Best lakes around Longcot are found within the wider Vale of White Horse, an area known for its agricultural heritage and proximity to the River Ock. While Longcot itself is a village without prominent natural lakes, the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside offers various water features and historical sites. The region provides opportunities for exploring natural drainage systems and man-made water bodies. Visitors can discover a mix of river-based activities and picturesque village ponds.
Last updated: June 15, 2026
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The pillars are carved with grotesque heads. These once stood at the top of the steps to the Peto Water Garden but have been moved to their current lakeside location.
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It feels like a gated community that you shouldn't be allowed in more CCTV than Swindon town centre but it seems it does have a public right of way through it. Amazing glass fronted lakeside houses and a trendy cafe by main reception. Worth a visit.
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Fantastic gravel paths that pass between the lakes, which are bordered by very posh houses and some even posher cars! Take care if you're on skinny tyres... the gravel is quite deep in places!
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Taking its name from the place where delicious cheese were once loaded onto boats for shipping to London, Cheese Wharf is now a brilliant wild swimming spot on the River Thames near Buscot. It's owned by the National Trust and there are a couple of parking spaces nearby.
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On the border with Oxfordshire, the village lay on a quiet hilly countryside. Some typical grass roofed cottages and a pond give the visitor the feeling to be inside a postcard.
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Longcot itself doesn't have large natural lakes, but the surrounding Vale of White Horse offers a mix of river sections, picturesque village ponds, and man-made water bodies. You'll find opportunities for wild swimming, tranquil village settings, and paths alongside modern lakeside developments.
Yes, the Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot on the River Thames is a popular location. This National Trust-owned site was historically used for loading cheese onto boats and is now a well-regarded place for wild swimming.
You can visit the Village Pond in the Oxfordshire Countryside. This spot offers a tranquil setting with typical grass-roofed cottages, creating a postcard-like scene.
Yes, explore the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars. These paths wind between lakes bordered by modern, glass-fronted houses and offer a public right of way through a distinctive environment. Be aware that the gravel can be deep in places.
Yes, the Grotesque Head Pillars by the Lake are a family-friendly man-made monument. These carved pillars, once part of the Peto Water Garden, are now located by a lakeside and can be an interesting sight for visitors of all ages.
While Longcot itself has a historic church, St Mary's, dating back to the 13th century, the wider Vale of White Horse area is home to significant historical sites like the Uffington White Horse and Uffington Castle, an Iron Age hillfort offering expansive views.
The area around Longcot offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the moderate 15 km loop from Uffington taking in the Uffington Castle Hillfort and Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow. There are also cycling routes, including the challenging 40 km 'The Baking Bee – The Blowingstone' loop. For more options, explore the hiking and cycling guides for Longcot.
Yes, there are easy walking options. For instance, the hiking guide for Longcot includes an easy 7 km route through Waterloo Copse and Ashen Copse from Coleshill. You can find more details in the hiking around Longcot guide.
The Vale of White Horse is generally pleasant for walking during spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is milder and the countryside is vibrant. Winter walks are also possible, but conditions can be muddy, especially along river paths.
Near the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars, there is a trendy cafe located by the main reception of the lakeside development, offering a convenient stop for refreshments.
Visitors appreciate the variety of experiences, from the historical charm of the Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot to the tranquil beauty of the Village Pond in the Oxfordshire Countryside. The unique architecture and public access along the Gravel Paths by Lakeside Houses and Supercars also receive positive feedback.
For the Cheese Wharf Wild Swimming Spot, there are a couple of parking spaces available nearby. For other locations, parking availability can vary, so it's advisable to check local signage or plan your route in advance.


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