Best lakes around Burnham Without offers a landscape characterized by wetland areas and various water bodies, providing opportunities for nature observation and recreation. The region, part of the Somerset Levels, features significant natural reserves and former industrial sites repurposed for public enjoyment. These areas are notable for their diverse wildlife and tranquil settings. Visitors can find a mix of natural and man-made lakes suitable for walking, fishing, and birdwatching.
Last updated: July 25, 2026
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Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park is an urban park and wildlife centre in Highbridge, Somerset, England. The park was created on the site of a former clay pit and brickwork manufacturing site and provides a link between Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea. There are various facilities including an outdoor gym, a lake and birdlife.
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Great walk for all ability gravel path so not muddy walk can be made bigger as can walk down to the sea ,plenty of parking
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An excellent route with all tarmac roads (apart from one very small minor main road section), rest all small side roads with very little car traffic. A number of pubs and eating places along the way, especially Sweets Tea Rooms near Wedmore - seems a favourite for cyclists. Good route for spotting wetland wildlife - especially Egrets and Swans.
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Really enjoyed this tranquil bike path. Plenty of places to stop, have a break and check out the wildlife. Everyone seemed so happy to be there; definitely a good place for a family ride.
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The Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve is a large area encompassing the Steart Peninsula and Steart Marshes. Managed by Natural England, it’s a vital habitat for overwintering birds and has extensive mudflats that reach out into the Bristol Channel. While the marshes are fascinating to walk around, looking out into the bay is a phenomenal sight when the tide is out and the mud is covered in birds. Around 190 species of bird have been recorded here, so bring binoculars. This area has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world and the dangers of fast, incoming waves should not be underestimated.
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A fantastic gravel trail across the Avalon marshes. Quiet in the morning but can get busy with walkers on a sunny afternoon. It’s part of national cycle route 3 so cyclists are more than entitled to use it, but bear in mind that it is a shared path and most people come here to enjoy the nature in peace. There are lots of bird watchers and if you come just before dusk you’ll see some amazing starling murmurations. Good surface of fine, hard packed gravel with a few non-threatening potholes.
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The region is characterized by extensive wetland areas, former clay pits, and various water bodies. You'll find diverse wildlife, especially birds like egrets, swans, mallard ducks, and herons. Areas like the Somerset Levels Wetlands and Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park are particularly rich in natural beauty and wildlife.
Yes, there are several excellent walking opportunities. The Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park Walk offers a gentle, picturesque path around a lake, taking about 40 minutes. For a longer experience, the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail provides a fantastic gravel path across the Avalon Marshes, popular with walkers and cyclists. You can find more hiking options in the hiking guide for Burnham Without.
Both Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park and the Somerset Levels Wetlands are considered family-friendly. Apex Park features an outdoor gym and gentle footpaths, while the Somerset Levels offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is also great for families, with its accessible gravel path.
Burnham Without offers several fishing spots. The lake at Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park is popular for carp and bream, with permits available from the Highbridge Angling Association. Additionally, Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Park has dedicated fishing lakes, and Avalon Fisheries (near Burnham Without) offers Moors Lake and Fenwood Lake, stocked with various species for anglers of all skill levels.
Yes, Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park has a large, free car park. Avalon Fisheries also provides a large car park for visitors. For other locations, it's advisable to check local signage or specific venue information.
Summer is excellent for seeing swallows, house martins, and sand martins swooping over the water at Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park. For birdwatchers, the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is known for starling murmurations just before dusk, particularly in autumn and winter. The Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve is a vital habitat for overwintering birds.
Yes, the Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park Walk is noted as wheelchair accessible, featuring a gravel path that is not muddy. The Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail also boasts a fantastic gravel path, making it suitable for strollers and those seeking an easier surface.
Yes, the Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve Trail is part of National Cycle Route 3, offering an excellent compacted gravel surface for cycling. While it's a shared path, cyclists are welcome to enjoy the route. You can find more cycling routes in the Burnham Without guides.
One of the most remarkable natural phenomena is the starling murmurations at Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve. These incredible aerial displays can be witnessed just before dusk, particularly during the colder months.
When visiting nature reserves like Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve and Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve, it's important to respect the wildlife and follow any posted guidelines. This typically includes keeping dogs on leads, staying on marked paths, and not disturbing the natural habitat. For fishing, specific permits are required at locations like Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park and Avalon Fisheries.
The fishing lakes in the area are well-stocked with a variety of species. At Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park, you can fish for carp and bream. Haven Burnham-on-Sea Fishing Lakes contain eels, roach, pike, bream, tench, and carp. Avalon Fisheries offers quality carp (some reaching double figures), tench, bream, skimmers, roach, rudd, chub, and perch.
While specific establishments are not detailed for every lake, the Somerset Levels Wetlands area has a number of pubs and eating places along its routes, with Sweets Tea Rooms near Wedmore being a popular spot for cyclists. For other locations, amenities are generally available in nearby towns like Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea.


Still not found your perfect lake around Burnham Without? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.