Best lakes around Great Marlow, located in Buckinghamshire, England, offers access to several waterways and natural areas. The region is characterized by its open countryside, including woodlands, wetlands, and the River Thames. It provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and wildlife observation. The area combines natural landscapes with historical elements and local amenities.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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Dorney Lake is a purpose-built rowing lake and Meetings & Events Venue in England. It is near the village of Dorney, Buckinghamshire, and is around 3 km west of Windsor and Eton, close to the River Thames. The lake is privately owned and financed by Eton College. The 3-mile flat, tarmacked loop around Dorney Lake's rowing course ideal for running. NOTE: Closed to the public from mid-April to September. Public parking onsite What3words: ///entire.vibes.sport
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Stunning little pond on Penn Common with a charming pub nearby. A great place to stop for a break, or just to enjoy the view as you ride past. Especially beautiful as the sun is going down.
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On the other side of the lakes is sewage works, giving off horrendous smells
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This is a beautiful nature reserve situated along the banks of the River Thames near Bourne End and Little Marlow. The reserve hosts a number of habitats such as wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, that provide home to a variety of wonderful bird and animal species.
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Owned by Eton College, Dorney Lake is an epic watersports and outdoor activities venue. It holds fantastic triathlons each year and was the London 2012 Olympics rowing venue. You don't have to get wet to visit though, and in the surroundings are footpaths and cycle paths so you can admire it from the snugness of your dry clothes.
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Great Circular walks from this village....very flat as well
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Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. For example, Penn Common Pond is a lovely spot with ducks and a charming pub nearby, perfect for a relaxed outing. Russell's Water Pond also features ducks and a bench, making it ideal for families to sit and enjoy the view.
The Spade Oak Nature Reserve, part of Little Marlow Lakes Country Park, is an excellent choice. It offers secluded footpaths through wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, providing a habitat for a variety of bird and animal species along the River Thames. It's regionally significant for birdwatching.
Yes, the Pond in Park Wood is located within a deciduous woodland with a rich history. Archaeological surveys have revealed evidence of ancient field systems dating back to the late Iron Age/early Roman period, and it was a deer park in Tudor times.
The area offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Homefield Wood – Marlow Common loop' or 'Park and Start Point loop'. For running, consider routes such as 'Meadow by the River Thames – Marlow Suspension Bridge loop'. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like 'Turville Village – Marlow Common loop'. Find more details on these activities in the hiking, running, and MTB guides for Great Marlow.
Yes, Westhorpe Lake is known for offering a safe and professionally run environment for open water swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. It features marked swim courses of varying lengths, making it suitable for both training and leisure.
Absolutely. Dorney Lake Olympic Rowing Course is famous as the London 2012 Olympics rowing venue. It regularly hosts triathlons and other watersports events, and you can walk or cycle around its perimeter to admire the impressive facility.
Many of the natural areas around Great Marlow are dog-friendly. For instance, Russell's Water Pond is a lovely spot for walks, though it's recommended to keep dogs on a lead due to the ducks and fish. The wider Little Marlow Lakes Country Park also offers extensive footpaths suitable for dog walking.
The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and watersports. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, while winter provides a peaceful, crisp atmosphere for walks, especially around areas like Little Marlow Lakes Country Park.
Yes, you can. Penn Common Pond is conveniently located near a charming pub, making it a great place to stop for a break. The historic conservation area of Little Marlow village, near Little Marlow Lakes, also has charming pubs.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from tranquil ponds to extensive nature reserves. The mix of peaceful walks, opportunities for wildlife observation, and active watersports venues like Dorney Lake are highly valued. The historical elements and charming local amenities also add to the overall appeal.
While specific accessible trails vary, Dorney Lake Olympic Rowing Course features paved footpaths and cycle paths around its perimeter, which are generally flat and suitable for a wider range of visitors. It's always advisable to check specific trail conditions before visiting.


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