Best lakes around Lighthorne offers a blend of historical water features and dedicated fishing lakes. This Warwickshire village, while not dominated by large natural lakes, provides access to several water bodies. The area includes sites of historical significance, such as ancient fishponds, alongside modern fisheries. Visitors can explore various types of lakes, from landscaped park features to former quarries.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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There are great views of 'Compton Pools' from many vantage points along this route. The pools are really lakes as they were turned into a single expanse of water by Lancelot Capability Brown circa 1769. The hills, the house and the bridges provide a beautiful backdrop to the lakes.
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Jephson gardens is nice to sit and watch the world go by, Savi is close by for coffee and cake
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We had to double back on ourselves slightly to see the lakes, as they were hidden behind a hedge
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Great for walking the dog and deer are everywhere
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Obelisk in pale grey granite erected in 1875 in recognition of Edward Willes' gift of Newbold Gardens (later renamed Jephson Gardens), Leamington Spa in 1846. Situated north of the Lake. Grade II listed. Obelisk. 1875. Grey granite obelisk on stone base. 3 steps to Neo-Gothic pedestal with pillars to angles with foliate capitals and arched panels carrying shields. Inscribed ‘Erected in honour of Edward Willes Esquire of Newbold Comyn to whom Leamington is indebted for the site of these gardens’. Edward Willes gave land for public gardens in 1836 as part of his Newbold Comyn development. They were known as Newbold Gardens until 1846 when renamed Jephson Gardens. Erected in 1875 and situated north of the Lake. Pale grey granite. Base of “Derbyshire stone” and other stones. Colour photographs on page 39 of 1. the obelisk and 2. the base with inscriptions (i) original 1875 “Erected in honour of Edward Willes Esquire of Newbold Comyn” and (ii) added in 1879 “To whom Leamington is indebted for the sites of these gardens”. Edward Willes gave various plots of land to the town. He placed covenants on his land by the river to preserve its open outlook, including the Newbold Gardens, former meadows which had been laid out in simply style around 1832 as walks for subscribers. The Willes family left Leamington in 1827. In 1846 Edward Willes, very ill, agreed to the neglected Gardens being acquired by the trustees and remodelled as a testimonial to Dr Jephson. From time to time the Leamington Spa Courier reminded its readers of the lack of any memorial to Mr Willes’ gifts. The Trustees of the Gardens finally obliged with an obelisk but refused to agree to any inscription which corrected the impression that had gained currency that the Gardens were the gift of Dr Jephson. When the obelisk was unveiled in 1875, the Courier pointed out that the plaque did not state why the obelisk had been erected. After Dr Jephson died in 1878 the Trustees offered no opposition to the addition of the second inscription referred to above.
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First laid out in 1831 as informal riverside walks along the River Leam, the land was renamed Jephson Gardens and developed into formal gardens after 1846. They were named in honour of Dr Henry Jephson, a famous doctor who had promoted the town as a spa. Originally the settling beds for the town’s water supply, Mill Gardens was landscaped as part of improvements to the River Leam in 1901-03, which created an improved riverside landscape. Like many parks, Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens fell into slow decline after World War II. They were restored by Warwick District Council in the early 2000s with help from a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of over £3 million. Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens are part of the Spa Gardens, a ribbon of riverside parks in Leamington that are listed as Grade II on the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens.
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The lakes around Lighthorne offer a variety of natural and landscaped features. You can find a lake within a town park at Jephson Gardens, which is popular for strolls. Bishops Bowl Lakes, a former limestone quarry, presents an attractive stone-faced bowl and is a site of scientific interest. Additionally, Waterfall and Lake at Charlecote Park features a waterfall that maintains the lake's water level, providing a haven for wildlife and birdwatching.
Yes, Lighthorne has historical water features. To the west of Lighthorne Church, you can find visible earthworks of Medieval/Post Medieval fishponds. These were historically used for breeding and storing fish, with one pond still water-filled today, offering a glimpse into past agricultural practices. Additionally, Compton Pools were transformed into a single expanse of water around 1769 by Lancelot Capability Brown, providing a beautiful historical landscape.
Absolutely. Jephson Gardens is a popular, family-friendly spot with a lake within a town park, often busy with families. Compton Pools also offers great views and is considered family-friendly. For those interested in camping and fishing, Fir Tree Campsite & Fishing Lake provides a quiet, sheltered location suitable for families.
The area around Lighthorne's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes, such as the 'Hatton Locks – Hatton Locks loop' or 'Start of the Greenway – Draycote Water loop'. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy routes like 'Charlecote Park – Charlecote Park loop' or 'Farm Track to Compton Pools – Lighthorne Pavilion Café loop'. For runners, there are trails like the 'Oakley Wood loop' or 'Compton Pools – Stone Bridge at Compton Verney loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the respective guides: Gravel biking around Lighthorne, Cycling around Lighthorne, and Running Trails around Lighthorne.
Yes, some areas around Lighthorne's lakes are suitable for dog walking. For instance, Waterfall and Lake at Charlecote Park is noted as being great for walking the dog, with wildlife like deer often seen in the parkland.
Yes, Lighthorne is home to the Fosse Way Fishery, which offers three distinct lakes for various fishing styles. Lake One is for carp anglers, Lake Two is well-stocked with carp, tench, and bream for action-filled sessions, and Lake Three is ideal for club matches and pole fishing. The fishery provides a peaceful setting with amenities like car parks and an on-site toilet.
The Fosse Way Fishery, for example, is open year-round, making it accessible in various seasons. For general enjoyment of the natural features and walks, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for strolls and outdoor activities. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, though some facilities like the nearby Pavilion cafe might have reduced hours (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
The Fosse Way Fishery is easily accessible from the Fosse Way or via Lighthorne from Leamington Spa. It provides a small car park conveniently located next to each lake, ensuring easy access for visitors.
Yes, near the Fosse Way Fishery, there is a cafe called The Pavilion, which offers snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks. Please note that The Pavilion is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Jephson Gardens also has a cafe, typically open during normal times.
Bishops Bowl Lakes is unique because it sits on a 90-acre former limestone quarry, creating an attractive stone-faced bowl. The entire site is recorded as a site of scientific interest, and historically, marine fossils, including ichthyosaur and plesiosaur skeletons, were found here, now housed in the Natural History Museum, London.
While specific accommodation details are not provided for all lakes, Fir Tree Campsite & Fishing Lake offers a quiet campsite option for those looking to stay overnight near a fishing lake in a lovely sheltered location.
Visitors appreciate the variety of experiences offered by the lakes. They enjoy the peaceful setting of fishing lakes, the historical significance of ancient fishponds, and the pleasant strolls through landscaped parks like Jephson Gardens. The opportunity for wildlife spotting and the scenic views, especially from vantage points around Compton Pools, are also highly valued.


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