Best lakes around Churchdown offer a variety of aquatic experiences, from expansive water parks to serene fishing lakes and local park ponds. While Churchdown itself features a local recreation ground with a pond, the wider area provides access to significant natural and man-made lake systems. The nearby Cotswold Water Park, a vast wetland landscape with over 180 lakes, is a major draw for water-based activities and wildlife observation. This region provides diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation and connecting with nature.
…Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Enjoy beautiful scenery here as you pass Brook Farm Trout Fishery, a lake regularly stocked with trout for local fishers.
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Stroll through this spacious woodland fit with vibrant greenery, towering trees, a babbling brook and a lake.
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The Painswick Rococo Gardens are the only Rococo Gardens in the UK, full of little follies, different types of gardens, sculptures and mazes. If you are in the area already, well worth checking them out.
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Dowdeswell Reservoir is a scenic stretch of water on the outskirts of Cheltenham. From the reservoir, you step straight into Dowdeswell Woods; a nature reserve that’s home to many species of plants and animals. Keep a lookout for birds including coot, moorhen, great crested grebe and little grebe.
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A great cycleway through the very beautiful Pittville Park... lots of pedestrians and dogs to avoid, but a great way to go and an even better place to plan as a spot to take a break.
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Stunning gardens in a lovely overall setting. Good free parking area. Play area (hidden away), lake, maze, second hand bookshop, gift shop, cafe. The shop is not open atm and maze is closed - children there seemed to mange to make their own entertainment though. Cafe was very welcoming and still has lovely food although limited due to COVID atm and only takeway currently. Toilet facilities usually include baby change but only portaloo now. Pretty good on the COVID arrangements and you need to book ahead. They are trying to work out how they can open up a bit more but limited space in cafe/shop building.
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Great afternoon in the woods. Quite a few trees downed by winds and heard one crash whilst on my walk , so caution. Paths very muddy due to logging vehicles.
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Lovely area to walk, along footpaths through the woods and along the water.
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Near Churchdown, you'll find a variety of aquatic experiences. These include the vast wetland landscape of the Cotswold Water Park, which features over 180 lakes, as well as serene fishing lakes like Stone End House Farm Fishery and local park ponds such as the one at Churchdown Park Recreation Ground.
Yes, the Cotswold Water Park, located about 14-17 miles from Churchdown, is a major hub for watersports. You can enjoy activities such as sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, open water swimming, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Equipment rental and lessons are widely available there.
For fishing, Stone End House Farm Fishery, about six miles north of Gloucester, offers two main lakes stocked with carp, crucians, roach, and bream. Another option is Brook Farm Trout Fishery, which is regularly stocked with trout and provides a scenic setting for anglers.
Absolutely. Pittville Park Lake is a family-friendly park with a pleasant path for walking and benches. The Cotswold Water Park also offers family-friendly attractions like inland sandy beaches, adventure playgrounds, and inflatable aqua parks. Additionally, Painswick Rococo Garden features a lake within its stunning gardens, which include a maze and play area.
The Cotswold Water Park is a haven for nature and wildlife, especially for birdwatching, with tens of thousands of water birds visiting in winter. It's also home to otters, kingfishers, and water voles, with numerous nature reserves and hides. Dowdeswell Reservoir is another scenic spot where you can look out for birds like coot, moorhen, great crested grebe, and little grebe.
Yes, you can find walking paths around lakes. Pittville Park Lake has a nice path for walking. At Dowdeswell Reservoir, you can enjoy walks along the water and through the adjacent Dowdeswell Woods nature reserve. The Cotswold Water Park also offers miles of off-road walking routes and lakeside paths.
Beyond watersports and fishing, the area around Churchdown offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hiking routes, road cycling routes, and running trails. For example, there are several easy hikes around Churchdown, including loops that pass through scenic areas. You can also explore road cycling routes and running trails in the vicinity.
Yes, Churchdown Park Recreation Ground features a pond area as part of its amenities. It's a convenient green space within Churchdown for walks and enjoying nature, especially for families using the park's other facilities like the play area, skatepark, and BMX track.
Yes, Painswick Rococo Garden is a unique historical site. It is the only Rococo Garden in the UK, featuring follies, different garden types, sculptures, a maze, and a lake. It's a lovely setting for exploration and relaxation.
The Cotswold Water Park is renowned for its vast network of over 180 lakes, offering diverse habitats and a wide range of activities. It's a significant area for watersports, nature observation (especially birdwatching), and general recreation like walking and cycling. Many of its lakes are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their ecological importance. You can learn more about it on Cotswold District Council's website.
Yes, Park Wood, The Cotswolds National Landscape, is a spacious woodland featuring vibrant greenery, towering trees, and a lake, providing a natural setting for exploration and strolls.


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