Best attractions and places to see around Three Rivers include a variety of natural and historical sites, primarily centered around its waterways. This region is characterized by its network of canals and rivers, offering opportunities for cycling, walking, and exploring local heritage. The area features numerous locks, bridges, and nature reserves, providing diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. Three Rivers is a destination where 20 hidden gems are waiting to be explored.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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About 1922, the land between the River Colne and the canal was taken over by Rickmansworth Gravel Company. Building in the capital was booming and gravel was in demand. Extraction at the site began and the resulting pit became Stocker's Lake. The original Wembley stadium was built at around this time and many have since speculated on the possibility of a Wembley Connection? Dredging and gravel extraction continued until the 1940s. In 1947 Rickmansworth and Uxbridge Valley Water Company purchased Stocker's Lake (an area of 93.7 acres) for £5000 as the dredging agreement had expired. This was to protect the aquifer and pumping sources at Stocker's and Springwell. The company became Rickmansworth Water Company in 1985 and later part of Three Valleys Water Company, eventually Affinity Water, the present owners. In the 1970s Stocker’s Lake became a nature reserve and day to day management was assigned by the water company to Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
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The land on which Stocker's Lake now stands was once part of Stocker's Farm which is still there today. Records from 1427 show that the farm already existed and was owned by John Stockere or Stocker. In 1861, Stocker's House was built for the Corporation of London to house the Collector of Coal Dues on the Grand Union Canal. Stocker's House cost £850 to build and the first tenant was Mr. Charles Browton. The dues he collected were, for example, 4 shillings per ton of wine and 12 pence a ton of coal. However with the railways becoming increasingly popular it was decided to sell the house and in 1869 Lord Ebury offered £300
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The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. Just over half its course is in south Hertfordshire. Downstream, it forms the boundary between Buckinghamshire and the London Borough of Hillingdon. The confluence with the River Thames is on the Staines reach
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The Ebury Way is a flat, traffic-free cycle path between Rickmansworth and Watford. Shaded for hot days and dotted with scenic bridges, it also features a wooden hut café at Batchworth Lock (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) – ideal for a bacon sandwich by the canal. Keep an eye out for quirky touches like George Michael street art!
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Love stopping at this spot over all the seasons
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Frogmore Meadows nature reserve is an 11 acre SSSI next to the River Chess. The marshy, grassland habitat are home to water voles, and plants such as meadow foxtail and Yorkshire fog, with some marsh marigold and marsh bedstraw. Lots of butterflies are also resident here. The Chess Valley long distance walking path comes through the nature reserve and there are watercress beds to the east.
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Black Jack's Lock, bridge and cottage are on the Grand Union Canal where it passes the River Colne lakes. The canal and locks were built in the 1800s, but the mill has been here for a lot longer.
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Visitors particularly enjoy the historical and natural beauty of the area. Highly rated spots include Stocker's Lock and Stone Bridge, a quaint old lock with a rich history, and the scenic Ebury Way Cycle Path, known for its flat, traffic-free route and canal-side cafe. Another favorite is the picturesque River Chess: Ford and Wooden Bridge, offering a charming view of the river.
Yes, Three Rivers offers several family-friendly options. The Ebury Way Cycle Path is a flat, shaded route perfect for family bike rides. Stocker's Lock and Stone Bridge provides an interesting historical site for all ages, and the River Chess Picnic Area is ideal for a relaxing outdoor meal by the water.
Three Rivers is rich in natural beauty, primarily centered around its waterways. You can visit Frogmore Meadows Nature Reserve, an 11-acre SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) next to the River Chess, known for its marshy grasslands, water voles, and diverse plant life. The River Chess itself offers scenic spots like the River Chess Picnic Area and the River Chess: Ford and Wooden Bridge.
The area boasts several historical landmarks, including Stocker's Lock and Stone Bridge, which is part of a site with records dating back to 1427. You can also find Black Jack's Mill, another historical structure, and various bridges along the canals that tell stories of the region's industrial past.
Absolutely! Three Rivers is known for its cycle paths. The Ebury Way Cycle Path is a popular, flat, and traffic-free route between Rickmansworth and Watford, offering scenic views and shaded sections. For more challenging rides, you might consider routes that incorporate Bedmond Lane, known for its steady climb.
Three Rivers has several welcoming spots. The Cock Inn, Sarratt is a highly-rated pub. Another option is the Coy Carp Pub and Kayak Spot on the Grand Union Canal, which offers a pleasant setting by the water. Many cycle paths, like the Ebury Way, also feature canal-side cafes for refreshments.
Beyond exploring the attractions, Three Rivers is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as those listed in the Running Trails around Three Rivers guide. There are also options for mountain biking, with routes detailed in the MTB Trails around Three Rivers guide, and hiking, including waterfall hikes, which you can explore in the Waterfall hikes around Three Rivers guide.
While the guide focuses on attractions, the area around Three Rivers offers various trails. For a gentle walk, consider paths along the River Chess or the Grand Union Canal. For those seeking more challenging routes, the Frogmore Meadows Nature Reserve includes sections of the Chess Valley long-distance walking path. You can find more detailed hiking options, including waterfall hikes, in the Waterfall hikes around Three Rivers guide.
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil beauty of the waterways and the historical charm of the locks and bridges. Many appreciate the flat, accessible paths for cycling and walking, especially the Ebury Way Cycle Path for its shade and convenient cafe stops. The peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for outdoor recreation are consistently highlighted.
While the guide data doesn't explicitly mention wild swimming spots, the region is defined by its network of canals and rivers, such as the River Chess and the Grand Union Canal. These waterways offer opportunities for various water activities. For example, the Coy Carp Pub and Kayak Spot on the Grand Union Canal suggests kayaking is popular in the area.
Yes, several spots offer pleasant views. The Ebury Way Cycle Path provides scenic views along the canal. The River Chess Picnic Area and the River Chess: Ford and Wooden Bridge offer picturesque river scenes. Additionally, bridges like the Bridge Over the River Colne can provide lovely vantage points over the water.


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