Top 4 Lakes around Swindon
Best lakes around Swindon offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The area features several notable lakes, including historic reservoirs and tranquil lagoons, providing varied experiences for visitors. These bodies of water are often surrounded by country parks, woodlands, and nature reserves. Swindon's lakes serve as key natural features, supporting local wildlife and offering accessible outdoor spaces.
Best lakes around Swindon
- The most popular lakes is Coate Water Country Park, a nature reserve that features a 56-acre reservoir. It…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Coate Water Country Park
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Coate Water Lake and Diving Platform
Highlight • Lake
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
Peatmoor Lagoon
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Village Pond in the Oxfordshire Countryside
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
What I like about this beautiful walk is how the varying the sights and the general walk is, always a nice lil surprise every now and then when you do the round
0
0
A walk around the lake is always pleasant. Can be quite muddy at the top end in the winter/ when wet.
0
0
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.
1
0
Coate Water country park has a nature reserve, woodland and lake - great for wildlife watching and post-ride picnics.
0
0
Willow, ash and birch can all be found in the park's woodlands, with oak trees on higher ground. A fantastic park with nature trails, bird hides and family activities, this is a lovely place to walk through or simply visit. There are also good facilities, a cafe and BBQ hire.
0
0
It was lovely nd slow pace as with child seat at the back and another child on bike with me.
0
1
On the border with Oxfordshire, the village lay on a quiet hilly countryside. Some typical grass roofed cottages and a pond give the visitor the feeling to be inside a postcard.
0
0
Large and very beautiful landscape park in the southwest of Swindon
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes around Swindon?
Among the most popular lakes are Coate Water Country Park, known for its nature reserve and recreational activities, and Lydiard Park, a historic estate with a beautifully restored lake. Peatmoor Lagoon is also appreciated for its accessible, picturesque looped trail.
Which lakes are best for wildlife spotting near Swindon?
Coate Water Country Park is a haven for birdlife, including swans, geese, ducks, and occasional kingfishers, and is recognized as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). Stanton Country Park is also excellent for wildlife, supporting birds of prey, wildfowl, and large mammals like roe deer.
Are there family-friendly activities at the lakes around Swindon?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Coate Water Country Park has a seasonal splash park, children's play area, and mini-golf. Lydiard Park features a large children's play area and an aerial adventure center. Shaftesbury Lake also has a playground and is a popular spot for feeding ducks.
Are there accessible walking paths around Swindon's lakes?
Peatmoor Lagoon offers a 1.3-kilometer looped trail that is paved and flat, making it suitable for pushchairs and walkers of all ages. Stanton Country Park also provides circular surfaced routes designed for wheelchairs, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.
What historical features can I find at the lakes near Swindon?
Coate Water Lake and Diving Platform features an iconic, Grade II-listed Art Deco diving platform from 1935. Lydiard Park's lake was originally a 17th-century formal canal and was later reshaped, with the park also home to the Grade I listed Palladian Lydiard House and St Mary's Church.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Swindon?
The area around Swindon's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around Lydiard Park and Coate Water Country Park. Cycling routes are also popular, with options like the Double Helix Cycle Bridge to Coate Water. For more detailed routes, explore the running trails, cycling routes, and MTB trails guides for Swindon.
Which lakes are dog-friendly in the Swindon area?
Stanton Country Park explicitly welcomes dogs, offering a peaceful environment with walking trails. Many other country parks and lakes, such as Coate Water Country Park and Lydiard Park, are generally dog-friendly, though it's always advisable to check specific park rules regarding leash requirements.
Are there cafes or facilities available at Swindon's lakes?
Yes, Coate Water Country Park offers a café, toilets (including accessible facilities), and a ranger center. Lydiard Park also has cafes and tea rooms. Stanton Country Park provides a café and free parking.
What makes Stanton Country Park a unique place to visit?
Stanton Country Park is a 74-hectare Local Nature Reserve known for its wide variety of habitats and impressive wooden sculptures scattered throughout the park. It offers a tranquil escape with scenic lakes, streams, and remnants of ancient woodland, along with accessible routes and free parking.
Can I go fishing at the lakes around Swindon?
Angling is a popular activity at Coate Water Country Park, though permits are required. It's recommended to check with the park authorities for current regulations and permit information before planning your fishing trip.
What is Peatmoor Lagoon known for?
Peatmoor Lagoon is known for its picturesque landscape and tranquil setting, ideal for leisurely strolls. It features a 1.3-kilometer looped trail that is paved and flat, making it highly accessible for all ages and pushchairs, with smaller offshoots into surrounding woodland for those seeking more rugged paths.
Most popular routes around Swindon
Most popular attractions around Swindon
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Swindon? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
