Best lakes around Withington offer diverse natural landscapes within the Cotswolds. This area features a mix of man-made reservoirs and natural lakes, often surrounded by woodlands and rolling hills. Visitors can find serene waters for quiet contemplation and areas suitable for active pursuits. The region's lakes provide opportunities to explore nature reserves and scenic parklands.
Last updated: July 27, 2026
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Enjoy beautiful scenery here as you pass Brook Farm Trout Fishery, a lake regularly stocked with trout for local fishers.
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Stroll through this spacious woodland fit with vibrant greenery, towering trees, a babbling brook and a lake.
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Miserden Park's Lake serene atmosphere, picturesque scenes, and charming countryside surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills makes the most perfect location for a walk. Pick a peaceful spot to relax, watch the local anglers catching their dinner, or pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy a bite to eat.
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Dowdeswell Reservoir is a scenic stretch of water on the outskirts of Cheltenham. From the reservoir, you step straight into Dowdeswell Woods; a nature reserve that’s home to many species of plants and animals. Keep a lookout for birds including coot, moorhen, great crested grebe and little grebe.
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A great cycleway through the very beautiful Pittville Park... lots of pedestrians and dogs to avoid, but a great way to go and an even better place to plan as a spot to take a break.
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Great afternoon in the woods. Quite a few trees downed by winds and heard one crash whilst on my walk , so caution. Paths very muddy due to logging vehicles.
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Lovely area to walk, along footpaths through the woods and along the water.
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For scenic walks, Dowdeswell Reservoir offers footpaths through woods and along the water, leading into Dowdeswell Woods nature reserve. Pittville Park Lake is also popular, featuring a nice path perfect for running or leisurely strolls. For more extensive options, you can explore various hiking trails in the area, including easy hikes around Withington, which often incorporate these beautiful lake settings. You can find more details on these routes in the easy hikes guide.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Miserden Park Lake provides a serene atmosphere for relaxing or enjoying a picnic. Pittville Park Lake is within a large park, offering plenty of benches and a nice path for children to enjoy. Additionally, Park Wood, The Cotswolds National Landscape, features a spacious woodland with a lake, ideal for family strolls.
The lakes around Withington offer diverse natural beauty. At Dowdeswell Reservoir, you'll find a scenic stretch of water adjacent to Dowdeswell Woods, a nature reserve rich in plant and animal life, including various bird species like coot and great crested grebe. Miserden Park Lake is known for its picturesque scenes amidst lush greenery and rolling hills. Park Wood features vibrant greenery, towering trees, and a babbling brook alongside its lake.
Yes, fishing is an option at some locations. Miserden Park Lake is a spot where local anglers can often be seen. Additionally, Brook Farm Trout Fishery is a lake regularly stocked with trout, offering beautiful scenery for those interested in fishing.
While many lake walks are leisurely, the broader region around Withington, particularly within the Cotswolds, offers more challenging routes. You can explore various hiking trails, including moderate and difficult options, that might take you through varied terrain near some of these lake areas. For more challenging routes, consult the hiking guide for Withington.
The nature reserve at Dowdeswell Woods, adjacent to Dowdeswell Reservoir, is home to many species of plants and animals. Keep an eye out for various birds, including coot, moorhen, great crested grebe, and little grebe. The serene environments of lakes like Miserden Park Lake also provide habitats for local wildlife.
Pittville Park Lake is an excellent spot for running, featuring a well-maintained path. This location also hosts a weekly 5k park run every Saturday, making it ideal for active visitors. The surrounding areas also offer various routes for mountain biking; you can find more information in the MTB Trails guide for Withington.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and picturesque scenery for relaxation and picnics, especially at Miserden Park Lake. The opportunity for woodland walks and birdwatching at places like Dowdeswell Reservoir is also highly valued. For those seeking activity, the running paths and community events at Pittville Park Lake are a big draw.
While not explicitly 'hidden,' places like Brook Farm Trout Fishery offer a tranquil experience with beautiful scenery, often providing a quieter alternative to more bustling spots. Similarly, the serene setting of Miserden Park Lake can feel like a peaceful escape.
Absolutely. Many of the lakes are situated within or near larger trail networks. For instance, from Dowdeswell Reservoir, you can directly access Dowdeswell Woods for extended walks. The region offers various hiking and mountain biking routes that can incorporate these scenic water bodies into longer adventures. Explore the hiking guide or MTB trails guide for routes that pass by or near these lakes.
Yes, several lakes are equipped for visitor comfort. Pittville Park Lake, being part of a large park, has plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the view. Miserden Park Lake is also an ideal spot to pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy a bite to eat amidst the charming countryside.


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