Best lakes around Drayton Beauchamp are primarily found within the broader Tring Reservoirs complex, as Drayton Beauchamp itself features historical water bodies rather than large public recreational lakes. The area, part of the Wendover Foothills, is characterized by its natural landscape and historical features. While Drayton Beauchamp has old fish ponds and moats, the main attractions for lake activities are nearby reservoirs. These water bodies offer opportunities for walking routes and observing local wildlife.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Highlight β’ Lake
Tip by
Highlight β’ Forest
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight β’ Lake
Tip by
Highlight β’ Lake
Tip by
Highlight β’ Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Drayton Beauchamp.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
This is a lovely trail that travels between the Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir via a green walkway. In the area you'll find sitting benches, beautiful grasslands and riverboats. Additionally a nearby birdwatching hide provides an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife.
2
0
A really beautiful pond here within Pitstone Common, with a newly built (in 2010) platform. The pond has shrunk in size over the years, but it's still a lovely place to be, and in the autumn the colours of the leaves on the trees here are totally gorgeous, only adding to the effect of the place.
1
0
Great walks from here that can be short or long. You can also walk to the Pitsone windmill which is the oldest Windmill in the British Isles
0
0
Great family friendly rides around the lakes, 3 will signed routes of different distance. Great fun π
1
0
Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve comprises four individual reservoirs: Startop's End, Marsworth and Tringford reservoirs are all close together and Wilstone reservoir is a short distance to the west. The reservoirs are home to a variety of wildlife and their reedbeds, wet woodland and open water habitats are a natural stronghold for birds. During colder months, you can find a large number of wintering wildfowl across all four reservoirs, including tufted duck, pochard, teal, gadwall, wigeon and shoveler with occasional goldeneye, goosander and smew if it is very cold. Wilstone Reservoir boasts the rare mudwort plant that can be spotted on the mudflats during autumn months as the waters recede. The site attracts breeding common terns which use rafts the Trust has installed and breeding oystercatchers have been recorded here. Between December and February, Marsworth Reservoir is a great place to see overwintering bitterns, as this site has a fantastic reedbed that retains its water to allow the birds to feed throughout the season. There is a heronry on the bank of Wilstone Reservoir and if you take binoculars you should be able to catch a glimpse of these usually solitary birds in large numbers. If you visit the reservoirs during late spring then you may spot a hobby hunting over the water. The hobby is an African migrant bird that is best seen on warm summer days at the end of May when there is plenty of prey around. You can also occasionally hear the call of the cuckoo especially from the back of the reedbed at Wilstone or Marsworth where you should also be able to hear and see reed warblers. Tring Reservoirs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for a number of reasons including their situation on the lower chalk at the foot of the Chilterns escarpment resulting in diverse communities of plants and animals. Additionally, nationally-important numbers of shoveler are present during winter, together with other wildfowl. Large numbers of sedge and reed warblers breed here and Tring Reservoirs are a fantastic place to spot passage waders too.
1
1
The Marsworth Reservoirs act as a magnet for anglers, dog walkers, boaters, birdwatchers and walkers, especially over a sunny weekend, but few ever really venture much beyond the car parks and tearooms. The walk begins with a flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal, before heading down a stretch of the partially restored Wendover Arm. The route then diverts into open countryside before regaling the walker with a magnificent view of the large Wilstone Reservoir, one of four on this walk. Here there is an option to enter a bird hide to view the many species who call this water their home at different times of the year. The other reservoirs follow, making this a relaxing six miles of relatively easy walking following a circular route. Allow a good couple of hours to complete the walk, longer if you want to linger.
3
0
Wilstone Reservoir boasts the rare mudwort plant that can be spotted on the mudflats during autumn months as the waters recedes. The site also attracts breeding common terns. There is free parking available.
1
0
View of rare UK birds in the famous birdwatching spot. The reserve is a former chalk quarry in Pitstone and is one of the flagship reserves of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, and it has an information centre, education facilities, a cafΓ©, toilets and a shop.
0
0
Drayton Beauchamp itself primarily features historical water bodies rather than large, publicly accessible recreational lakes. You'll find remnants of old fish ponds and moats, such as those near the Moat House and The Old Rectory, which are part of the area's heritage. The Dorton House Estate also historically had small, private lakes. For larger recreational lakes, you'll need to explore the nearby Tring Reservoirs complex.
The primary recreational lakes for visitors near Drayton Beauchamp are part of the broader Tring Reservoirs complex. These reservoirs, including Marsworth, Wilstone, and Startop's End, are located a short distance away and offer various outdoor activities.
Among the most popular lakes in the vicinity are Marsworth Reservoir, known for attracting anglers, dog walkers, boaters, and birdwatchers. Another favorite is the Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir, offering a pleasant trail with views of grasslands and riverboats. Visitors also enjoy the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir for its scenic views of canalboats and reeds.
Yes, there are numerous walking and hiking trails around the nearby lakes, particularly within the Tring Reservoirs complex. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the "Wilstone Reservoir β Wendover Arm Footbridge loop" or the "Wendover Arm Footbridge β Wilstone Reservoir loop." You can find more details and routes on the Easy hikes around Drayton Beauchamp guide.
The Tring Reservoirs, including Wilstone Reservoir and Marsworth Reservoir, are a haven for wildlife, especially birds. They are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). You can spot various wildfowl like tufted duck, pochard, teal, and shoveler, particularly in colder months. There's a heronry at Wilstone Reservoir, and you might see breeding common terns and oystercatchers. Bird hides are available for observation.
Many of the routes around the Tring Reservoirs are considered family-friendly and suitable for dogs. For instance, Marsworth Reservoir offers relaxing, relatively easy circular walks. The Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir also provides a pleasant, green path with benches. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife habitats.
Beyond walking and hiking, the area around the lakes offers opportunities for running and cycling. You can find various running routes, such as the "Drayton Beauchamp loop via Wilstone Reservoir," detailed in the Running Trails around Drayton Beauchamp guide. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the "Aldbury Village Pond β St Mary's Church, Ivinghoe loop" available in the Road Cycling Routes around Drayton Beauchamp guide.
Yes, free parking is available at some locations, such as near Wilstone Reservoir. For other areas within the Tring Reservoirs complex, parking facilities are generally available, though they can get busy on sunny weekends.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Autumn offers beautiful colors, especially around Clickmere Pond, and is when the rare mudwort plant can be spotted at Wilstone Reservoir. Winter is excellent for birdwatching, with large numbers of overwintering wildfowl. Late spring and summer are ideal for spotting African migrant birds like hobbies and hearing cuckoos and warblers.
While specific cafes or pubs directly on the lake shores are limited, the broader Tring Reservoirs area and nearby villages will offer options for refreshments. The guide data mentions that visitors often don't venture far beyond car parks and tearooms, implying some facilities are available, especially near popular spots like Marsworth Reservoir.
Drayton Beauchamp has a rich history tied to its water features. The Drayton Beauchamp Conservation Area mentions a number of old fish ponds and a moat around historic buildings like the Moat House and The Old Rectory. Near the old manor-house, fishponds and a homestead moat are also noted. These are remnants of historical land use and estate management, reflecting the area's past.
While the guide mentions "lakeside bathers making the most of the sunshine" along the Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir, it's important to note that official wild swimming spots are not explicitly highlighted. Always exercise caution and check local regulations regarding swimming in reservoirs, as they are often not designated for public bathing due to safety and environmental concerns.


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