Lakes around Bourton-on-the-Water offer diverse aquatic landscapes, from the village's central River Windrush to larger man-made lakes nearby. Bourton-on-the-Water is characterized by its waterways and stone bridges, earning it the nickname "Venice of the Cotswolds." While the River Windrush flows directly through the village, several other lake destinations are accessible for visitors. These areas provide opportunities for walking, fishing, and watersports.
Last updated: August 26, 2026
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The Palladian Bridge in Stourhead was built in 1757 and is one of the most famous structures in the garden. It is designed in the style of the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. Typical for this style are the harmonious proportions, the symmetrical construction, and the classical columns. Such bridges were a popular design element in English landscape gardens in the 18th century.
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The gardens of Stourhead are among the most famous 18th-century English landscape gardens and, for me, one of the most beautiful I have seen so far. The centerpiece is a large, artificially created lake, around which winding paths, temples, bridges, grottoes, and rare trees extend. The layout was designed so that new picturesque views open up at every turn of the path.
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Amazing place. I was able to check out the shop and cafe, and have a peak at the garden, whetting my appetite to make it a day's destination some time.
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Camped here for two nights. Owners were pleasant and welcoming and talked me through things. Toilets and showers were clean. Nice lake with Canada geese and Coots in residence. Big site with wide range of plots, couple of miles from Shaftesbury. Website here: https://www.shaftesburycountrytouringpark.co.uk/
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A beautiful and extensive estate.
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very nicely laid out English garden with a lake, a distinctive bridge and some older buildings. When we visited, the rhododendrons were in full bloom - simply gorgeous.
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This exceptionally grand estate sits atop the source of the River Stour and is part-owned by the National Trust. Built in the 1700s, the Grade I-listed mansion is just a small section of this sprawling estate. The village of Stourton is part of the Stourhead estate and includes a beautiful church, a pub and surrounding farmland. The gardens are perhaps the biggest draw and walking around the (artificially created) lakes is a lovely experience throughout the year. Designed to give the impression of a journey through parts of Greek mythology, you’ll find a Palladian bridge, a Pantheon and a Temple of Apollo. There’s no bad time of year to visit Stourhead and different plants and trees come into their own in different seasons. If you visit in spring, the snowdrops are outstanding.
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Check out the Spread Eagle Pub in the court yard
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The most iconic water feature directly in the village is the River Windrush. It's known for its clear water, numerous low stone bridges, and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls and watching ducks. Children often enjoy paddling in its shallow waters.
Yes, the Bourton Lakes, located just outside the village, are primarily known as fishing lakes. These man-made lakes are managed by Moreton Angling Club and offer a quieter, natural escape for anglers and birdwatchers.
The Cotswold Water Park, located about 16 miles from Bourton-on-the-Water, offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy various watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, explore off-road walking and cycling paths, go birdwatching, or relax at an inland beach for bathing and paddling. It's an extensive area with over 180 lakes.
Absolutely. The River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water is very family-friendly, with opportunities for children to paddle and feed ducks. The Cotswold Water Park also offers numerous family activities, including an inland beach, watersports suitable for various ages, and extensive walking and cycling paths.
The Bourton Lakes are home to various wetland birds, with populations fluctuating seasonally. They provide a peaceful setting for birdwatching and enjoying nature away from the village crowds. The clear waters of the River Windrush also allow you to see fish.
The lakes and waterways around Bourton-on-the-Water are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports and outdoor activities at Cotswold Water Park and for enjoying the village's riverside charm. Autumn offers beautiful scenery, especially around the landscaped areas, and winter provides a peaceful, serene atmosphere for walks.
Yes, there are walking paths that lead between the Bourton Lakes, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment for a stroll. These paths provide a good option for those looking for a quieter walk amidst nature.
The Cotswold Water Park is approximately 16.1 miles from Bourton-on-the-Water. It's best accessed by car, offering a relatively short drive to reach its extensive network of lakes and activities.
While not directly a lake, the Stourhead House and Gardens is a significant historical site with a beautiful lake within its estate. This National Trust property features mythical temples and grottos surrounding the lake. You can explore this area further by visiting Stourhead House and Gardens.
Yes, the paths along the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water offer very easy and pleasant walks suitable for all ages. The walking paths around the Bourton Lakes also provide relatively easy routes for a peaceful natural experience.
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the River Windrush, the picturesque stone bridges, and the opportunity for leisurely strolls. The extensive activities at Cotswold Water Park and the peaceful fishing and birdwatching at Bourton Lakes are also highly appreciated.
Yes, there are several outdoor activity routes in the broader region. For hiking, you can explore trails like the 'King Alfred's Tower – Kingsettle Woods loop' or 'Victorian Water Pump – View of Glastonbury Tor loop'. For gravel biking, routes like 'Stourhead House and Gardens – Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point loop' are available. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking guide or gravel biking guide for Bourton.


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