Top 15 Lakes around Aylesbury Vale
Best lakes around Aylesbury Vale are situated within a diverse landscape of countryside, canals, and nature reserves. This region features a variety of water bodies, from large reservoirs to smaller, tranquil ponds. Many lakes here offer opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and water sports. The area provides accessible natural environments for different outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Aylesbury Vale
- The most popular lakes is Marsworth Reservoir, a lake that attracts anglers, dog walkers, boaters, and birdwatchers. This location offers walks along the Grand Union Canal and views of Wilstone Reservoir, with options for birdwatching from a hide.
- Another must-see spot is Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir, a lake and canal trail. Visitors can expect a green walkway with sitting benches, grasslands, and riverboats, alongside a birdwatching hide for observing local wildlife.
- Visitors also love Path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir, a lake and river trail. This section features gravel paths with views of colorful canalboats, flowing reeds, and the reservoir.
- Aylesbury Vale is known for its reservoirs, nature reserves, and urban garden park lakes. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different interests from wildlife spotting to leisurely walks.
- The lakes around Aylesbury Vale are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 15 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Marsworth Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
The walk begins with a flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal, before heading down a stretch of the partially restored Wendover Arm. The route then diverts into open countryside before regaling the walker with a magnificent view of the large Wilstone Reservoir, one of four on this walk.
Here there is an option to enter a bird hide to view the many species who call this water their home at different times of the year. The other reservoirs follow, making this a relaxing six miles of relatively easy walking following a circular route. Allow a good couple of hours to complete the walk, longer if you want to linger.
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Palladian Bridge at Stowe
Highlight • Bridge
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Alders Farm Fisheries Lake Path
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Clickmere Pond
Highlight • Forest
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Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins
Highlight • Waterfall
The Octagon Lake Cascade or Artificial Ruins
Bevington notes that three arches for a cascade were built in 1728-29 and that the artificial ruins decorating them were added by 1738, probably from a design by William Kent. Kent's Shell Bridge in the Elysian Fields, though far less rustic in appearance, has a similar design and serves a similar purpose as a dam and cascade between the Alder River and the River Styx.
faculty.bsc.edu/jtatter/cascade.html
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Foxcote Reservoir
Highlight • Natural
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Octagon Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
Source: Wikipedia
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Lamport Manor Rock and Water Garden
Highlight • Structure
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Walkway Between Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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View of College Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Popular around Aylesbury Vale
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Hiking around Aylesbury Vale
Other adventures around Aylesbury Vale
Tips from the Community
This is a lovely trail that travels between the Grand Union Canal and Startop's End Reservoir via a green walkway. In the area you'll find sitting benches, beautiful grasslands and riverboats. Additionally a nearby birdwatching hide provides an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife.
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Lying in a rolling Buckinghamshire landscape of arable fields, pasture and woodland, Foxcote Reservoir is the kind of place that rewards patient visitors. Created in 1956 by damming a small tributary of the River Great Ouse, this site has become important for the numbers of wintering waterfowl, especially wigeon and coot. https://www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/foxcote-reservoir
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Public school-boy favourite for stone-skipping and a spot of fishing on the sly. We had a picnic on the bank - it's a lovely place.
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A really beautiful pond here within Pitstone Common, with a newly built (in 2010) platform. The pond has shrunk in size over the years, but it's still a lovely place to be, and in the autumn the colours of the leaves on the trees here are totally gorgeous, only adding to the effect of the place.
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Beautiful lake at the bottom of Stowe Gardens by the main entrance. There is accessible paths all the way around too.
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One of the first areas of the garden that visitors may encounter is the Octagon Lake and the features associated with it. The lake was originally designed as a formal octagonal pool, with sharp corners, as part of the seventeenth century formal gardens. Over the years, the shape of the pond was softened, gradually harmonising it within Stowe's increasingly naturalistic landscape. Source: Wikipedia
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A very prominent Palladian bridge in the park, it is one of the highlights of this property.
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Great walks from here that can be short or long. You can also walk to the Pitsone windmill which is the oldest Windmill in the British Isles
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find in the Aylesbury Vale area?
Aylesbury Vale offers a diverse range of water bodies, including large reservoirs like the Marsworth Reservoirs, nature reserves such as College Lake, dedicated fisheries like Oakfield Fishery, and urban garden park lakes like Watermead Lake. You'll find options for wildlife observation, walking, fishing, and water sports.
Which lakes are popular for general recreation and scenic walks?
The Marsworth Reservoirs, including Wilstone Reservoir and Startop's End Reservoir, are very popular for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying the scenic views along the Grand Union Canal. Watermead Lake also offers a pleasant, accessible lakeside walk.
Are there easy walking trails around the lakes in Aylesbury Vale?
Yes, many lakes offer easy walking opportunities. For example, the Marsworth Reservoirs feature relatively easy, circular routes, and the path along the Grand Union Canal and Marsworth Reservoir is a wonderful section of gravel path. Watermead Lake also provides a leisurely lakeside walk suitable for all ages. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Aylesbury Vale.
Which lakes are suitable for families with children?
Many lakes in the region are family-friendly. College Lake Nature Reserve is an outstanding destination for nature lovers of all ages, offering easy access to wildlife and educational facilities. Weston Turville Reservoir is also excellent for family walks and nature observation. Watermead Lake is suitable for all ages, and the Marsworth Reservoirs offer great family-friendly rides and walks.
Are the lakes in Aylesbury Vale dog-friendly?
Yes, many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. The Marsworth Reservoirs are a popular spot for dog walkers, offering extensive paths along the canal and around the reservoirs. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife, and check for any specific local restrictions.
What natural features or wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes are rich in natural beauty and wildlife. College Lake Nature Reserve, a former chalk quarry, is now a thriving wildlife haven supporting over 1,000 species, including numerous wetland birds and butterflies. The Marsworth Reservoirs and Weston Turville Reservoir are also significant for birdwatching, with hides available for spotting various species. You'll often see colorful canalboats, flowing reeds, and diverse flora.
Are there historical sites or unique landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, for example, the Octagon Lake is located within the magnificent Stowe Gardens, which is a grand historical landscape featuring the prominent Palladian Bridge. The Marsworth Reservoirs are also part of a historic canal system, with a picturesque flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal.
When is the best time of year to visit the lakes in Aylesbury Vale?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for wildlife spotting, especially butterflies at College Lake, and for enjoying water sports and leisurely walks in warmer weather. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides opportunities for peaceful walks and observing wintering waterfowl at sites like Foxcote Reservoir.
Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes for refreshments?
Yes, several lakes have amenities nearby. College Lake Nature Reserve features a visitor centre with a coffee shop. Watermead Lake is surrounded by the Watermead Community Village and includes an idyllic waterside inn. Oakfield Fishery has a cafeteria open on match days. You can often find pubs and tearooms near popular spots like the Marsworth Reservoirs.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking and birdwatching, the lakes and surrounding areas offer various outdoor activities. Weston Turville Reservoir hosts an active sailing club. Fishing is popular at Oakfield Fishery, Weston Turville Reservoir, and Foxcote Reservoir. For hiking, you can explore hiking routes around Aylesbury Vale, and for running, check out running trails around Aylesbury Vale.
Is there fishing available at any of the lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Oakfield Fishery is a dedicated mixed coarse fishery with three lakes well-stocked with various species, including Carp, Barbel, and Tench. Weston Turville Reservoir also has fishing rights leased by Prestwood & District Angling Club, known for its big fish. Foxcote Reservoir is another spot for anglers.
Are there any lakes that are less crowded for a quieter experience?
While popular spots can get busy, especially on sunny weekends, venturing slightly beyond the main car parks and tearooms at places like the Marsworth Reservoirs can offer more tranquility. Foxcote Reservoir is often described as a place that rewards patient visitors, suggesting a quieter atmosphere for nature observation.
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