Top 17 Lakes around Chorleywood
Best lakes around Chorleywood are found in an area characterized by its proximity to the Chiltern Hills and the Colne Valley Regional Park, offering a blend of natural landscapes and accessible green spaces. The region features diverse habitats, including woodlands, open grasslands, and waterways. These areas provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and experiencing nature.
Best lakes around Chorleywood
- The most popular lakes is Ruislip Lido, a lake with facilities that offers cycling, bird-watching, and places to eat. It features a narrow-gauge train and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
- Another must-see spot is Shardeloes Lake, a man-made lake in the Chiltern Hills. It offers a tranquil setting for scenic walks, fishing, and bird-watching, with opportunities to spot various wildlife.
- Visitors also love Village Green and Pond, Chalfont St Giles, a village pond within a settlement. This spot provides a pleasant place to pause, with benches, cafes, and pubs nearby.
- Chorleywood is known for its man-made lakes, natural ponds, and village greens with water features. These include large lakes created from gravel extraction, as well as smaller, historical ponds.
- The lakes around Chorleywood are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and over 80 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Ruislip Lido
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Shardeloes Lake
Highlight • Natural
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
Village Green and Pond, Chalfont St Giles
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Gilbert's Lake
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Chipperfield Common Woodland and Ponds
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Chorleywood.
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
Lovely lake and doesn’t look like man made at all and would recommend Boots for the path and Park specially if there has been rain over last few days
0
0
Shardeloes Lake is a beautiful man-made lake situated between the villages of Old Amersham & Little Missenden in the Chiltern Hills. The lake provides a tranquil setting for a scenic walk, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities.
2
0
Gilbert's Lake is currently being run dry as an invasive species was found in the water. Hopefully all will be well next year
0
0
A sandy beach in London, Ruislip Lido is a popular place for recreation, be that running, swimming or walking. The lido spent nearly 80 years in a state of disrepair but was restored and reopened in 2010. It was originally built as a reservoir for the Grand Union Canal.
1
0
The lake has a far more intriguing story to it than might meet the eye. It lies within the old estate of Grim's Dyke, former home to W. S. Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan fame – the creators of Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S. Pinafore amongst many other plays. Gilbert drowned in the lake when he was 74, during a rescue attempt of a young woman.
0
0
Chipperfield Common is a 117-acre (47 ha) area of former heathland that has developed into beautiful woodland since grazing stopped here in the 1930s. There are a quintet of ponds on the common, as well as eight ancient sweet chestnut trees. Evidence of a Neolithic history can be seen in the form of two Bronze Age burial mounds.
0
0
starting and ending point. just follow the path to walk around the Lido. if you have small children use the miniature train and hop on and off
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly lakes to visit near Chorleywood?
For families, Ruislip Lido is an excellent choice, offering a narrow-gauge train, a beach area, and places to eat. Rickmansworth Aquadrome Nature Reserve, just 2.7 miles from Chorleywood, also provides a large outdoor play area, easy-access paths, and an on-site cafe. Denham Country Park, about 6.2 miles away, features an adventure playground for children up to 12 years old.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes near Chorleywood?
Yes, there are many walking opportunities. Rickmansworth Aquadrome offers tranquil wooded walks and easy-access surfaced paths with views across Batchworth Lake and Bury Lake. Denham Country Park has an easy-access circular route of approximately 1.3 miles (2km) through wetland meadows and past its waterways. For more extensive options, you can explore various hiking routes around the region, such as the 'View of the River Chess loop from Chorleywood', which is a moderate 15.8 km trail. Find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Chorleywood guide.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes around Chorleywood are rich in wildlife. At Rickmansworth Aquadrome, you can spot swans, geese, ducks, and kingfishers. Stocker's Lake, adjacent to the Aquadrome, is known for its heronry, where you might see herons, ospreys, and other wildfowl from bird hides. Denham Country Park is home to red kites, kestrels, herons, kingfishers, damselflies, dragonflies, and muntjac deer.
Are there any historical sites or interesting landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, Gilbert's Lake, located within the old Grim's Dyke estate, has a unique history tied to W. S. Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan fame. Additionally, Chipperfield Common Woodland and Ponds features evidence of a Neolithic history with two Bronze Age burial mounds, alongside its ancient sweet chestnut trees.
Can I go cycling around the lakes?
Cycling is a popular activity. Rickmansworth Aquadrome offers cycling paths, though it can get busy. The Aquadrome also provides access to the Grand Union Canal and the Ebury Way for further cycling. For gravel biking enthusiasts, routes like the 'Ebury Way – River Colne loop from Rickmansworth' (20.9 km) are available. Explore more options in the Gravel biking around Chorleywood guide.
Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes for a refreshment stop?
Yes, several lakes offer convenient refreshment options. Ruislip Lido has places to eat. At Village Green and Pond, Chalfont St Giles, you'll find benches, cafes, and pubs nearby. Rickmansworth Aquadrome features an on-site cafe with vegetarian and vegan options. Denham Country Park hosts the Colne Valley Visitor Centre, which includes a cafe.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Chorleywood?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, picnics, and enjoying the lush greenery and blooming wildflowers. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter offers tranquil, crisp walks, especially early in the morning when mist can create a serene atmosphere.
Are the lakes accessible by public transport?
Rickmansworth Aquadrome is well-connected and easily accessible. For specific public transport routes and schedules to Denham Country Park, you can check resources like Visit by Train for information on reaching Denham by rail.
Are there any lakes suitable for birdwatching?
Absolutely. Rickmansworth Aquadrome, particularly Stocker's Lake, is a significant birdwatching spot, known for its heronry and sightings of ospreys and other wildfowl. Shardeloes Lake also provides excellent bird-watching opportunities, where you might spot various species in a tranquil setting.
What are the parking facilities like at the lakes?
Rickmansworth Aquadrome offers large, free parking facilities, making it a convenient destination. For other locations, parking availability can vary, so it's advisable to check local information before your visit.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. Rickmansworth Aquadrome is very dog-friendly, with plenty of space for walks. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Are there opportunities for water sports on the lakes?
Yes, Rickmansworth Aquadrome's lakes, Batchworth Lake and Bury Lake, are popular for water sports such as sailing, water skiing, and canoeing. Fishing is also permitted on both main lakes.
Most popular routes around Chorleywood
Most popular attractions around Chorleywood
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Chorleywood? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
