Top 20 Lakes around Wokingham
Best lakes around Wokingham offer diverse natural landscapes for outdoor activities. The region features a mix of forest-enclosed lakes, country park waters, and ecologically significant sites. These areas provide opportunities for walking, nature observation, and fishing. The varied terrain includes both tranquil spots and more active recreational areas.
Best lakes around Wokingham
- The most popular lakes is Rapley Lake, a forest lake located within Swinley Forest. It offers a peaceful setting for walks through an extensive network of forest paths.
- Another must-see spot is Hawley Lake, a lake surrounded by extensive woodland. Visitors can find a mixture of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced paths, with spots available for paddling.
- Visitors also love Heath Lake, a natural monument and the only acid lake in Berkshire. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique pH levels supporting rare plant species.
- Wokingham is known for its forest lakes, country park lakes, and unique ecological sites. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different interests.
- The lakes around Wokingham are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and over 20 photos shared.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
The Vyne
Highlight • Monument
The Vyne was built for Lord Sandys, King Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain. The house retains its Tudor chapel, with stained glass. The classical portico on the north front was added in 1654 by Inigo Jones's pupil John Webb. In the mid-eighteenth century, The Vyne belonged to Horace Walpole's close friend John Chaloner Chute, who designed the Palladian staircase, whose magnificent apparent scale belies its actual small size.
The Vyne was bequeathed by its final Chute owner, Sir Charles Chute, to the National Trust in 1956.
Each year a number of concerts, plays and family events are run.
The grounds contain large woodland and a wetlands nesting site populated by swans and common redshanks. There are a number of woodlands, wetland and parkland walking trails. Dogs are welcome into the grounds (on leads), in Morgaston Woods and the Organic Parklands (under direct control).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vyne
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Rapley Lake
Highlight • Forest
The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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Observation Tower and Trails at Former TRL Site, Crowthorne
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Hawley Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Heath Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Popular around Wokingham
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Tips from the Community
Nice peaceful spot, although there are no facilities or coffee shops in the immediate vicinity.
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Rapley Lake is beautiful and sits on the outskirts of the Royal Estate of Bagshot Park. It's very peaceful and on a still day the lake is like a mirror. It's a bit of a dead end if you cycle there as there's only really one path in or out, but lots of little paths for hiking. There's ducks and geese who like to be fed!
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Very close to Bagshot, within Swinley Forest, you will find this beautiful lake, perfect for a walk and for getting lost in the network of paths throughout the forest. The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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While walking along the path around the lake, you can observe a wide variety of birds, including swans and ducks, among others. This lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to several rare plants due to its low pH levels. In fact, it's the only acid lake in the county. Depending on the weather, it can become muddy.
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This lake is the only acid lake in Berkshire. Due to its naturally high pH level, it harbors some very uncommon plants, such as the water milfoil or the six-stemmed water crowfoot. This has earned it the designation of SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Next to the reserve where this lake is located, there is a small, free parking area. Several trails and routes, like the Ramblers Route, pass by the lake.
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Our local NT place we go here often. Morgaston woodland walks out of the back gate where you will also find a hide overlooking wetlands. Secure bike parking limited. Suggestion attach to wooden fence by reception and we will keep an eye on it but can’t be responsible. Highlight for us in this house is the chapel. Lovely lake but rebuilding work to a bridge in progress at the moment
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The Crowthorne location that formerly housed the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has now been transformed into a vast expanse of open space. The area features a legendary and monumental high-speed vehicle testing berm, gravelpads, and hillclimbing tracks, and labs once utilised to test crash test dummies. The vicinity also boasts sprawling woodlands, offering a plethora of well-maintained trails that are perfect for running, hiking, or extending a gravel ride. An enormous skid pan adds to the allure of this region, as does the presence of test zones that were previously utilised to test out-of-the-box ideas, such as miniature roundabouts and bike paths, all within the expanse of a well-landscaped forest.
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Former Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Crowthorne Berkshire is now huge open space with now defunct, massive high speed vehicle testing berms, gravelpads and hillclimbing tracks in what used to be the home of the crash test dummies. Wide woodlands littered with well surfaced tracks perfect for running, extending a gravel ride or walking. A huge skid pan and areas once used to test ‘innovative’ ideas such as mini-roundabouts and bike paths amongst a well landscaped forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for walking near Wokingham?
For pleasant walks, consider Rapley Lake within Swinley Forest, offering an extensive network of forest paths. Hawley Lake also provides a mix of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced paths through woodland. Heath Lake has a tranquil path around its perimeter, ideal for nature observation. For more structured routes, you can find various easy hikes around Wokingham, including a loop around Dinton Pastures, on the Easy hikes around Wokingham guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Wokingham?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Dinton Pastures Country Park, with its multiple lakes, is a popular destination offering a peaceful setting for outdoor enjoyment. Heath Lake is also family-friendly, with a path around the lake where you can observe birdlife. Longmoor Lake at California Country Park has a cafe nearby for refreshments, making it convenient for families.
What unique natural features can I find at the lakes near Wokingham?
Heath Lake is particularly unique as the only acid lake in Berkshire, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its rare plant species like water milfoil and six-stemmed water crowfoot. It's surrounded by 20 hectares of woodland and heathland, supporting diverse birdlife. Learn more about Heath Lake's unique ecology.
Which lakes are good for fishing?
Dinton Pastures Country Park is well-regarded by anglers, with species such as tench, bream, roach, and perch. Longmoor Lake at California Country Park is stocked with carp (some over 20lb), tench, and pike, with day tickets available. For dedicated carp fishing, Holme Grange Fishery and Sandhurst Lake within the Yateley Lakes complex are excellent day ticket options, offering carp up to 30lb+.
Are there lakes with cafes or facilities nearby?
Longmoor Lake, part of California Country Park, has a cafe nearby for refreshments. Holme Grange Fishery, a dedicated carp lake, provides an onsite shop where anglers can purchase bait, tackle, and even hot and cold food, with delivery to your swim, along with on-site toilets. Dinton Pastures Country Park also offers facilities typical of a popular country park.
What kind of terrain should I expect on lake walks, and can paths be muddy?
The terrain around the lakes varies. Hawley Lake offers a mix of paved, gravel, and unsurfaced paths. Paths around Rapley Lake and Heath Lake can become muddy, especially after heavy rainfall, so appropriate footwear is recommended for these areas.
Are there opportunities for cycling near the lakes?
Yes, the area around Wokingham offers various cycling opportunities. Swinley Forest, which encompasses Rapley Lake, is known for its extensive network of paths suitable for mountain biking. You can explore a range of routes on the MTB Trails around Wokingham guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Wokingham guide.
Which lakes offer paddling spots?
Hawley Lake is known to have a couple of spots where visitors can paddle, adding another recreational element to its natural appeal.
Are there historical sites or landmarks near the lakes?
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural features, The Vyne, a 16th-century country house and National Trust property, is located near Sherborne St John. Its grounds feature woodland and wetlands, offering walking trails where dogs are welcome on leads. This provides a blend of history and nature for visitors.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Wokingham?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for walking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter provides a tranquil, often crisp, experience. Be aware that paths can be muddy after rain, particularly around Rapley Lake and Heath Lake, so appropriate footwear is always recommended.
Are there lakes with free parking available?
Yes, Heath Lake offers a small, free parking area next to its reserve, making it convenient for visitors.
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