Top 6 Lakes around Mixbury
Best lakes around Mixbury offer diverse natural settings and recreational opportunities in the surrounding areas. While Mixbury itself is a small village, the nearby Stowe Gardens and Adderbury Lakes feature prominent bodies of water. These locations provide historical landscapes, designated nature reserves, and accessible paths for exploration. The region's lakes are valued for their natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Mixbury
- The most popular lakes is Foxcote Reservoir, an other natural area that is important…
Last updated: May 7, 2026
Palladian Bridge at Stowe
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins
Highlight • Waterfall
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
Foxcote Reservoir
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Octagon Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Lamport Manor Rock and Water Garden
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Mixbury.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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
0
0
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.
0
0
Beautiful lake at the bottom of Stowe Gardens by the main entrance. There is accessible paths all the way around too.
0
0
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
0
0
A very prominent Palladian bridge in the park, it is one of the highlights of this property.
1
0
Stowe can trap you in a time warp and you can walk these grounds for hours. Make sure to begin early, it never disappoints.
1
0
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
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes to visit near Mixbury?
Yes, several lakes near Mixbury are suitable for families. Octagon Lake in Stowe Gardens offers accessible paths and is a lovely spot for picnics. Foxcote Reservoir is another family-friendly natural area, ideal for observing waterfowl. Adderbury Lakes also provide pleasant, mostly wheelchair-accessible walks.
What historical sites or features can I find around the lakes near Mixbury?
The region is rich in historical water features. The Palladian Bridge at Stowe, completed in 1738, is an iconic structure offering picturesque views. Nearby, the Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins feature a beautiful cascade and ruins added around 1738. You can also explore the 19th-century Lamport Manor Rock and Water Garden, which contrasts with the older landscaping.
Are there accessible walks around the lakes near Mixbury?
Yes, Octagon Lake in Stowe Gardens has accessible paths all the way around, making it suitable for various visitors. Adderbury Lakes, a designated Local Nature Reserve, also offers pleasant, mostly wheelchair-accessible walks.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes near Mixbury?
Foxcote Reservoir is particularly important for wintering waterfowl, including species like wigeon and coot. Adderbury Lakes, as a Local Nature Reserve, supports a variety of wild plants, trees, animals, and birds, making it a great spot for nature observation.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes around Mixbury?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities in the vicinity. You can find routes like the 'Cottisford circular via Tusmore House' or 'Hethe – Little Free Library loop from Cottisford'. For more details and routes, visit the Hiking around Mixbury guide.
What other outdoor activities are available near Mixbury's lakes?
Beyond hiking, the area offers options for running and road cycling. You can explore running trails such as the 'Cottisford Gravel Road – Tusmore House loop' or road cycling routes like the 'Evenley Village Green – Rural Road loop'. Find more routes in the Running Trails around Mixbury and Road Cycling Routes around Mixbury guides.
When is the best time to visit the lakes near Mixbury?
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for pleasant walks and picnics, while autumn brings beautiful foliage, especially in landscaped areas like Stowe Gardens. Winter can be a good time for birdwatching at Foxcote Reservoir due to the increased waterfowl.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes near Mixbury?
Many outdoor areas in the UK are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific site regulations. For example, Stowe Gardens, where Octagon Lake is located, typically welcomes dogs on leads in most areas. Always ensure your dog is under control and clean up after them.
Where can I find parking for the lakes near Mixbury?
For Stowe Gardens, which includes Octagon Lake and the Palladian Bridge, there is dedicated visitor parking available. For other natural areas like Foxcote Reservoir or Adderbury Lakes, look for designated car parks or roadside parking options, often detailed on local nature reserve websites.
Are there any viewpoints or picturesque spots around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Palladian Bridge at Stowe offers stunning views across the water. The area around Octagon Lake and its cascade provides a serene and picturesque setting within the historic Stowe Gardens. These locations are highly appreciated for their scenic beauty and photographic opportunities.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes near Mixbury?
Visitors frequently praise the serene beauty and historical significance of the lakes. Many enjoy the accessible paths around Octagon Lake for walks and picnics. The Palladian Bridge is often highlighted as a beautiful spot for crossing water and enjoying the views. The tranquil atmosphere and the chance to observe wildlife, especially at Foxcote Reservoir, are also popular attractions.
Most popular attractions around Mixbury
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Mixbury? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
