Top 9 Lakes around Bradley Stoke
Best lakes around Bradley Stoke offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities. This area, situated near Bristol, features local nature reserves and accessible water parks. The landscape includes man-made lakes, woodlands, and green spaces, providing habitats for wildlife and outdoor activities. Visitors can find various lakeside environments suitable for walking, wildlife observation, and water sports.
Best lakes around Bradley Stoke
- The most popular lakes is Duchess Pond, an other natural area that supports bird species such as reed warbler and reed bunting. It is also used for angling and offers a pleasant spot for walking.
- Another must-see spot is Eastville Park Lake, a lake within a park. This lake is part of Bristol City’s parks and estates, offering a scenic path for considerate cycling and walking.
- Visitors also love Bitterwell Lake, a man-made lake with historical significance. It is a picturesque fishing lake and a good place to stop for a break.
- Bradley Stoke is known for man-made lakes, fishing lakes, and nature reserve lakes. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from tranquil spots to those offering water activities.
- The lakes around Bradley Stoke are appreciated by the komoot community, with 62 upvotes and 15 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: October 2, 2026
Duchess Pond
Highlight • Natural
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Pond in St George's Park
Highlight • Lake
visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/st-george-park-playground-p1880043
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Bitterwell Lake
Highlight • Structure
In 1930, the lake was aquired by the Westerleigh Parish Council who transformed it into a place to fishing, swimming, and boating. You can find more information, here: bitterwelllake.co.uk
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Eastville Park Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Stoke Park Estate
Highlight • Forest
The wider estate which includes a lake, old gun emplacements, a hermitage tunnel and areas of woodland is all open to the public.
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Stoke Park is a 270-acre open green space clearly visible from the M32 on the way into or out of Bristol. The yellow Dower House was built in 1563 as a private home, it's been a hospital and is now private apartments. The wider estate which includes a lake, old gun emplacements, a hermitage tunnel and areas of woodland is all open to the public.
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The Duchess Pond in the Stoke Park estate is used as a fishing lake. Despite its noisy proximity to the motorway it's a nice place to walk and you may see water birds that are otherwise rare in the Bristol area. Look out for reed warblers, reed bunting and Egyptian geese.
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A lovely little pond on the Stoke Park Estate, this would be a tranquil spot were it not for the nearby M32. Nevertheless, it's a pleasant spot both in terms of its scenery and its wildlife. The pond supports bird species such as reed warbler and reed bunting and is also used for angling.
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Just cautious and considerate of walkers, dogs, children... Nice scenic path though
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A picturesque fishing lake. A good place to stop for a break.
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Part of Bristol City’s parks and estates so considerate cycling is welcomed. Tarmac surface for most of the riverside route, but it does get very busy at peak times so bring your dog-dodging A-game.
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Bitterwell Lake is a man-made lake that once belonged to the Coalpit Heath Colliery Company. The lake was used to soak pit props for the mine until the closure of the mine. In 1930, the lake was aquired by the Westerleigh Parish Council who transformed it into a place to fishing, swimming, and boating. You can find more information, here: https://bitterwelllake.co.uk/
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St George’s Park is a beautiful Victorian park in East Bristol. With a picturesque pond at its centre, big areas of grass, many species of trees, community vegetable patch, skate park, playground, bowls lawn, tennis courts, and more, it is a wonderful place for people to come together. There are some great events in the park, too, including Redfest music festival, markets and many other community events. https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/st-george-park-playground-p1880043
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes around Bradley Stoke?
The lakes and surrounding nature reserves are rich in wildlife. At Duchess Pond, you might spot bird species like reed warblers, reed buntings, and Egyptian geese. Three Brooks Lake, within the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, is home to many common species of waterfowl, including nesting swans, and the wider reserve supports reed buntings, great crested newts, and slow worms.
Are there opportunities for water sports near Bradley Stoke?
Yes, the West Country Water Park, located very close to Bradley Stoke, offers a wide range of water-based activities. You can enjoy an inflatable Aqua Park, paddle boarding sessions, open water swimming, and windsurfing there.
Which lakes are suitable for a family day out?
Several lakes are family-friendly. Duchess Pond, Pond in St George's Park, Bitterwell Lake, Eastville Park Lake, and Ham Green Lake are all noted as family-friendly spots. The West Country Water Park is also a popular destination for families, especially in warmer weather, due to its various water activities.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes in the Bradley Stoke area?
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. Three Brooks Lake, within the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, is a popular spot for dog walking, with plenty of opportunities for dogs to splash in streams and run in open grassy areas.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are numerous walking opportunities. The Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, which includes Three Brooks Lake, offers many paths. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the 'Savages Wood – Three Brooks Lake loop' or 'Three Brooks Gravel Path – Three Brooks Lake loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Easy hikes around Bradley Stoke guide.
What are the parking options for visiting these lakes?
For Three Brooks Lake, there is a car park available near Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, which is close to one of the reserve's entrances. The West Country Water Park also has parking facilities for visitors.
Is there any historical significance to the lakes in this region?
Yes, Bitterwell Lake has historical significance. It is a man-made lake that once belonged to the Coalpit Heath Colliery Company and was used to soak pit props for the mine until its closure. In 1930, it was acquired by the Westerleigh Parish Council and transformed into a place for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Are there any lakes where I can go fishing?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Duchess Pond is used for angling. Bitterwell Lake is known as a picturesque fishing lake, and Ham Green Lake is also a peaceful spot where people enjoy fishing.
When is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Bradley Stoke?
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Warmer months are ideal for water activities at West Country Water Park. For nature observation, spring brings bluebells to Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, while autumn offers wild fruits. The paths around the lakes are generally enjoyable for walking year-round.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, there are cycling opportunities. Eastville Park Lake, for example, is part of Bristol City’s parks and estates, offering a scenic path where considerate cycling is welcomed. For gravel biking, you can explore routes like 'Broad Lane Byway' or 'Staple Hill Tunnel' which are detailed in the Gravel biking around Bradley Stoke guide.
Which lakes offer a peaceful spot for relaxation?
Duchess Pond, despite its proximity to the M32, is described as a tranquil spot. Ham Green Lake also offers a very peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a rest. Three Brooks Lake within its nature reserve provides serene surroundings for enjoying wildlife.
Are there any cafes or facilities near the lakes?
The West Country Water Park has facilities on-site, including options for alcoholic beverages (though not for those participating in water activities). For other lakes, it's advisable to check local amenities in nearby towns like Bradley Stoke or Stoke Gifford, as specific cafes directly adjacent to all lakes are not consistently available.
How accessible are the lakes by public transport?
Entrances to Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, which includes Three Brooks Lake, are accessible from various roads, and cycle racks are available near Bradley Stoke Library, suggesting good local connectivity. For specific public transport routes to other lakes, it's recommended to check local bus services to the nearest towns or villages.
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