Top 6 Lakes around Farnborough
Best lakes around Farnborough offer diverse natural landscapes and outdoor opportunities. The area provides access to various waterside attractions, from fishing spots to nature reserves. These locations are suitable for different activities, including walking and wildlife observation. The region's lakes contribute to its appeal as an outdoor destination.
Best lakes around Farnborough
- The most popular lakes is Bishops Bowl Lakes, a natural monument that sits on a 90-acre former limestone quarry. This site is recorded as a site of…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Bishops Bowl Lakes
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Grimsbury Plantation Reserve and Reservoir
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Wormleighton Reservoir
Highlight • Natural
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Hellidon Village
Highlight • Settlement
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Fir Tree Campsite & Fishing Lake
Highlight • Rest Area
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Tips from the Community
We had to double back on ourselves slightly to see the lakes, as they were hidden behind a hedge
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Built on an ironstone ridge above pretty Northamptonshire countryside, Helidon is a picturesque village. Notable buildings include its lovely, 13th-century parish church and its converted tower mill, which stands proud on Windmill Hill at 670 feet (200 m) above sea level. For walkers completing the Jurassic Way long-distance footpath, there's the option of the Red Lion for both food and accommodation. The nearby Hellidon Lakes are also worth exploring.
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Wormleighton Reservoir is used to maintain the water level in the Oxford Canal. Planned in 1787, it has served the canal well ever since. The reservoir is an excellent place to spot a variety of bird species, such as the ring-necked duck, egret, bufflehead and great crested grebe.
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Managed by the Banbury Ornithological Society, the Grimsbury Plantation Reserve is a 3.5-acre (1.4 ha) area of Scots pine and alder woodland. Look out for the Eurasian siskin wintering during the colder months, whilst summer is a good time to spot warblers. The nearby reservoir is popular with dog walkers, whilst the Oxford Canal runs adjacent to the reserve. If you bring your dog, ensure it is kept on a short lead on the reserve so as to not disturb the birds.
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Bishops Bowl Fishery sits on a 90 acre former limestone quarry, located on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border. The quarry work many years ago has created an attractive stone faced bowl. The whole site is recorded as a site of scientific interest. As at Lyme Regis, the Blue Lias at Harbury is rich in marine fossils. In 1927 and 1928 the skeletons of two marine reptiles were found in Harbury quarry. They are an ichthyosaur and a plesiosaur, and both fossils are now in the Natural History Museum, London. The plesiosaur is the unique example of the early Jurassic species Macroplata tenuiceps.
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Really nice quiet campsite, fishing lake and falconary set in a lovely sheltered location. Picturesque walk to one of the local pubs in Ratley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Farnborough?
The lakes in the Farnborough area offer diverse natural features. For instance, Bishops Bowl Lakes is a former limestone quarry, now a natural monument and a site of scientific interest known for marine fossils. Grimsbury Plantation Reserve and Reservoir features Scots pine and alder woodland, popular for birdwatching. You can also find reservoirs like Wormleighton Reservoir, which is excellent for spotting various bird species.
Are there any lakes suitable for fishing near Farnborough?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Fir Tree Campsite & Fishing Lake offers a dedicated fishing lake. Additionally, Hollybush Lakes in Aldershot, close to Farnborough, is a significant attraction for anglers, known for its sizable carp and various fishing options.
Which lakes are good for birdwatching in the Farnborough area?
Grimsbury Plantation Reserve and Reservoir is managed by the Banbury Ornithological Society and is known for birdwatching, with Eurasian siskins in winter and warblers in summer. Wormleighton Reservoir is also an excellent spot to see various bird species like ring-necked ducks, egrets, buffleheads, and great crested grebes.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities around Farnborough?
Several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Wormleighton Reservoir is listed as family-friendly. Frensham Great Pond, about 9.3 miles from Farnborough, is also considered suitable for all ages and offers a great outdoor experience. Windsor Great Park, with its expansive grounds and lakes, is another large outdoor area suitable for families.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes near Farnborough?
Yes, some areas are dog-friendly. The reservoir near Grimsbury Plantation Reserve is popular with dog walkers. If you bring your dog to the reserve itself, ensure it is kept on a short lead to avoid disturbing the birds.
What kind of walking trails can I find near the lakes?
You can find a variety of walking trails. For example, there are easy to moderate hiking routes around the area, such as the 'Wormleighton Reservoir loop from Farnborough CP' which is a moderate 11.1 km hike. You can explore more options for hiking around Farnborough on the Hiking around Farnborough guide.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the area has some historical interest. Bishops Bowl Lakes is a site of scientific interest due to its marine fossils, including ichthyosaur and plesiosaur skeletons found in the former quarry. Nearby, Hellidon Village features a 13th-century parish church and a converted tower mill, offering a glimpse into local history.
Are there places to stay or eat near the lakes?
Yes, there are options for accommodation and dining. Fir Tree Campsite & Fishing Lake offers a quiet campsite. From there, you can enjoy a picturesque walk to local pubs in Ratley. In Hellidon Village, the Red Lion pub offers food and accommodation, especially convenient for those completing the Jurassic Way footpath. Hollybush Lakes also features log cabins and lodges for longer stays.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Farnborough?
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Summer is good for spotting warblers at Grimsbury Plantation Reserve, while Eurasian siskins winter there during colder months. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for walking and enjoying nature, while winter can provide unique opportunities for birdwatching.
Are there any easy walking trails around the lakes for a relaxed outing?
Yes, there are easy walking trails available. For example, the 'Fenny Marina loop from Fenny Compton CP' is an easy 5.7 km route. You can find more easy hikes around the area by checking the Easy hikes around Farnborough guide.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do near these lakes?
Beyond hiking, you can find opportunities for running. There are various running trails around Farnborough, such as the 'Harts Hill – Burton Dassett Country Park loop from Fenny Compton CP', which is a moderate 8.2 km route. More running options can be found in the Running Trails around Farnborough guide.
Most popular attractions around Farnborough
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