Top 15 Lakes around Chobham
Best lakes around Chobham offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The area features a mix of tranquil ponds, larger lakes, and historical sites, providing settings for various outdoor activities. Many lakes are integrated into public footpaths and forests, making them accessible for exploration. This region is characterized by its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, attracting visitors seeking both relaxation and active pursuits.
Best lakes around Chobham
- The most popular lakes is Cow Pond, a lake known for picnics, wildlife, and scenic views. It features an oak arbour and a Baroque-style footbridge, renovated in 2012.
- Another must-see spot is Rapley Lake, a lake located within Swinley Forest. It offers extensive paths for walking and is appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere and natural features.
- Visitors also love Fort Belvedere Vista from Virginia Water, a viewpoint overlooking Virginia Water, a significant artificial lake at the southern end of Windsor Great Park. This area includes historical landmarks such as Fort Belvedere.
- Chobham is known for its diverse range of lakes, including tranquil ponds, larger recreational lakes, and those integrated into forest environments. Visitors can explore various types of water bodies, from small, secluded spots to expansive lakes with historical significance.
- The lakes around Chobham are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 56 upvotes and 29 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Cow Pond
Highlight • Lake
Whilst visiting Cow Pond, take a trip to nearby Chapel Wood. Autumn fills this woodland with the glorious colour of the Japanese maples, while a visit during January and February will be rewarded with colourful and sweetly perfumed witch hazels. Whatever the season, this charming wood is always a worthwhile addition to your walk.
Cow Pond was formally created in the early 1700s by architect Henry Flitcroft, as an extension from an existing pond. The oak arbour and footbridge, added as part of the renovations in 2012, were built according to the original 1748 designs.
windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/cow-pond
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Coxes Lock and Mill Pond
Highlight • River
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coxes_Lock?wprov=sfla1
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Rapley Lake
Highlight • Forest
The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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Five Arch Bridge, Virginia Water Lake
Highlight • Bridge
virginiawater.org.uk/scr/histlist.php?locid=&bid=15
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Riverside Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
The reserve is home to a number of plant, animal, and rare bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and warblers.
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Tips from the Community
To a passerby, a mill pond like the one presented here might seem ordinary, but there is another point of view: For example, in the story world of Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), who became famous with the imaginative children's books he wrote, things look quite different: Here, such a mill pond is also the extremely exciting habitat of a water sprite family. His still popular book "Der kleine Wassermann" tells wonderful stories of the adventures experienced by the family's offspring. On an audio book CD, the water sprite mother sings her son to sleep for the winter: "Little water sprite, close your eyes and get some rest, I'll sit here for a while and watch you sleep. May your dreams guide you and touch you wonderfully, and when you wake up again, a new year will begin for you."
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The tow path in the Basingstoke canal, from Woking to the junction with the Wey, it is paved and smooth. The tow path in the Wey Navigation canal is more bumpy, roots etc. Apt for a gravel bike, perhaps not so for a road bike.
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The lakes are just as beautiful as the pleasant wooden path through the marshland. It's very quiet here, although you can hear the noise of the nearby highway. Nevertheless, you can find and enjoy the silence here - we were thrilled by this little paradise!
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Rapley Lake is beautiful and sits on the outskirts of the Royal Estate of Bagshot Park. It's very peaceful and on a still day the lake is like a mirror. It's a bit of a dead end if you cycle there as there's only really one path in or out, but lots of little paths for hiking. There's ducks and geese who like to be fed!
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Very close to Bagshot, within Swinley Forest, you will find this beautiful lake, perfect for a walk and for getting lost in the network of paths throughout the forest. The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful wetland and woodland that makes up Riverside Nature Reserve in Guildford. The reserve is home to a number of plant, animal, and rare bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and warblers.
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It would be helpful to put in the walk title where it is!
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Really peaceful here and just one of the many different and interesting features you'll find along this route
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for walking and hiking around Chobham?
For extensive walking, Rapley Lake within Swinley Forest offers a vast network of paths. While not a lake itself, the area around Fort Belvedere Vista from Virginia Water provides several hours of enjoyable walking around the large artificial lake, featuring historical landmarks. You can also find easy hikes around Chobham, including routes like "Cows on the Trail" on Chobham Common. For more details on hiking routes, explore the easy hikes guide for Chobham.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Chobham area?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Cow Pond is highly recommended for picnics, wildlife viewing (ducks and birds), and scenic views. Rapley Lake in Swinley Forest is also family-friendly with its walking paths. Additionally, Danewell Pond on Horsell Common is a pleasant spot for families, known for dragonflies and damselflies.
What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes near Chobham?
The lakes around Chobham offer diverse natural beauty. Cow Pond is known for its ducks, birds, and scenic views, with an oak arbour and Baroque-style footbridge. Fishpool, an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), features large lily pad beds and various fish species. Danewell Pond is an important breeding site for dragonflies and damselflies. Gracious Pond, now a private nature reserve, is a sanctuary for heathland species, including the raft spider.
Are there any historical landmarks or sites near the lakes?
Yes, the area combines natural beauty with historical significance. Around Virginia Water, you can find the ruins of Leptis Magna and a Totem Pole. Coxes Lock and Mill Pond is a beautiful historical spot along the Wey Navigation. Cow Pond itself features an oak arbour and a Baroque-style footbridge, renovated in 2012 according to original 1748 designs.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Chobham?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but each season offers unique experiences. Autumn brings glorious colors to woodlands like Chapel Wood near Cow Pond with Japanese maples. January and February are ideal for seeing colorful witch hazels. Spring and summer are perfect for wildlife spotting, picnics, and enjoying the extensive walking paths.
Can I go cycling or mountain biking near the lakes?
Absolutely. The region offers various cycling opportunities. Swinley Forest, home to Rapley Lake, is particularly popular for mountain biking with its extensive trails. You can find detailed routes in the cycling guide for Chobham and the MTB trails guide for Chobham.
Are there any lakes suitable for angling or fishing?
Yes, Fishpool, located east of Chobham village, is a popular spot for angling, known for carp (5lb-20lb), tench, rudd, and perch. Childown Lake, also east of Chobham, offers pleasure angling on a season ticket basis and is home to carp, roach, rudd, tench, and perch. Note that fishing during the close season is prohibited at Fishpool, and night fishing at Childown Lake requires a permit.
What should I wear for walks around the lakes, especially after rain?
It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear, especially after heavy rainfall. Areas like Rapley Lake within Swinley Forest can get quite muddy. Comfortable walking shoes or waterproof boots are recommended to fully enjoy the trails.
Are dogs allowed on trails around the lakes?
While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, specific rules may apply to certain lakes. For example, dogs are generally not allowed at Childown Lake. It's always best to check local signage or specific lake regulations before visiting with your dog.
Where can I find viewpoints overlooking the lakes?
The Fort Belvedere Vista from Virginia Water offers a significant viewpoint overlooking the large artificial lake. Cow Pond also provides lovely views, making it a scenic spot for relaxation.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the lakes for refreshments?
While specific cafes and pubs directly adjacent to every lake are not detailed, the Chobham area and surrounding towns offer various options for refreshments. Many popular walking areas, especially those within larger parks or forests, often have facilities nearby. It's recommended to check local listings for cafes and pubs in Chobham or nearby villages like Sunningdale or Bagshot.
Is parking available at the lakes?
Parking is generally available at or near the more popular lake destinations and walking areas. For instance, areas like Swinley Forest (where Rapley Lake is located) and Virginia Water typically have designated parking facilities. For smaller, more secluded ponds, parking might be limited to roadside spots or nearby public car parks.
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