Top 13 Lakes around Cotswold
Best lakes around Cotswold are primarily concentrated within the Cotswold Water Park, an extensive area spanning 42 square miles with over 180 lakes. This region, formed from former gravel pits, represents the UK's largest marl lake system and is recognized for its diverse wildlife, particularly birdlife. It serves as a significant hub for nature conservation, recreation, and various outdoor activities. The landscape offers a distinct contrast to the traditional rolling hills of the Cotswolds.
Best lakes around Cotswold
- The most…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Greystones Farm Nature Reserve
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Dowdeswell Reservoir
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Lake at Cotswold Water Park
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Miserden Park Lake
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Wyck Rissington Village Green and Pond
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Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot
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Ozleworth Lake
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Park Wood, The Cotswolds National Landscape
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Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes
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Cherington Lake
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Popular around Cotswold
Middle Earth Loop — bikepacking the Wye, Malverns and Cotswolds
Wysis Way — Hike the golden link between the Wye and Thames
Oxfordshire Way — An idyllic walk in the heart of rural England
Heart of England Way — A historic hike filled with wildlife and beauty
Cycling the Mercian Way – Explore England's historic heart
Monarch's Way: Part 2 — Conquer the longest inland trail in England
West Midlands Cycle Route – Where history comes alive
The Cotswold Way — hike the iconic trail in one week
Cycling in the Cotswolds – endless beauty and history
Hiking in the Cotswolds
Other adventures around Cotswold
Tips from the Community
private property very quiet area, lovely bridle paths however have to keep dogs on lead most areas.
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Best To Visit Is In The Spring & Summer
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Stroll through this spacious woodland fit with vibrant greenery, towering trees, a babbling brook and a lake.
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Miserden Park's Lake serene atmosphere, picturesque scenes, and charming countryside surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills makes the most perfect location for a walk. Pick a peaceful spot to relax, watch the local anglers catching their dinner, or pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy a bite to eat.
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Nice relaxing place to stop before either the short sharp climb into Cherington or (the other way) a long slow ride up to Hampton Fields.
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Great flowing surface track with a quality turns through the lakes.
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Dowdeswell Reservoir is a scenic stretch of water on the outskirts of Cheltenham. From the reservoir, you step straight into Dowdeswell Woods; a nature reserve that’s home to many species of plants and animals. Keep a lookout for birds including coot, moorhen, great crested grebe and little grebe.
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Wildlife Greystones Farm is home to Salmonsbury Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These ancient meadows are home to an incredible diversity of wildflowers and provide a habitat for many insects, butterflies, birds and mammals. In the spring and summer you will see great burnet, southern marsh orchids, early marsh orchids, ragged robin, devil’s-bit scabious, meadowsweet, knapweed and yellow rattle. These flowers support butterflies including orange-tip, meadowbrown, brimstone, small copper and ringlet. Greystones Farm are also working to restore the hay meadows which were damaged from the 1940s onwards, with the aim to bring local wildflowers back to these areas of Greystones. The rivers that run through Greystones are full of wildlife. Alongside the River Eye you can listen for water voles rustling among dense vegetation, as well as the distinctively ‘plop’ when they enter the water. This species is severely endangered, through loss of habitat and predation by mink, but thanks to Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Greystones now has one of the largest populations in the Cotswolds. Stretches of riverbank have been fenced off to encourage vegetation, for them and the otters that regularly travel the river. In this wonderful habitat tiny fish can be seen all year, but invertebrates like freshwater shrimps and mayfly nymphs hide away under pebbles and banks. Watch in early summer for flamboyant banded and beautiful demoiselles and for other species later. A glimpse of a kingfisher is possible! They have also created habitats and homes for bats, owls and other birds around the farm and visitor centre. Common and soprano pipistrelles, Natterer’s bats, long-eared bats and lesser horseshoe bats roost above the Discovery Barn and barn owls roost in the office building. Around the farm, swallows and house martens nest in the barn eaves and pied wagtails stalk the rooves looking for insects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds are home to a diverse network of lakes, primarily concentrated within the Cotswold Water Park. This extensive area features over 180 lakes, many of which were formed from former gravel pits, creating the UK's largest marl lake system. You'll also find natural bodies of water and reservoirs like Dowdeswell Reservoir, offering varied landscapes and activities.
What outdoor activities are popular around the Cotswold lakes?
The Cotswold lakes, especially within the Cotswold Water Park, are excellent for a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and open-water swimming. On land, popular activities include walking, cycling, and fishing. For example, you can find various MTB trails around the area, including the 'Cotswold Water Park loop' or 'Carle's – Lakeside Singletrack loop from South Cerney', which you can explore further in the MTB Trails around Cotswold guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes and activities in the Cotswolds?
Yes, many lakes in the Cotswolds are very family-friendly. The Cotswold Water Park, for instance, offers attractions like the AquaVenture inflatable assault course and the Cotswold Water Park Beach, which is lifeguard-manned during peak times. Highlights like Lake at Cotswold Water Park, Miserden Park Lake, and Park Wood, The Cotswolds National Landscape are noted for their suitability for families, offering space for walks, picnics, and wildlife spotting.
Where can I go for a walk or hike around the Cotswold lakes?
There are numerous walking opportunities around the Cotswold lakes. The Cotswold Water Park offers many trails, and you can find serene walks around lakes such as Miserden Park Lake. For more structured routes, consider exploring options in the Hiking in the Cotswolds guide, which includes routes like the 'Bibury, Quenington & Coln St Aldwyn loop', or the Easy hikes around Cotswold guide for gentler options like the 'Lineover Wood & Dowdeswell Reservoir loop'.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near the Cotswold lakes?
The Cotswold lakes are a haven for wildlife, particularly birdlife, and are an internationally recognized area for nature conservation. You can spot wintering and breeding birds, dragonflies, barn owls, and even beavers. Greystones Farm Nature Reserve is an excellent place to observe wildlife, featuring rare tree species, ancient hedgerows, wildflower meadows, and a lake teeming with various species.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the region around the Cotswold lakes has a rich history. For example, Greystones Farm Nature Reserve is the site of one of Europe’s earliest known towns, with evidence of human habitation and farming dating back over 6,000 years. Additionally, Wyck Rissington Village Green and Pond offers a glimpse into olde worlde splendor with houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, a duck pond, and a Victorian drinking fountain.
Can I go wild swimming in the Cotswold lakes?
Yes, wild swimming is possible in certain designated areas. Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot is one such location. Within the Cotswold Water Park, Lake 32 Outdoor Centre is known for its clear and shallow water, making it an excellent venue for open water swimming with various courses available.
What is the best time of year to visit the Cotswold lakes?
The Cotswold lakes offer beauty year-round, but the best time to visit often depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, family activities, and enjoying the vibrant greenery. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter offers peaceful walks and excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially for wintering birds. Some highlights, like the Singletrack Between the Manorbrook Lakes, are noted as best to visit in spring and summer.
Are there places to eat or stay near the Cotswold lakes?
Yes, the Cotswold Water Park area is well-equipped with amenities. You'll find various bistros, bars, restaurants, and cafes. For example, Greystones Farm Nature Reserve has a cafe on-site, and Lake 32 Outdoor Centre also features a cafe. For accommodation, the area offers numerous options, including holiday homes within exclusive estates like Lower Mill Estate, which also has a restaurant and bar.
Are the Cotswold lakes accessible for everyone?
While specific wheelchair-accessible trails are not universally highlighted, efforts are made to improve accessibility in some areas. For instance, Lake 32 Outdoor Centre is noted for having helpful staff regarding accessibility and offers plenty of parking. Many walking paths around the lakes are relatively flat, but it's always advisable to check specific locations for detailed accessibility information.
What makes the Cotswold Water Park unique?
The Cotswold Water Park, recently rebranded as the Cotswold Lakes, is unique due to its vast network of over 180 lakes formed from former gravel pits, making it the UK's largest marl lake system. It spans 42 square miles and offers a distinct landscape compared to the traditional Cotswold hills. It's a significant hub for nature conservation, recreation, and diverse activities, from water sports to birdwatching, and is internationally recognized for its wildlife.
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