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Penn

Top 9 Lakes around Penn

Best lakes around Penn are situated within the Chiltern Hills, offering a mix of natural and man-made water bodies. This region features diverse landscapes, from woodlands to village greens, providing varied settings for outdoor activities. The area is characterized by its rolling hills and picturesque villages, making it a destination for those seeking tranquil natural environments.

Best lakes around Penn

  • The most popular lakes is Shardeloes Lake, an other natural feature that is a man-made lake situated between Old Amersham and Little Missenden. It provides a tranquil setting for scenic walks, fishing, and bird-watching.
  • Another must-see spot is Village Green and Pond, Chalfont St Giles, a settlement featuring a quaint village green and duck pond. This location is suitable for a stop, with amenities like cafes and pubs available.
  • Visitors also love Penn Common Pond, a lake located on Penn Common. It is a place to stop for a break or to enjoy the view, with a pub nearby.
  • Penn is known for its man-made lakes, ponds, and natural reserves with wetlands. Visitors can explore a variety of water features, from larger lakes to smaller village ponds.
  • The lakes around Penn are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 130 upvotes and 30 photos shared.

Last updated: May 17, 2026

Shardeloes Lake

Highlight • Natural

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.

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Pond in Park Wood

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Archaeological Surveys undertaken in Park Wood have revealed a fascinating past for this quiet area of deciduous woodland. Lynchets and banks within the woods give evidence of ancient field systems which may date back to the late Iron Age/early Roman period (or they may be medieval). In the beech woodland opposite the pond is evidence of a late thirteenth/early fourteenth homestead in the woodlands and in Tudor times (1485 – 1603) the woodland was a deer park. Much of Park Wood was converted to beech woodland from the late 18th until the early 20th century to cater for the High Wycombe furniture industry. Associated features include sawpits, tracks and charcoal burning platforms.
nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/bradenham-beech-woods-and-bunkers-trail

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Chalfont St Giles is a pretty village on the edge of the Chiltern Hills. With a quaint village green and duck pond, stunning timber-framed houses, as well as pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops, and places to stay, it is a great place for a pit-stop or an overnight stay.

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Spade Oak Nature Reserve

Highlight • Forest

This is a beautiful nature reserve situated along the banks of the River Thames near Bourne End and Little Marlow. The reserve hosts a number of habitats such as wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, that provide home to a variety of wonderful bird and animal species.

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Penn Common Pond

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just over the road from the red lion

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Tips from the Community

Bangaa
February 11, 2024, Shardeloes Lake

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

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Stunning little pond on Penn Common with a charming pub nearby. A great place to stop for a break, or just to enjoy the view as you ride past. Especially beautiful as the sun is going down.

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On the other side of the lakes is sewage works, giving off horrendous smells

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This is a beautiful nature reserve situated along the banks of the River Thames near Bourne End and Little Marlow. The reserve hosts a number of habitats such as wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, that provide home to a variety of wonderful bird and animal species.

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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.

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Good place for a coffee stop. "The Deli" serves excellent coffee and has a good range of snacks. There are tables inside and outside or if they're busy, there are benches on the green opposite.

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just over the road from the red lion

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Poet John Milton lived here and there is a small museum on the hill out of town.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular lakes around Penn for recreation?

The lakes around Penn offer various recreational opportunities. Shardeloes Lake is popular for scenic walks, fishing, and bird-watching. Penn Common Pond is a charming spot to enjoy the view, especially at sunset, with a pub nearby. The area also features natural reserves with wetlands, providing diverse settings for outdoor activities.

Are there good hiking and walking trails around the lakes near Penn?

Yes, the region around Penn offers numerous trails. You can find easy hikes like the "Holy Trinity Church, Penn – Bluebells in Penn Wood loop" or the "Penn Wood loop from Winchmore Hill." For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Penn guide.

Are there family-friendly lakes around Penn?

Absolutely. Several spots are noted as family-friendly. The Village Green and Pond, Chalfont St Giles, with its duck pond and amenities, is a great pit-stop for families. Penn Common Pond and Pond in Park Wood are also considered family-friendly locations.

When is the best time to visit the lakes around Penn?

The lakes around Penn can be enjoyed year-round. Tips for Shardeloes Lake mention keeping an eye out for specific bird species "this time of year" (implying seasonal wildlife viewing) and enjoying the "striking foliage in the fall." Penn Common Pond is described as "especially beautiful as the sun is going down," suggesting pleasant evenings.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near the lakes?

The lakes and surrounding natural areas are rich in wildlife. Near Shardeloes Lake, visitors have spotted Spotted Flycatchers, Roe, and Muntjac Deer. Spade Oak Nature Reserve, with its wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, provides a home to a variety of wonderful bird and animal species.

Are there pubs or cafes near the lakes around Penn?

Yes, you'll find amenities near some of the lakes. Chalfont St Giles village, home to a pond, has pubs, cafes, and restaurants. Penn Common Pond is conveniently located just over the road from The Red Lion pub, making it a great spot for a break.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides hiking?

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy running and mountain biking. There are various running trails, such as the "Penn Wood and Winchmore Hill loop," detailed in the Running Trails around Penn guide. For mountain biking, routes like the "Penn Village – Paul's Hill War Memorial loop" are available; check the MTB Trails around Penn guide for more.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Penn?

Visitors appreciate the tranquil settings for scenic walks, the opportunities for bird-watching, and the charming village atmospheres. Many enjoy stopping for a break at places like Chalfont St Giles for coffee or a meal, or simply taking in the views at spots like Penn Common Pond, especially at sunset.

Are there any natural reserves or protected areas near the lakes?

Yes, Spade Oak Nature Reserve is a beautiful area situated along the banks of the River Thames. It features diverse habitats including wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, providing a haven for various bird and animal species.

Can I go fishing in the lakes around Penn?

Yes, fishing is an activity enjoyed at some of the lakes. Shardeloes Lake is specifically mentioned as providing opportunities for fishing, alongside scenic walks and bird-watching.

What is the historical significance of the areas around these lakes?

The area around Pond in Park Wood has a fascinating past. Archaeological surveys have revealed evidence of ancient field systems, potentially dating back to the late Iron Age/early Roman period, and a late thirteenth/early fourteenth-century homestead. In Tudor times, the woodland was a deer park, and later, much of it was converted to beech woodland for the High Wycombe furniture industry.

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

ChartridgeChalfont St PeterAshley GreenThe LeeLatimer And Ley HillCheshamCheniesChalfont St GilesCholesbury-Cum-St LeonardsAmershamSeer GreenColeshillLittle ChalfontChesham BoisGreat MissendenLittle Missenden

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