time to visit, especially for wildlife spotting at Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes), when damselflies and dragonflies are most active.
Are there any accessible lakes or viewpoints for those with limited mobility?
While specific accessibility details for all paths are not available, Russell's Water Pond is described as having very flat circular walks from the village, which may offer easier access to enjoy the views and wildlife.
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