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London Borough Of Hillingdon

Top 7 Lakes around the London Borough Of Hillingdon

Best lakes around the London Borough Of Hillingdon offer diverse natural settings and recreational opportunities. This area features several bodies of water, including lidos, natural lakes, and ponds, providing tranquil escapes within the urban landscape. These locations are suitable for various outdoor activities. The borough's lakes contribute to its green spaces and provide habitats for local wildlife.

Best lakes around the London Borough Of Hillingdon

  • The most popular lake is Ruislip Lido, a facilities area that features a sandy beach and is suitable for cycling. It is known for its unique inland beach destination in London.
  • Another must-see spot is Little Britain Lake and River Colne, a river and lake area. Visitors can find opportunities for fishing and cool dips, with the lake's shoreline resembling the coastline of Britain.
  • Visitors also love Ickenham Pump and Pond, a historical site with a pond. This location features a historic pump and a pond, often decorated during festive seasons.
  • London Borough Of Hillingdon is known for its lidos, natural lakes, and ponds. These bodies of water offer a variety of settings for walks and outdoor enjoyment.
  • The lakes around the London Borough Of Hillingdon are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 210 upvotes and 80 photos shared across 6 highlights.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Ruislip Lido

Highlight • Rest Area

You can cycle round the Lido but it gets very busy at the weekend and in the summer is packed during holidays on sunny days. Beware of dog walkers with extending leads. It is great to cycle through Ruislip Woods to the Lido if you have a trail bike, but horses use the paths and churn it up after rain so it is almost impassable. The best time to go is very early in the morning in the summer, beautiful, especially if the mist is around.

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Little Britain Lake, called such because of its shoreline looking like the coastline of Britain. The lake was created out of a quarry from the 1930s. Beside it runs the River Colne, with many spots for a cool dip or a spot of fishing.

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Horse Pond (Ruislip Duck Pond)

Highlight • Natural

This small pond and nature reserve is locally known as The Duck Pond but signage suggests it's actually named the Horse Pond. The Ruislip Duck Pond Market is held here on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month where shoppers can buy and eat locally made and sourced food and goods

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Grand Union Canal — Uxbridge to Denham

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

For some reason, Komoot always tries to route me down the A40 to the North of this section where there is no cycle path. This segment avoids that and provides a safe diversion from Uxbridge to Denham.

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Swakeleys Park

Highlight • Rest Area

A tranquil greenspace with an extensive lake, community facilities and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Garden.

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Farlows Lake

Highlight • Lake

This series of beautiful and peaceful lakes are full of wildlife, birds and fish, and are superbly set up for anglers. Permits are required. The lakes are extremely peaceful and apart from fishing there are nice seating areas and picnic opportunities. Recommended!

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Ickenham Pump and Pond

Highlight • Monument

A historic pump and pond in Ickenham.

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Tips from the Community

CycMinPin22
December 10, 2025, Ickenham Pump and Pond

There is a little history board to read which is nice

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What a nice place to stop and admire the pond and gazebo. It always looks nice at Xmas when the lights are one too!

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Scotty C
February 23, 2025, Swakeleys Park

A tranquil greenspace with an extensive lake, community facilities and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Garden.

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CycMinPin22
February 3, 2024, Ruislip Lido

Love seeing the woodlands and lido in winter colours

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Natalie
January 19, 2023, Ruislip Lido

A sandy beach in London, Ruislip Lido is a popular place for recreation, be that running, swimming or walking. The lido spent nearly 80 years in a state of disrepair but was restored and reopened in 2010. It was originally built as a reservoir for the Grand Union Canal.

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starting and ending point. just follow the path to walk around the Lido. if you have small children use the miniature train and hop on and off

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John
February 17, 2022, Ruislip Lido

You can cycle round the Lido but it gets very busy at the weekend and in the summer is packed during holidays on sunny days. Beware of dog walkers with extending leads. It is great to cycle through Ruislip Woods to the Lido if you have a trail bike, but horses use the paths and churn it up after rain so it is almost impassable. The best time to go is very early in the morning in the summer, beautiful, especially if the mist is around.

3

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AndyBe11
October 6, 2021, Ruislip Lido

Keep looking up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which lakes in the London Borough of Hillingdon are best for families?

Several lakes in the borough are great for families. Ruislip Lido features a sandy beach, a narrow-gauge train, and places to eat, making it a popular choice. Little Britain Lake offers peaceful walks and opportunities for cool dips, while Swakeleys Park provides a tranquil green space with community facilities and a lake. Lake Farm Country Park also has a children's play area and a BMX track.

Are there good places for walking or cycling around the lakes?

Yes, many lakes offer excellent opportunities for walking and cycling. You can cycle around Ruislip Lido, though it can get busy. Cycling through Ruislip Woods to the Lido is also an option for trail bikes. Little Britain Lake is ideal for peaceful walks or runs. For more structured routes, consider exploring the nearby easy hikes like the 2.75 km 'Ruislip Lido – Ruislip Lido loop' or cycling routes such as the 'Black Jack's Mill – Batchworth Lock No. 81 loop from Uxbridge' which is 23.9 km, both accessible via the easy hikes guide and cycling guide for the region.

Which lakes are best for fishing in Hillingdon?

Little Britain Lake is known for its variety of fish species, including bass, trout, and catfish, with clear water enhancing the fishing experience. Farlows Lake is also a superb location for anglers, rich in fish, though permits are required.

What unique natural features can I find at Hillingdon's lakes?

Ruislip Lido stands out with its unique sandy beach, making it an inland beach destination. Little Britain Lake is notable for its shoreline resembling the coastline of Britain. Lake Farm Country Park is a significant expanse of meadow, important for wildlife, including skylarks and even rare species like the red-backed shrike.

Are there any historical sites near the lakes?

Yes, Ickenham Pump and Pond is a historical site featuring a historic pump and a pond, often decorated during festive seasons. Swakeleys Park also includes the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Garden, adding a historical and commemorative element to its tranquil setting.

What is the best time to visit the lakes in Hillingdon?

Early mornings in the summer are particularly beautiful, especially when mist is present, offering a serene experience. However, popular spots like Ruislip Lido can get very busy on weekends and sunny holidays, so visiting during off-peak hours might be preferable for a quieter experience.

Are there any lakes suitable for birdwatching?

Yes, Ruislip Lido is great for bird-watching. Lake Farm Country Park is also important for wildlife, with open grassland and shrubs providing a diverse habitat for birds, including skylarks and occasionally rare species like the red-backed shrike.

Where can I find amenities like cafes or picnic spots near the lakes?

At Ruislip Lido, there are several places to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. Farlows Lake also offers pleasant seating areas and picnic opportunities, providing a tranquil environment for relaxation.

Is there parking available at the lakes?

Yes, parking is available at some locations. For example, Ruislip Lido has a car park, which typically charges around £3.50 for the day.

What activities are available at Lake Farm Country Park?

Lake Farm Country Park offers a wide range of activities. It features a BMX track, a skate park, a bridleway, a children's play area, and an outdoor gym. It's also an excellent spot for wildlife observation, particularly birdwatching, due to its diverse habitats.

What is the 'Duck Pond Market' and where is it located?

The 'Duck Pond Market' is locally associated with Horse Pond (Ruislip Duck Pond). This market is held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month, offering locally made and sourced food and goods.

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

LondonCity Of WestminsterLondon Borough Of Richmond Upon ThamesLondon Borough Of EnfieldLondon Borough Of RedbridgeLondon Borough Of BexleyLondon Borough Of BarnetLondon Borough Of CamdenRoyal Borough Of GreenwichLondon Borough Of WandsworthLondon Borough Of Waltham ForestLondon Borough Of HarrowLondon Borough Of Lewisham

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