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United Kingdom
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Dorset

Bourton

Top 5 Lakes around Bourton

Lakes around Bourton-on-the-Water offer diverse aquatic landscapes, from the village's central River Windrush to larger man-made lakes nearby. Bourton-on-the-Water is characterized by its waterways and stone bridges, earning it the nickname "Venice of the Cotswolds." While the River Windrush flows directly through the village, several other lake destinations are accessible for visitors. These areas provide opportunities for walking, fishing, and watersports.

Best lakes around Bourton

  • The most popular lakes is Stourhead House and Gardens, a man-made monument that includes a lake within its estate. This National Trust property features a lake surrounded by mythical temples and grottos.
  • Another must-see spot is Stourhead Gardens and Lake, a historical site with a prominent lake feature. Visitors can explore the gardens and the lake, which is part of a larger estate.
  • Visitors also love Stourhead Landscape Garden, a natural monument with a central lake. This landscape garden is known for its lake, surrounded by specimen trees and mythical structures.
  • Bourton is known for its tranquil river, man-made fishing lakes, and extensive water parks. Visitors can explore clear village waterways, quiet fishing spots, and large recreational lakes.
  • The lakes around Bourton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and 12 photos contributed by users.

Last updated: June 18, 2026

Stourhead House and Gardens

Highlight • Monument

Great National Trust place to stop and refuel, hot drink are around £2.50 and plenty of food to choose from. Grounds past cafe are free the members or around £19 for adults.

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Stourhead Gardens and Lake

Highlight • Historical Site

A 14th century church for the parish of Stourton.

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Wonderful day out place for everyone to explore & enjoy.

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Stourhead Landscape Garden

Highlight • Natural Monument

Stourhead opened in the 1740s as a landscape garden and living work of art. At its centre is a lake surrounded by mythical temples, grottos and wonderful specimen trees. It's now managed by the National Trust and paid entry other than the footpaths which run across the estate.

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Shaftesbury Country Touring Park

Highlight • Settlement

Camped here for two nights. Owners were pleasant and welcoming and talked me through things. Toilets and showers were clean. Nice lake with Canada geese and Coots in residence.
Big site with wide range of plots, couple of miles from Shaftesbury.
Website here: shaftesburycountrytouringpark.co.uk

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Tips from the Community

Kristian
June 28, 2026, Stourhead House and Gardens

The gardens of Stourhead are among the most famous 18th-century English landscape gardens and, for me, one of the most beautiful I have seen so far. The centerpiece is a large, artificially created lake, around which winding paths, temples, bridges, grottoes, and rare trees extend. The layout was designed so that new picturesque views open up at every turn of the path.

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The gardens of Stourhead are one of the most famous English landscape gardens of the 18th century. The centerpiece is a large artificial lake, around which winding paths, temples, bridges, grottoes, and rare trees extend. The layout was designed so that new picturesque views open up at every turn of the path.

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Beautiful gardens, very well-maintained and attractive; simply wonderful for relaxing and unwinding

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Lovely view of the lake, especially at sunset.

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Amazing place. I was able to check out the shop and cafe, and have a peak at the garden, whetting my appetite to make it a day's destination some time.

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Stourhead opened in the 1740s as a landscape garden and living work of art. At its centre is a lake surrounded by mythical temples, grottos and wonderful specimen trees. It's now managed by the National Trust and paid entry other than the footpaths which run across the estate.

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Wonderful day out place for everyone to explore & enjoy.

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A beautiful National Trust garden with a great circular walk around the lake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main water features to explore directly in Bourton-on-the-Water?

The most iconic water feature directly in the village is the River Windrush. It's known for its clear water, numerous low stone bridges, and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls and watching ducks. Children often enjoy paddling in its shallow waters.

Are there any fishing lakes near Bourton-on-the-Water?

Yes, the Bourton Lakes, located just outside the village, are primarily known as fishing lakes. These man-made lakes are managed by Moreton Angling Club and offer a quieter, natural escape for anglers and birdwatchers.

What kind of activities can I do at Cotswold Water Park?

The Cotswold Water Park, located about 16 miles from Bourton-on-the-Water, offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy various watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, explore off-road walking and cycling paths, go birdwatching, or relax at an inland beach for bathing and paddling. It's an extensive area with over 180 lakes.

Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes near Bourton?

Absolutely. The River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water is very family-friendly, with opportunities for children to paddle and feed ducks. The Cotswold Water Park also offers numerous family activities, including an inland beach, watersports suitable for various ages, and extensive walking and cycling paths.

What natural features can I observe around Bourton Lakes?

The Bourton Lakes are home to various wetland birds, with populations fluctuating seasonally. They provide a peaceful setting for birdwatching and enjoying nature away from the village crowds. The clear waters of the River Windrush also allow you to see fish.

What is the best time to visit the lakes around Bourton-on-the-Water?

The lakes and waterways around Bourton-on-the-Water are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports and outdoor activities at Cotswold Water Park and for enjoying the village's riverside charm. Autumn offers beautiful scenery, especially around the landscaped areas, and winter provides a peaceful, serene atmosphere for walks.

Are there walking trails around Bourton Lakes?

Yes, there are walking paths that lead between the Bourton Lakes, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment for a stroll. These paths provide a good option for those looking for a quieter walk amidst nature.

How accessible is Cotswold Water Park from Bourton-on-the-Water?

The Cotswold Water Park is approximately 16.1 miles from Bourton-on-the-Water. It's best accessed by car, offering a relatively short drive to reach its extensive network of lakes and activities.

What historical or cultural sites are near the lakes?

While not directly a lake, the Stourhead House and Gardens is a significant historical site with a beautiful lake within its estate. This National Trust property features mythical temples and grottos surrounding the lake. You can explore this area further by visiting Stourhead House and Gardens.

Can I find easy lake walks near Bourton-on-the-Water?

Yes, the paths along the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water offer very easy and pleasant walks suitable for all ages. The walking paths around the Bourton Lakes also provide relatively easy routes for a peaceful natural experience.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Bourton?

Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the River Windrush, the picturesque stone bridges, and the opportunity for leisurely strolls. The extensive activities at Cotswold Water Park and the peaceful fishing and birdwatching at Bourton Lakes are also highly appreciated.

Are there any nearby routes for outdoor activities like hiking or cycling?

Yes, there are several outdoor activity routes in the broader region. For hiking, you can explore trails like the 'King Alfred's Tower – Kingsettle Woods loop' or 'Victorian Water Pump – View of Glastonbury Tor loop'. For gravel biking, routes like 'Stourhead House and Gardens – Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point loop' are available. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking guide or gravel biking guide for Bourton.

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