Best lakes around Bovingdon are found in the broader region, offering various recreational opportunities. While Bovingdon itself is a village in Hertfordshire, the surrounding areas feature several notable lakes. These locations provide diverse natural landscapes, from man-made lakes to village ponds and woodland areas. The region is characterized by its countryside setting, offering options for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Parkrun here every Saturday 9am, get there by 8.30am or the car park gets tricky. All other times the parking is easy 😉
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Lovely lake and doesn’t look like man made at all and would recommend Boots for the path and Park specially if there has been rain over last few days
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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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Shardeloes Lake is a beautiful man-made lake situated between the villages of Old Amersham & Little Missenden in the Chiltern Hills. The lake provides a tranquil setting for a scenic walk, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities.
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Chipperfield Common is a 117-acre (47 ha) area of former heathland that has developed into beautiful woodland since grazing stopped here in the 1930s. There are a quintet of ponds on the common, as well as eight ancient sweet chestnut trees. Evidence of a Neolithic history can be seen in the form of two Bronze Age burial mounds.
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Good place for a coffee stop. "The Deli" serves excellent coffee and has a good range of snacks. There are tables inside and outside or if they're busy, there are benches on the green opposite.
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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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Poet John Milton lived here and there is a small museum on the hill out of town.
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Around Bovingdon, you'll discover a variety of lakes, including man-made lakes, tranquil village ponds, and woodland ponds. These offer diverse settings for activities like walking, fishing, and nature observation. For broader recreational options, the region also features larger parks with lakes designed for water sports and family activities.
Yes, Shardeloes Lake is a popular choice. This man-made lake, situated between Old Amersham and Little Missenden in the Chiltern Hills, provides a tranquil setting for scenic walks and bird-watching. Another option is Clickmere Pond within Pitstone Common, known for its beautiful autumn colors and pleasant walks.
Several spots are great for families. Village Green and Pond, Chalfont St Giles offers a quaint village setting with a duck pond, pubs, cafes, and shops. Chipperfield Common Woodland and Ponds is a 117-acre woodland with multiple ponds, ideal for exploration. Further afield, Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City and Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage offer extensive facilities including play areas, water activities, and open spaces for children.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Shardeloes Lake is known for fishing opportunities. For dedicated anglers, the Bovington Lakes in Hatfield Peverel, Essex, are renowned fishing destinations, particularly for carp and other specimen fish, managed by the Colchester Angling Preservation Society (CAPS).
Yes, Chipperfield Common Woodland and Ponds is a natural monument with historical significance. This 117-acre woodland features ancient trees and evidence of a Neolithic history, including two Bronze Age burial mounds, offering a blend of nature and heritage.
For water sports, Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City offers sailing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and open water swimming. Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage also provides opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, angling, kayaking, and dragon boating, along with an aqua park.
Yes, Village Green and Pond, Chalfont St Giles is an excellent spot with pubs, cafes, and shops right in the village. Near Coleshill Duck Pond, you can find the Red Lion pub for a meal. Redricks Lakes, while further out, also has a cafe on site.
There are several hiking routes in the vicinity. You can explore trails like the 'Hiking loop from Bourne End' (easy, 7.3 km) or the 'Woodman's Wood – Flaunden Village loop from Flaunden' (moderate, 9 km). For more options, check out the Hiking around Bovingdon guide.
Absolutely. The area offers various cycling routes. For road cycling, consider routes like 'Ashridge Forest Downhill Lane – Golden Valley, Ashridge Estate loop from John F Kennedy Catholic School' (easy, 27.8 km). Mountain biking trails are also available, such as 'Hen & Chickens Pub – Bunn's Lane Public Bridleway loop from Chesham' (moderate, 25.7 km). You can find more details in the Road Cycling Routes around Bovingdon and MTB Trails around Bovingdon guides.
Yes, Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City offers open water swimming with a 400m swim circuit on its South Lake. Redricks Lakes near Sawbridgeworth also provides open water swimming with a 750m circuit, complete with facilities like showers and a cafe, and even hosts unique Full Moon Swim events.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil settings for scenic walks, the opportunities for fishing and bird-watching, and the diverse natural landscapes ranging from man-made lakes to charming village ponds. The presence of amenities like cafes and pubs in nearby villages also enhances the experience, making these spots ideal for both active outings and relaxing breaks.


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