Top 5 Lakes around Silverstone
Best lakes around Silverstone offer diverse natural and historical landscapes in the region surrounding the famous motor racing circuit. The area features a mix of man-made reservoirs and historical garden lakes, providing opportunities for various outdoor activities. Many locations provide easy walks around lakes near Silverstone, suitable for different activity levels. Visitors can find options for family friendly lakes near Silverstone, often with accessible paths and parking.
Best lakes around Silverstone
- The most popular lakes is Foxcote Reservoir, a…
Last updated: June 18, 2026
Palladian Bridge at Stowe
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Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins
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Foxcote Reservoir
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Octagon Lake
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Lamport Manor Rock and Water Garden
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Lying in a rolling Buckinghamshire landscape of arable fields, pasture and woodland, Foxcote Reservoir is the kind of place that rewards patient visitors. Created in 1956 by damming a small tributary of the River Great Ouse, this site has become important for the numbers of wintering waterfowl, especially wigeon and coot. https://www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/foxcote-reservoir
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Public school-boy favourite for stone-skipping and a spot of fishing on the sly. We had a picnic on the bank - it's a lovely place.
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Beautiful lake at the bottom of Stowe Gardens by the main entrance. There is accessible paths all the way around too.
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One of the first areas of the garden that visitors may encounter is the Octagon Lake and the features associated with it. The lake was originally designed as a formal octagonal pool, with sharp corners, as part of the seventeenth century formal gardens. Over the years, the shape of the pond was softened, gradually harmonising it within Stowe's increasingly naturalistic landscape. Source: Wikipedia
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A very prominent Palladian bridge in the park, it is one of the highlights of this property.
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Stowe can trap you in a time warp and you can walk these grounds for hours. Make sure to begin early, it never disappoints.
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Benton Seeley's 1744 Guidebook opens with a description of the Octagon Lake and then highlights this garden structure as "An Artificial Piece of Ruin cover'd with Ever-greens, under which lie the Statues of two River Gods; a beautiful Cascade of three Sheets of Water falls from the Octagon into a large Lake of 10 Acres." The Octagon Lake Cascade or Artificial Ruins Bevington notes that three arches for a cascade were built in 1728-29 and that the artificial ruins decorating them were added by 1738, probably from a design by William Kent. Kent's Shell Bridge in the Elysian Fields, though far less rustic in appearance, has a similar design and serves a similar purpose as a dam and cascade between the Alder River and the River Styx. http://faculty.bsc.edu/jtatter/cascade.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around Silverstone?
Yes, several lakes around Silverstone are suitable for families. Foxcote Reservoir is a great option for enjoying nature. The historical sites within Stowe Gardens, such as the Palladian Bridge at Stowe and Octagon Lake, are also family-friendly with accessible paths and interesting features like the Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins.
What kind of walks can I find around the lakes near Silverstone?
You can find a variety of walks, from easy strolls to more moderate hikes. Many locations offer easy walks around the lakes, suitable for different activity levels. For specific hiking routes, you can explore guides like Easy hikes around Silverstone or Hiking around Silverstone.
Are there any historical sites or monuments near the lakes?
Yes, the area is rich in history. Stowe Gardens features the iconic Palladian Bridge at Stowe, completed in 1738, and the Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins, a unique garden structure with statues and a cascade. Additionally, the Lamport Manor Rock and Water Garden offers a glimpse into 19th-century landscaping.
Which lakes are good for nature observation, especially birds?
Foxcote Reservoir is particularly noted for its importance to wintering waterfowl, such as wigeon and coot. It's a rewarding spot for patient visitors interested in birdwatching in a rolling Buckinghamshire landscape.
Are there wheelchair accessible lakes near Silverstone?
Yes, Octagon Lake within Stowe Gardens offers accessible paths all the way around, making it a good option for wheelchair users.
Can I find running trails near the lakes?
Absolutely. The region offers various running opportunities. You can find several routes in the Running Trails around Silverstone guide, which includes moderate difficulty trails near the area's natural features.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Silverstone?
Visitors appreciate the diverse settings, from formal gardens to natural wildlife habitats. The historical garden lakes and man-made reservoirs offer unique exploration opportunities. The area has received many upvotes and photos from the komoot community, highlighting its appeal for outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
Are there any less crowded lakes for a peaceful visit?
While specific crowd levels vary, places like Foxcote Reservoir are known for rewarding patient visitors with a tranquil experience, especially if you visit during off-peak times. Exploring the wider Stowe Gardens area, beyond the main attractions, can also lead to quieter spots.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Silverstone?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For birdwatching, winter is ideal at Foxcote Reservoir due to wintering waterfowl. Spring and summer offer lush landscapes for walks and picnics, while autumn provides beautiful foliage around the historical gardens.
Are there options for longer walks or hikes around the lakes?
Yes, for longer walks, you can combine paths around different lakes or explore the extensive grounds of places like Stowe Gardens. For structured routes, refer to the Hiking around Silverstone guide, which features routes of varying lengths and difficulties.
Can I find places for a picnic near the lakes?
Many of the lakes, particularly those within larger estates like Stowe Gardens, offer scenic spots perfect for a picnic. For instance, visitors have enjoyed picnics on the banks of Octagon Lake.
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