Top 10 Lakes around Swindon
Best lakes around Swindon offer a variety of natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region features several country parks with lakes, woodlands, and open spaces. These areas provide habitats for diverse wildlife and serve as locations for outdoor activities. Historically, some lakes originated as reservoirs, contributing to the area's infrastructure.
Best lakes around Swindon
- The most popular lakes is Dudmaston Hall, a historical site with a vast lake. This 17th-century house and estate are open to the public, featuring…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Dudmaston Hall
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Patshull Lake
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Mary Stevens Park
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Seggy Pool
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Bodenham Arboretum
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Tips from the Community
Steep hills, and lovely location especially the run through Mary Stevens Park
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Patshull Park is currently closed. Owners had plans to turn the hotel and golf course into a lodge holiday resort. Never got off the ground. Fishing lake still in use.
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Great walks and farmyard animals. Some super events planned for children and adults!
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This is a huge 75 acre fishing lake and provides great sport for these guys. It still is a great venue to visit as the lake views make for a good photo opportunity.
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Dudmaston Hall is a 17th-century country house in the care of the National Trust in the Severn Valley, Shropshire, England. Parliament and was one of the few royalists not to recover his money at the Restoration in 1660. Sir Thomas's eldest son, Francis (1627–89), the second baronet, was declared a lunatic. It was his fifth son, John Wolryche, who took over the estate in 1668. He began building a new house at Quatt, now the dower house, but died in 1685, before work was finished. John's son, Sir Thomas Wolryche (1672–1701) inherited his uncle's baronetcy and his father's determination to rebuild. However, he embarked on a much more ambitious project, replacing the old manor house with a new sandstone building, the core of the present Dudmaston Hall. The architect appears to have been Francis Smith of Warwick, who provided a substantial, well-built, but not grand residence. Modelled on Belton House in Lincolnshire, it has an H-plan lay-out, a large central entrance hall, backed by a saloon, and flanked by three-roomed wings. Construction probably began before 1700, but Thomas died in 1701 before it was complete. Management of the estate passed to Sir Thomas's widow, Elizabeth Weld. However, their son, Sir John Wolryche (1691–1723), the fourth baronet, came to maturity in 1712 and took over the reins. For a decade he spent heavily on gambling, horses and hunting. In 1723, attempting to ford the Severn after attending races at Chelmarsh, directly opposite Dudmaston, he drowned, leaving no male heir. The estate was burdened by heavy debts and was passed to Sir John's sister, Mary, only on payment of £14,000. She, her mother Elizabeth, and her uncle, Colonel Thomas Weld, resided at Dudmaston, and over the next half century, largely restored it to a sound financial footing by frugal management.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular lakes around Swindon?
Beyond the well-known spots, visitors often enjoy Patshull Lake for its expansive views and fishing opportunities. Coate Water Country Park is highly regarded for its 60-acre lake, rich biodiversity, and recreational facilities. Lydiard Park also features a tranquil lake within its historic landscape, while Stanton Country Park offers a large lake amidst woodlands and unique wood carvings.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Swindon?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Coate Water Country Park offers a seasonal splash park, mini-golf, and a model railway alongside its lake. Lydiard Park has a state-of-the-art play area and plenty of space for picnics. Mary Stevens Park features a lake, children's play area, and an outdoor gym. Shaftesbury Lake, though smaller, has a playground and is popular for feeding ducks.
Which lakes are suitable for dog walking?
Many lakes around Swindon welcome dogs. Dudmaston Comer Woods and Lake is a popular spot for dog walkers, offering good open paths through mature trees. Peatmoor Lagoon features a flat, paved loop trail perfect for walks with dogs, with some woodland offshoots for more adventurous pups.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at lakes near Swindon?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Coate Water Country Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to various bird species, swans, geese, ducks, herons, and kingfishers. Stanton Country Park is known for diverse wildlife, including birds of prey, roe deer, and wildfowl. Many lakes also host common waterfowl and provide habitats for insects and amphibians.
Are there historical sites near the lakes around Swindon?
Yes, history is intertwined with some of the lake areas. Dudmaston Hall is a 17th-century house with a vast lake, managed woodlands, and landscaped gardens, open to the public. Lydiard Park features the historic Lydiard House museum and a beautifully restored Georgian Walled Garden. Coate Water itself originated as a feeder reservoir for the Wilts and Berks Canal in the 1820s.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Swindon?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, you can find various outdoor activities. There are numerous easy hiking trails, such as those listed in the Easy hikes around Swindon guide. For cyclists, the Road Cycling Routes around Swindon and MTB Trails around Swindon guides offer options. Coate Water provides walking and cycling trails, and boating is available through clubs. Stanton Country Park is also a popular spot for fishing.
Can I go fishing in the lakes near Swindon?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at some lakes. Stanton Country Park's lake is stocked with species like Tench, Bream, Roach, Rudd, and Carp. Patshull Lake is also a large fishing lake. Always check local regulations and permit requirements before fishing.
Are there easy walking trails around Swindon's lakes?
Absolutely. Peatmoor Lagoon offers a flat, paved 1.3-kilometer looped trail suitable for all ages and pushchairs. Lydiard Park has miles of accessible paths. Coate Water Country Park provides tranquil walking trails through woodlands and meadows. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Swindon guide.
When is the best time to visit the lakes near Swindon?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for recreational activities and enjoying lush greenery. Lydiard Park is particularly beautiful in February when snowdrops carpet the woodland areas. Autumn offers stunning foliage for walks, and winter provides peaceful, crisp strolls.
Are there cafes or facilities available at the lakes?
Many lake locations offer facilities. Coate Water Country Park has a cafe and toilets. Lydiard Park includes cafes and BBQ hire during summer. Stanton Country Park features tea rooms. Mary Stevens Park also has a cafe and other amenities.
Are there pubs or places to eat near the lakes around Swindon?
Yes, you can find dining options nearby. The Woodlands Edge pub is conveniently located near Peatmoor Lagoon. Lydiard Park and Coate Water Country Park both have cafes on-site. Stanton Country Park also has tea rooms and a nearby hotel for refreshments.
Are there any lakes with unique features or attractions?
Certainly. Coate Water Country Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its biodiversity. Lydiard Park boasts a beautifully restored Georgian ornamental Walled Garden. Stanton Country Park is known for its distinctive wood carvings scattered throughout. Shaftesbury Lake features a small waterfall, adding to its charm.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Swindon?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the variety of activities available. The peaceful atmosphere, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and well-maintained paths for walking and cycling are frequently highlighted. The blend of natural landscapes with historical elements and family-friendly facilities makes these lakes popular destinations for relaxation and recreation.
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