Best lakes around Charfield include various water bodies within and near this South Gloucestershire village. While Charfield itself features smaller ponds, the surrounding area offers larger lakes and river stretches. The region is characterized by its rural landscape, with the Little River Avon flowing nearby and the Cotswolds to the east. These water bodies provide opportunities for nature observation, walking, and specific water activities.
Last updated: June 16, 2026
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private property very quiet area, lovely bridle paths however have to keep dogs on lead most areas.
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**PLEASE NOTE** Entrance to the Tortworth Lake / Estate grounds is ONLY available on the FIRST SUNDAY of each month from February to the end of October!! (I wish I'd known that before this mess of a hike. In January. On a Monday 🙈🤣). Opening times vary depending on the month, but it is only open on the first Sunday of each month. See photo here for the opening times (and a screenshot from the website). If you DO head here on a different day, the woodland nearby IS really stunning, so it is still worth a walk 🥰✨️
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Picturesque Cotswold village built around the church of St Andrew. There is a pretty village pond and a pub.
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One of the highlights (of which there are many) of a truly beautiful and secluded valley.
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A delightful footpath through the valley to the lakes. Gets a little boggy around the lakes, but nothing too bad.
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This used to be in the grounds of the Mawdesley's electrical motor factory, but now sits within a modern estate. If you're passing through, it's a beautiful little spot to check out.
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Near Charfield, you'll find a variety of water bodies. These include smaller, tranquil ponds like the seasonal pond at Charfield Meadow Nature Reserve, village ponds such as the one in Leighterton, and private estate lakes like the one near Ozleworth Gravel Track. The broader region also offers larger bodies of water like 'The Lake' at Cromhall Quarry for watersports, and stretches of the Little River Avon for fishing.
Yes, there are several walking opportunities. For example, Lasborough Lakes and Mansion offers a delightful footpath through the valley. You can also find easy hikes in the wider area, with routes like 'Flock of Sheep' or 'Jubilee Clump Viewpoint'. For more detailed hiking options, you can explore the easy hikes around Charfield guide.
The terrain varies. Around Lasborough Lakes, the footpath can be a little boggy in places. The area around Ozleworth Gravel Track features quintessential Cotswolds gravel tracks, which can include a tough, steep climb. Charfield Meadow Nature Reserve offers quiet, secluded paths through meadows.
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Leighterton, with its picturesque village pond, is considered family-friendly. Mawdesley's Pond is also a beautiful little spot for a quiet visit. Charfield Meadow Nature Reserve is excellent for nature observation, attracting dragonflies, newts, and frogs, which can be engaging for children.
Charfield Meadow Nature Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity. You can spot a wide variety of wildflowers, butterflies like orange-tips, brimstones, ringlets, and meadow browns, as well as dragonflies, newts, and frogs in and around its seasonal pond. The broader Cotswold Lakes area is also excellent for birdwatching.
Yes, fishing opportunities are available. The Charfield Angling Association manages a three-mile stretch of the Little River Avon near Charfield, which offers private fishing, particularly for trout. Bristol Water also manages several lakes in the wider Bristol area, such as Blagdon Lake and Chew Valley Lake, which are known for fishing.
Yes, 'The Lake' at Cromhall Quarry, located near Wotton-under-Edge, is a premier spot for open water swimming, scuba diving, and paddleboarding. It's recognized as one of the clearest lakes in the UK for these activities and offers a safe environment for all skill levels.
Near the lakes, you can find historical elements such as Lasborough Lakes and Mansion, which includes a historical site. Leighterton is a picturesque Cotswold village with a church. Additionally, Tortworth Lake and Estate House is a historical site, though access to the grounds is limited to the first Sunday of each month from February to October.
Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty and tranquility. For instance, the area around Ozleworth Gravel Track is noted as a nice quiet spot for a picnic with amazing views. The footpath through the valley to Lasborough Lakes is described as delightful, and Mawdesley's Pond is considered a beautiful little spot to check out.
Yes, the area around Charfield offers various cycling and mountain biking routes. You can find challenging gravel tracks near Ozleworth Gravel Track. For more options, explore the MTB Trails around Charfield guide or the Cycling around Charfield guide, which include routes of varying difficulty.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For wildlife spotting and wildflowers, spring and summer are ideal, especially at Charfield Meadow Nature Reserve. For watersports at Cromhall Quarry, warmer months are preferable. If you plan to visit Tortworth Lake and Estate House, remember it's only open on the first Sunday of each month from February to October.


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