Top 6 Lakes around Hartwell
Best lakes around Hartwell offers a diverse natural landscape, characterized by numerous lakes, nature reserves, and parklands. The area provides habitats for various bird species and wildlife, making it suitable for nature observation. Visitors can explore a network of trails and enjoy serene waterscapes within these natural settings.
Best lakes around Hartwell
- The most popular lakes is Stony Stratford Nature Reserve, a trail that comprises five lakes and 57 acres of wet meadow. It is known for breeding and…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Stony Stratford Nature Reserve
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Tongwell Lake
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Great Linford Manor Park: Manor House, Church, and Ponds
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Emberton Country Park
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Northampton Washlands Nature Reserve
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Great Lake to run around, paths are a little bumpy but that doesn’t spoil the run
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Great Linford Manor Park is a unique site in Milton Keynes with a history stretching back to at least the Saxon times. Many features of the park, for example the Water Gardens and nearby Wilderness Garden date from the 17th and 18th centuries when the park was laid out to provide the setting to the impressive Manor House, which is now privately owned.
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Great Linford Manor Park is a unique site in Milton Keynes with a history stretching back to at least the Saxon times. Many features of the park, for example the Water Gardens and nearby Wilderness Garden date from the 17th and 18th centuries when the park was laid out to provide the setting to the impressive Manor House, which is now privately owned.
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Tongwell Lake seems to be Milton Keynes’ very own swan haven. The path around the lake is easy to follow as it only takes around 30 minutes to walk the whole way round. At times it’s not possible to see the lake through the reeds and bushes but in the openings you can enjoy some nice views of nature. There’s a large island in the middle of the lake, so if you’re a birdwatcher we recommend bringing some binoculars to spot any birds over there.
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Tongwell Lake seems to be Milton Keynes’ very own swan haven. The path around the lake is easy to follow as it only takes around 30 minutes to walk the whole way round. At times it’s not possible to see the lake through the reeds and bushes but in the openings you can enjoy some nice views of nature. There’s a large island in the middle of the lake, so if you’re a birdwatcher we recommend bringing some binoculars to spot any birds over there.
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The Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is a beautiful nugget of countryside with cleared islands and renovated bird hides connected by footpaths. The nature reserve offers nesting grounds and thriving wetland habitats for wildfowl and waders such as Kingfishers. Make sure to take advantage of the picturesque lake with its dipping platform, known for its vibrant dragonflies and damselflies.
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Emberton Country Park is blessed with 200 acres (81 ha) of peaceful parkland and shimmering lakes. Beloved by walkers and cyclists alike, there are a number of circular trails on offer. The park also has children's play areas, picnic spots and plenty of places where you can feed the ducks.
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A beautiful part of the wider Ouse Valley Park, Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is a great place to see breeding and over-wintering birds, as well as many dragonfly species. Created in 1979 from the gravel workings used in the building of the nearby A5, the reserve comprises five lakes and 57 acres (23 ha) of wet meadow. It is owned and operated by the Parks Trust. Two hides allow you to spot various bird species, depending on the time of year. Terns, oystercatchers and lapwings nest on the islands between March and June. It’s a good place to see a number of raptors, including kestrels, sparrow-hawks, buzzards and red kites. It is not uncommon to spot ospreys on autumn passage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Hartwell?
Visitors frequently enjoy Stony Stratford Nature Reserve, which features five lakes and 57 acres of wet meadow, known for its diverse bird species and dragonflies. Another favorite is Tongwell Lake, popular for its swan population and easy-to-follow path. Great Linford Manor Park, with its historical manor house, church, and ponds, also attracts many visitors.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Hartwell?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve and Tongwell Lake are both considered family-friendly. Great Linford Manor Park also offers a family-friendly setting with its historical grounds and gardens. Additionally, Emberton Country Park provides children's play areas and picnic spots alongside its lakes.
What natural features can I observe around the lakes?
The lakes around Hartwell offer diverse natural habitats. At Stony Stratford Nature Reserve, you can spot breeding and over-wintering birds, as well as various dragonfly species. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve is particularly rich, with extensive lakes, reedbeds, wet woodland, and meadows, providing a home for herons, little egrets, terns, barn owls, otters, and water shrews.
Are there historical sites near the lakes?
Yes, Great Linford Manor Park is a significant historical site with a history dating back to Saxon times. It features a manor house, church, Water Gardens, and a Wilderness Garden, reflecting its 17th and 18th-century landscape design.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the area around Hartwell offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Scenic Country Road – Olney Market Square loop from Hartwell', and running trails, like the 'Salcey Forest Café – Salcey Forest loop'. For hiking, there are easy trails like 'Hiking: Oak in Salcey Forest – Gruffalo Statue loop from Hartwell'. You can explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Hartwell, Running Trails around Hartwell, and Easy hikes around Hartwell guides.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve has footpaths connecting its islands and bird hides. Tongwell Lake offers an easy 30-minute circular path. For more extensive options, explore the Easy hikes around Hartwell guide, which includes routes like the 'Oak in Salcey Forest – Gruffalo Statue loop from Hartwell'.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Hartwell?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscape, the opportunities for nature observation, and the serene waterscapes. The presence of various bird species, dragonflies, and other wildlife, particularly at reserves like Stony Stratford Nature Reserve and Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, is a major draw. The easy-to-follow paths and family-friendly amenities also contribute to a positive experience.
Can I go birdwatching around the lakes?
Absolutely. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with two hides allowing you to observe breeding and over-wintering birds like terns, oystercatchers, lapwings, kestrels, sparrow-hawks, buzzards, red kites, and even ospreys. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve also offers four hides to watch herons, little egrets, terns, and barn owls.
Are there places to cycle near the lakes?
Yes, Emberton Country Park is beloved by cyclists and offers a number of circular trails. For more dedicated cycling routes, you can check out the Road Cycling Routes around Hartwell guide, which lists several options, including easy loops from Hanslope and Grange Park.
Is there a lake with a significant swan population?
Yes, Tongwell Lake is known as Milton Keynes’ very own swan haven, making it a great spot to observe these birds.
Do any of the lakes require a permit for access?
Yes, access to Linford Lakes Nature Reserve requires a permit, which can be purchased from the Parks Trust.
What kind of wildlife can be found at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve?
Linford Lakes Nature Reserve is the most diverse nature reserve in the Milton Keynes area. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including herons, little egrets, terns, barn owls, otters, and water shrews, which can be observed from its four hides.
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