Best lakes around Thanington, a civil parish on the western edge of Canterbury, Kent, are primarily centered around Swan Lake. This area is characterized by its natural landscape, with Swan Lake being a notable local feature. The lake is situated west of the A28 and the Great Stour River, north of the Milton Manor Roundabout. Thanington offers a blend of natural settings and accessible outdoor spaces.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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Beauiful gardens to spend a few hours walking and exploring in Kent. The garden of England.
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Network of XC Trails makes this a great place to Ride bikes and build Skills.
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Photogenic spot well tracked in the summer months
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Beside the cycle path this is well fenced in an maintained by a fishery
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Strictly speaking a footpath, but well used by cyclists. Just be courteous to any walkers you meet. Punchy little off-road climb near the top, coming up from the mill.
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Ten acres of family-owned Edwardian gardens, terraces of fragrant roses lead to a small lake and water garden, framed by a fabulous Japanese rock garden and bridge. Highlights include the unusual topiary featuring various animals and birds, a grass maze planted with ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials, the arboretum and an extensive collection of spring bulbs and mature trees.
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The trees and woodlands of Chequers Wood, Realm Wood and Timpson Wood are rich and varied in tree and plant species. While there is some evidence of medieval coppicing being performed in the woods, on the whole the forests have been left for nature to flourish and grow. There are a number of listed ancient trees on the site including veteran oaks and notable examples of coppiced alder in the eastern woods.
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Thanington is primarily known for Swan Lake, a local feature popular for angling. You'll also find lakes integrated into woodland settings, alongside cycle paths, and within areas offering various outdoor activities like mountain biking. Examples include Chequers Wood and Old Park, and Thanington Lakes on the Great Stour Way.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Swan Lake is particularly renowned for carp and pike fishing, operating on a syndicate ticket basis. Additionally, Old Park Mountain Bike Trails offers free fishing in its small lake.
You can find walking trails around Chequers Wood and Old Park, which features varied woodlands. The Great Stour Way also runs alongside lakes, offering a well-tracked path. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Thanington.
Yes, Chequers Wood and Old Park is categorized as family-friendly, offering woodlands rich in tree and plant species. Thanington Lakes on the Great Stour Way is also suitable for families, with its cycle path and photogenic spots. Mount Ephraim Gardens, with its small lake, Japanese rock garden, and topiary, is another family-friendly option.
The lakes in Thanington are often set within natural landscapes. Swan Lake features several overhanging trees, creating a natural environment. Chequers Wood and Old Park boasts ancient trees, veteran oaks, and coppiced alder, showcasing rich and varied tree and plant species.
Absolutely. Thanington Lakes on the Great Stour Way is located beside a cycle path. Additionally, Old Park Mountain Bike Trails offers a network of XC trails for cycling, and Mill Footpath and Wooden Bridge is well-used by cyclists, though it's strictly a footpath.
Yes, Old Park Mountain Bike Trails is an MTB park with a lake, offering a network of XC trails. You can also find more mountain biking options by exploring the MTB Trails around Thanington.
Visitors appreciate the natural settings, the diverse outdoor activities available, and the accessibility of these spots. The photogenic nature of places like Thanington Lakes on the Great Stour Way and the rich woodlands of Chequers Wood and Old Park are frequently highlighted.
Yes, you can find running routes that incorporate the local waterways. For specific trails, check out the Running Trails around Thanington guide, which includes routes like the 'Bridge Over the Stour – St Mary's Church, Chartham loop'.
Yes, Mount Ephraim Gardens features a small lake and water garden, framed by a Japanese rock garden and bridge, within ten acres of family-owned Edwardian gardens.
Swan Lake in Thanington is primarily known as a popular spot for angling, particularly for carp and pike fishing. It's a long, narrow body of water with a natural setting, featuring overhanging trees.


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