Best lakes around Kenn, located in Somerset, UK, offer a range of water-based activities and scenic viewpoints. The area features unique man-made marine lakes, coastal artificial lakes, and natural ponds. These diverse water bodies provide opportunities for swimming, paddling, and enjoying views across the Bristol Channel.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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I found the route along the water to be the most beautiful. The lap went well. For the most part the path is on roads/footpaths and there are a few meters up and down, but everything is doable. There is also a route that leads along the water to the right of the pier, but I haven't tried it.
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The beach is an estuary beach and so you don’t really get sand, much more mud and rocky beach backed by some grass and salt marsh, adjacent to the beach is a 100-year-old artificial lake and a small park. On a clear day, you get some good views over to the south Wales coast. There's a car park and restrooms available for use. Plenty of benches to seat on
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Perfect for dog walks. The beach is an estuary beach and so you don’t really get sand, much more mud and rocky beach backed by some grass and salt marsh, adjacent to the beach is a 100-year-old artificial lake and a small park. On a clear day, you get some good views over to the south Wales coast. There's a car park and restrooms available for use. Plenty of benches to seat on
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Didn't see any pigs or elephants but got stung half to death by the extremely overgrown path leading directly north, downhill through the marked gate (not a gate) and pond. Either bring calf protection or head around. The high path up to the left has the views anyway.
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Clevedon Marine Lake is an unusual swimming pool on the Somerset coast. Every spring tide, the pool fills with seawater from the Bristol Channel. You swim alongside open views across the channel – a unique experience! The lake is open 24/7 and is managed by a community group. They rely on donations so don't forget to put a few coins in the white boxes by the lake or donate online. The lake is open to swimmers, SUPs and canoers. You can bring along your inflatables too. For more information, see: http://clevedonmarinelake.co.uk/
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Quite steep and narrow uphill, really nice views over the lake and the menudo hills. Lower part is eroded and you might push your bike
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Best ridden as a descent, some lovely views over Blagdon lake. Gets a bit rutted and eroded towards the end, best on a mtb
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Starts off with big loose stones with big steps to stop erosion so its a push up for a bit then its ride-able on hard pack with more big stones but fine
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Around Kenn, you'll find a mix of unique aquatic experiences. These include coastal marine lakes, such as Clevedon Marine Lake, which fills with seawater from the Bristol Channel. There are also artificial lakes within park settings, like those found at Portishead Lake Grounds, offering tranquil spots for relaxation and walks.
Yes, Clevedon Marine Lake is an excellent spot for swimming. It's an unusual, open-air swimming pool on the Somerset coast that naturally fills with seawater. It's open 24/7 and also welcomes stand-up paddleboarders and canoers.
Both Portishead Beach and Portishead Lake Grounds are considered family-friendly. They feature an artificial lake and a small park, with amenities like car parks, restrooms, and benches, making them ideal for a relaxed family outing.
Yes, Portishead Lake Grounds are perfect for dog walks. The area offers a mix of estuary beach, grass, and salt marsh adjacent to an artificial lake, providing plenty of space for pets.
For those seeking a challenge and scenic views, Unicorn Lane offers a demanding climb with wonderful singletrack sections and views over Blagdon Lake. It's particularly recommended for mountain biking due to its steep, rocky, and rutted terrain.
Beyond visiting the lakes themselves, the area around Kenn offers various outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes like "The Strawberry Line – Cheddar Gorge loop" or "Ashton Court Estate – Festival Way loop." For mountain biking, consider trails such as "View of the River Brue – Shute Shelve Tunnel loop." Road cyclists can enjoy routes like "Chew Valley Lake – Brockley Combe Road Climb loop." You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Kenn, MTB Trails around Kenn, and Road Cycling Routes around Kenn guides.
Yes, at locations like Portishead Beach and Portishead Lake Grounds, you'll find car parks and restrooms available for public use. These areas also provide benches for seating.
Clevedon Marine Lake is unique because it's a large, tidal swimming pool on the Somerset coast that naturally fills with seawater during spring tides. It offers a distinctive open-water swimming experience with views across the Bristol Channel and is managed by a community group that relies on donations.
For activities like swimming at Clevedon Marine Lake, warmer weather is generally preferred. For walks and enjoying the views at places like Portishead Lake Grounds, any clear day offers good conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
While the immediate lakes around Kenn are more recreational, the broader region has historical significance. For instance, Kennick Reservoir in Devon, though not directly in Kenn, is surrounded by an area with archaeological finds dating back 8,000 years to Mesolithic times, indicating a rich ancient history.
At Portishead Beach and Portishead Lake Grounds, you'll find an estuary beach characterized by mud and rocky shores, backed by grass and salt marsh. On clear days, these locations offer good views over to the south Wales coast.


Still not found your perfect lake around Kenn? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.