Best lakes around Leigh offers access to a variety of natural water bodies and parklands. This region features extensive lake systems, including one of the UK's largest, alongside smaller lagoons and park lakes. The landscape provides opportunities for exploring diverse natural features and enjoying outdoor activities. Many areas are designated nature reserves, supporting varied wildlife.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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This lagoon is set in a picturesque landscape and is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. The surrounding path is paved and flat, with a few smaller offshoots inviting you to explore the surrounding woodland on more rugged trails.
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It’s a wide open space, with lake, wildfowl, children’s play area, bandstand and public toilets near the entrance by the church.
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Great flowing surface track with a quality turns through the lakes.
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Concrete paths around the cafe and heading to the car parks. Paths are all weather, but puddles form after heavy rain. 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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Nice flowy route, good surface and fun corners
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The Cotswold Water Park is the UK’s largest marl lake system. Covering an area of 40 square miles, it boasts more than 150 lakes set across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and West Oxfordshire. Many of the lakes and areas have been designated as nature reserves and are home to myriad wildlife. As the park covers a large area, it is free to enter. However, you do have to pay to enter the beach and activity centre. For more information, visit: https://www.waterpark.org/.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the expansive Lake at Cotswold Water Park, which is the UK’s largest marl lake system. Another favorite is Peatmoor Lagoon, known for its picturesque setting and accessible paths. Abbey Grounds Park also offers a wide-open space with a lake and wildfowl.
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Lake at Cotswold Water Park is family-friendly, offering vast areas to explore. Lydiard Park is also a good option, featuring all-weather paths and hosting a Parkrun. Abbey Grounds Park includes a children's play area alongside its lake.
The lakes around Leigh, particularly the Lake at Cotswold Water Park, are designated nature reserves, home to diverse wildlife. You can expect to see various bird species and other natural flora and fauna. Abbey Grounds Park also features wildfowl on its lake.
Yes, Peatmoor Lagoon offers a paved and flat path around its perimeter, making it suitable for leisurely strolls with wheelchairs or strollers. Lydiard Park also has concrete, all-weather paths around its cafe and leading to car parks.
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Lakefront Café at the Dock – The Lodge at Lake 12 loop' or the 'Sculpture Park loop'. For hiking, there are options such as the 'Hiking loop from Ashton Keynes' or the 'Lake at Cotswold Water Park – Ashton Keynes loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the Cycling around Leigh and Hiking around Leigh guides.
Yes, there are hiking trails for various abilities. You can find easy hikes like the 'Hiking loop from Ashton Keynes' (6.1 km) or the 'Thames and Severn Canal Lock – The Lodge at Lake 12 loop' (4.8 km). Moderate options include the 'Ashton Keynes loop' (9.2 km) or the 'Lake at Cotswold Water Park – Ashton Keynes loop' (8 km). Explore more options in the Hiking around Leigh and Easy hikes around Leigh guides.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural features and opportunities for outdoor activities. The Lake at Cotswold Water Park is valued for its extensive size and status as a nature reserve. The Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes is praised for its 'great flowing surface track with quality turns' for cycling. Overall, the community has shared 7 photos and given 38 upvotes, highlighting the area's appeal.
For cycling, the Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes is best visited in the spring and summer. Generally, warmer months offer more pleasant conditions for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the lakes.
While the guide focuses on natural lakes, the broader region around Leigh (Wiltshire) and the Cotswold Water Park has historical significance. For example, the Friday Street Mill Pond (near Leigh, Surrey, a different 'Leigh') has historical roots as a 16th-century hammer pond. Ifield Mill Pond (near Leigh, West Sussex) also has a 17th-century history and features a historic mill. However, for the specific lakes mentioned in this guide, the primary focus is on natural beauty and recreation rather than historical structures.
Parking is available at some locations. For instance, Lydiard Park offers parking, though a small fee may apply. The Lake at Cotswold Water Park is free to enter, but specific activity centers or beaches within the park may charge for entry or parking.
Yes, some lake areas provide facilities. Lydiard Park has a cafe. Abbey Grounds Park offers public toilets near the entrance. The Lake at Cotswold Water Park, being a large area, also has visitor centers and cafes within its various sections.
Absolutely. The area is popular for cycling, with highlights like the Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes offering a 'great flowing surface track with quality turns'. You can find various cycling routes, including easy and moderate options, in the Cycling around Leigh guide.


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