Best lakes around Haydon Wick, a civil parish within Swindon, Wiltshire, offer natural escapes. Mouldon Hill Country Park is a key destination, featuring an amenity lake, fishing opportunities, and diverse wildlife. The area provides well-maintained footpaths through woodlands and meadows, with the North Wilts Canal and River Ray also present. This region is suitable for nature observation and gentle outdoor activities.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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What I like about this beautiful walk is how the varying the sights and the general walk is, always a nice lil surprise every now and then when you do the round
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A walk around the lake is always pleasant. Can be quite muddy at the top end in the winter/ when wet.
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This lagoon is set in a picturesque landscape and is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. The surrounding path is paved and flat, with a few smaller offshoots inviting you to explore the surrounding woodland on more rugged trails.
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Coate Water country park has a nature reserve, woodland and lake - great for wildlife watching and post-ride picnics.
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Concrete paths around the cafe and heading to the car parks. Paths are all weather, but puddles form after heavy rain. Park is host to Parkrun on each Saturday morning at 9am to around 10am, where about 300 runners form to run two laps.
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Willow, ash and birch can all be found in the park's woodlands, with oak trees on higher ground. A fantastic park with nature trails, bird hides and family activities, this is a lovely place to walk through or simply visit. There are also good facilities, a cafe and BBQ hire.
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It was lovely nd slow pace as with child seat at the back and another child on bike with me.
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For walking and nature, Coate Water Country Park offers a nature reserve, woodland, and a lake, providing varied sights. Coate Water Lake and Diving Platform also features woodlands and nature trails, ideal for bird watching. Mouldon Hill Country Park, within Haydon Wick, has an amenity lake known for its serene atmosphere and diverse wildlife like ducks, swans, and cormorants, with well-maintained footpaths through woodlands and meadows.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Coate Water Country Park and Coate Water Lake and Diving Platform are both listed as family-friendly, offering activities and facilities. Mouldon Hill Country Park is also praised for family outings, featuring a children's play area nearby and plenty of space for picnics and gentle activities.
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Mouldon Hill Country Park's lake attracts ducks, swans, and cormorants, making it a good spot for bird watching. The Lake at Cotswold Water Park, part of the UK’s largest marl lake system, includes many designated nature reserves home to myriad wildlife. Coate Water Country Park also has a nature reserve, supporting diverse species.
Yes, Peatmoor Lagoon offers a paved and flat surrounding path, making it wheelchair accessible. While it also has more rugged offshoots, the main path is suitable for leisurely strolls. Mouldon Hill Country Park also features well-maintained footpaths and walkways.
Yes, fishing is possible. The Amenity Lake at Mouldon Hill Country Park is a popular fishing lake, though it requires a permit. For more details on permits, you may need to check local regulations or the park's official website: Mouldon Hill Country Park.
Beyond walking, you can enjoy various activities. For hiking, routes like the 'Mouldon Hill Lake – Mouldon Hill Country Park Lake loop' are available. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes such as the 'Lakefront Café at the Dock – The Lodge at Lake 12 loop'. Running trails, including the 'Mouldon Hill Country Park Lake – Mouldon Hill Lake loop', are also nearby. You can find more routes for these activities on the respective guide pages for hiking, gravel biking, and running around Haydon Wick.
Yes, some lakes offer facilities. Coate Water Lake and Diving Platform has good facilities and a cafe. Lydiard Park also has facilities and a cafe. Mouldon Hill Country Park is suitable for picnics, and free parking is available.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Mouldon Hill Country Park is ideal for peaceful and scenic views, making it pleasant in any season. For walks, be aware that areas like Coate Water Lake and Diving Platform can be quite muddy at the top end during winter or wet conditions. Generally, spring and summer offer lush greenery and more active wildlife, while autumn provides beautiful foliage.
Yes, parking is generally available. Mouldon Hill Country Park offers free parking, adding to its convenience. Lydiard Park also has parking, though a small fee applies.
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and variety of experiences. The varying sights and general walk at Coate Water Country Park are often highlighted. Mouldon Hill Country Park is praised for its peaceful and scenic views, making it a great location for dog walking and family outings. The area's lakes are valued for providing tranquil escapes and opportunities for nature observation and gentle outdoor activities.
While not a 'hidden gem' in the traditional sense, the Lake at Cotswold Water Park is part of the UK’s largest marl lake system, covering a vast area with over 150 lakes. Many of these are designated nature reserves, offering extensive opportunities for exploration beyond the main visitor hubs and providing diverse wildlife encounters.


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