Top 7 Lakes around Princes Risborough
Best lakes around Princes Risborough are situated in the Chiltern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Buckinghamshire. This region offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, woodlands, and waterways. The area provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including walking, nature observation, and fishing. Its natural features make it a notable destination for those seeking varied outdoor experiences.
Best lakes around Princes Risborough
- The most popular lakes is Pond in Park Wood, a lake that is part of a deciduous woodland with a rich archaeological past. Evidence of ancient field systems and a late thirteenth/early fourteenth homestead can be found here.
- Another must-see spot is The Lyde Garden, a lake and river area. Visitors can explore gardens planted with primulas, astilbes, gunnera, and hostas, where The Lyde, a tributary of the River Thames, rises.
- Visitors also love Watermead Lake, a peaceful lake on the northern end of Aylesbury. This location is known for its waterbirds and a bandstand, providing a calm setting for relaxation.
- Princes Risborough is known for natural lakes, man-made ponds, and wetland habitats. The variety of lakes offers diverse experiences, from tranquil gardens to areas rich in geological history.
- The lakes around Princes Risborough are appreciated by the komoot community, with 11 upvotes and 3 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat
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Pond in Park Wood
Highlight • Lake
nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/bradenham-beech-woods-and-bunkers-trail
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The Lyde Garden
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The garden is open at the owners’ discretion from 9am – 4pm daily. Dogs are not permitted. See: carington.co.uk/gardens/lyde-garden
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Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit)
Highlight (Segment) • Structure
It's a striking and moon-like place, looking very dramatic and slightly out-of-this-world. A definite must!
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Chinnor Works Lake
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Tips from the Community
This is one of the quarries here, a part of the former Chinnor Chalk Pit, now flooded and known as Old Kiln Lakes. The lakes are freshwater, but very alkaline, and there was a warning to the public issued in 2012 to not swim in there. It's a striking and moon-like place, looking very dramatic and slightly out-of-this-world. A definite must!
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This quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and well known by geologists for its phenomenal history. Packed with fossils, some of the finds here date back 100 million years. There's no public access, but you can catch glimpses of its bright high-alkaline water from the surrounding footpaths.
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Chinnor Works Angling Society has been running for over 25 years, we use to have the fishing at the Cement Works.
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Chinnor, Chalk and Cement Mr. W. Benton's Cement and Lime Works opened in Chinnor in 1908, but cement making on a truly industrial scale did not begin until 1919. Output of cement from Chinnor peaked at about 5600 tonnes per week in the 1990s. Up to 120 people were employed at any one time. The cement works closed in 1999 and there are plans for the re-development of the site, using the flat areas for housing but also with opportunities for recreation and conservation in the water filled quarries The scale of chalk extraction for cement making can be seen from a short walk along the Ridgeway National Trail. The Ridgeway runs on a high causeway between the large quarries, giving views of the pits through the boundary fences. (Do not cross over or through the fences). Geology One of the chalk quarries has been protected as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest as it has particularly good exposures of both the Lower Chalk and Middle Chalk geological layers. Both layers have given upimportant fossil ammonites.
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The Lyde, a tributary of the River Thames, rises here and the garden is planted with primulas, astilbes, gunnera and hostas. Originally three watercress beds, surrounded by large and beautiful wych elms, it has — as a result of elm disease — become a wilderness. The garden is open at the owners’ discretion from 9am – 4pm daily. Dogs are not permitted. See: carington.co.uk/gardens/lyde-garden
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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. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/bradenham-beech-woods-and-bunkers-trail
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes near Princes Risborough are suitable for families?
Several lakes in the area offer family-friendly experiences. Pond in Park Wood is a deciduous woodland with an archaeological past that families can explore. The Lyde Garden provides a peaceful setting with beautiful plantings, though dogs are not permitted. Watermead Lake is known for its waterbirds and a bandstand, ideal for relaxation. Additionally, College Lake Nature Reserve is a wildlife haven with parks and playgrounds suitable for all ages.
Are there good lakes for walking and hiking near Princes Risborough?
Yes, the region offers several excellent spots for walks. Shardeloes Lake provides tranquil settings for scenic walks and bird-watching. The Marsworth Reservoirs feature a walk along the Grand Union Canal with views of Wilstone Reservoir. Little Marlow Lakes Country Park offers miles of footpaths through woodlands and river meadows. For more structured routes, you can explore various cycling and MTB trails around Princes Risborough, which often pass by or near these water bodies. Find routes at Cycling around Princes Risborough or MTB Trails around Princes Risborough.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes around Princes Risborough are set within the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll find diverse landscapes including deciduous woodlands at Pond in Park Wood, and riverine environments at The Lyde Garden, where The Lyde tributary rises. Watermead Lake is known for its waterbirds. Little Marlow Lakes Country Park boasts multiple lakes, shady woodlands, and river meadows, with opportunities for birdwatching in Spade Oak Nature Reserve to see diverse species, including rare waterfowl.
Are there any lakes suitable for fishing?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the area. Upper Farm Fishery in Henton is a 1-acre lake primarily known for carp and coarse fishing, offering a tranquil experience for anglers. Shardeloes Lake also provides opportunities for fishing in a peaceful environment. The Marsworth Reservoirs are another magnet for anglers.
Can I go wild swimming in any of the lakes?
It is generally not advised to go wild swimming in the lakes near Princes Risborough. Specifically, the Old Kiln Lakes (Former Chinnor Chalk Pit) are known to be freshwater but very alkaline, and public warnings have been issued against swimming there due to potential toxicity from its past as a limestone quarry. Always check local regulations and safety advice before considering swimming in natural waters.
What historical or geological points of interest are near the lakes?
Pond in Park Wood has a rich archaeological past, with evidence of ancient field systems and a late thirteenth/early fourteenth homestead. It was also a deer park in Tudor times. The Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat, a former quarry, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest well-known to geologists for its phenomenal history, packed with fossils dating back 100 million years. While there's no public access to the immediate quarry, glimpses can be caught from surrounding footpaths.
Are there any lakes where I can observe wildlife and birds?
Absolutely. Watermead Lake is a peaceful spot known for its many waterbirds. Shardeloes Lake is ideal for bird-watching in a tranquil setting. The Marsworth Reservoirs are a magnet for birdwatchers, and College Lake Nature Reserve is a dedicated wildlife haven. Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, particularly Spade Oak Nature Reserve within it, is excellent for birdwatching, including diverse species and rare waterfowl.
What are the best lakes for a quiet and peaceful visit?
For a quiet and peaceful experience, consider Watermead Lake, which offers a calm setting for relaxation. Shardeloes Lake is also noted for its tranquil environment and natural beauty, making it a great spot for unwinding. Upper Farm Fishery provides a serene atmosphere for those seeking a peaceful fishing experience.
Are there any lakes that offer water sports or boating activities?
While many lakes are for nature appreciation, Dorney Lake Olympic Rowing Course, though further afield, is a significant venue for watersports. It hosted the London 2012 Olympics rowing events and continues to hold triathlons. Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, being close to the River Thames, allows visitors to watch yachts, rowers, and pleasure boats on the river.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Princes Risborough?
The lakes offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the gardens at The Lyde Garden with its primulas and astilbes, and for general outdoor activities. Autumn brings vibrant foliage to woodlands like Pond in Park Wood. Winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, especially around the Marsworth Reservoirs or Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, where birdwatching can be particularly rewarding.
Are there any dog-friendly lake walks in the area?
Many of the walking trails around the lakes are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the scenery with your canine companion. The Marsworth Reservoirs are a popular spot for dog walkers. However, please note that dogs are generally not permitted in The Lyde Garden. Always check specific signage at each location for any restrictions.
Where can I find cycling routes that pass by lakes near Princes Risborough?
Komoot offers several cycling routes in the area that incorporate views of lakes and waterways. You can find various options, from easy to difficult, for touring bicycles, mountain bikes, and road bikes. Explore routes like 'Brill Windmill loop from Princes Risborough via The Phoenix Trail' or 'The Phoenix Trail – Phoenix Trail loop'. You can find more details and routes on the dedicated guides for Cycling around Princes Risborough, MTB Trails around Princes Risborough, and Road Cycling Routes around Princes Risborough.
Most popular routes around Princes Risborough
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