Shearwater Lake
A serene lake and woodland escape on the Longleat Estate, perfect for leisurely walks, wildlife spotting, and family outings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Shearwater Lake
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lake and woodland escape on the Longleat Estate, perfect for leisurely walks, wildlife spotting, and family outings.
"Miles of walks set in beautiful scenery. Stunning forest and lake views."
🚗 Avoid Parking Fines
Park in the designated car park across the road; roadside parking can lead to fines.
🚶♀️ Paved Paths for All
Enjoy accessible, paved paths around the lake, great for strollers and easy walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Lake
Shearwater Lake
A picturesque lake surrounded by woodland, perfect for leisurely strolls and wildlife spotting.
Woodland Trails
Longleat Estate
Explore miles of beautiful forest paths offering stunning views and opportunities for dogs to roam off-lead.
Wildlife Encounters
Shearwater Lake
Watch ducks, geese, and swans on the water; some ducks are known to approach visitors for snacks!
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Avoid Parking Fines
Park in the designated car park across the road; roadside parking can lead to fines.
🚶♀️ Paved Paths for All
Enjoy accessible, paved paths around the lake, great for strollers and easy walking.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (Mostly)
Dogs can go off-lead in woodland areas away from the lake itself.
☕ Cafe Stop
The newly reopened Cabin cafe offers drinks and snacks, perfect for a post-walk treat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Avoid Parking Fines
Park in the designated car park across the road; roadside parking can lead to fines.
🚶♀️ Paved Paths for All
Enjoy accessible, paved paths around the lake, great for strollers and easy walking.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (Mostly)
Dogs can go off-lead in woodland areas away from the lake itself.
☕ Cafe Stop
The newly reopened Cabin cafe offers drinks and snacks, perfect for a post-walk treat.
🦆 Feed the Ducks (Responsibly)
Bring lettuce or appropriate food for the ducks; avoid bread.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Shearwater Lake for its beautiful scenery, miles of walking trails through stunning forests, and the picturesque lake views. The accessible paths and the convenience of the onsite cafe are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some minor issues include potential parking fines if not careful and occasional path closures due to forestry work.
"Miles of walks set in beautiful scenery. Stunning forest and lake views. Car park over the road and newly reopened cafe selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams."
Marie Stoddart
"Lovely walk but do not park on the road as you will get a parking fine!"
Lucy Streeter
"Great lakeside area to have a walk! Certain parts of the path are closed due to forestry work but it’s a nice area regardless. The tea room unfortunately closed permanently but there is a parking lot nearby"
Matt de Neef
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shearwater Lake is located on the Longleat Estate in Wiltshire. It's accessible by car, with a car park available across the road from the lake.
Yes, there is a car park available across the road from the lake. Be aware that parking on the roadside may result in a fine.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity at Shearwater Lake, with paths suitable for bikes.
The paths around Shearwater Lake are largely paved and relatively flat, making them suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Shearwater Lake is situated on the Longleat Estate, near Warminster in Wiltshire, England.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Shearwater Lake and its surrounding grounds is generally free. Parking may have a charge, but this is not always the case.
Shearwater Lake is an outdoor natural area and is accessible at all times. The cafe has specific opening hours.
While the lake itself is free to access, parking fees may apply in the designated car park. It's advisable to check for any current charges.
While generally open, parts of the path may occasionally be closed due to forestry work. Swimming in the lake is not permitted.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Shearwater Lake. They can be walked off-lead in the woodland areas away from the immediate lakeside.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, cycling, bird watching, and photography. It's a great spot for a peaceful escape in nature.
No, swimming is not permitted in Shearwater Lake. It's primarily a spot for walking and enjoying the scenery.
You can expect to see various waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans. The surrounding woodlands are also home to other wildlife.
There is a cafe, the Cabin, which sells hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice creams. Toilets are also usually available.
Absolutely! The lake, woodlands, and wildlife offer beautiful photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Cabin cafe is located at Shearwater Lake and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice creams.
The cafe typically serves drinks, snacks, and ice creams. Some posts mention homemade items like cinnamon buns.
Yes, picnics are welcome at Shearwater Lake. There are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy your own food.
While the onsite cafe is convenient, there are other dining options in nearby Warminster or within the Longleat Estate.
The cafe's opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their current operating times before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour creating beautiful scenes.
The lake itself, reflections, woodland scenes, and the diverse birdlife are excellent subjects for photography.
Drone usage is generally restricted in many natural areas and estates. It's advisable to check specific regulations for the Longleat Estate before flying a drone.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For wildlife, a telephoto lens can be beneficial.
The paths around the lake offer numerous viewpoints. Experiment with different angles along the shoreline and within the woods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids will love spotting the ducks, geese, and swans and might even get to see them up close if they're feeling brave! The nearby woodlands offer a bit more adventure, with space to explore and perhaps even play hide-and-seek. The Cabin cafe is also a great bonus for grabbing snacks or a treat. 🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Active Walkers & Cyclists
+1 You can easily spend a few hours here, combining different routes to create a longer excursion. The relatively flat nature of much of the terrain makes it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Beyond the immediate lakeside, the estate's woodlands provide a more rugged experience with numerous dirt tracks and trails. These offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature and discover quieter spots. Many visitors enjoy the flexibility of being able to let their dogs off-lead in the woodland areas, a significant plus for pet owners.
Wildlife and Nature
Some of the ducks have become quite accustomed to visitors and are known to approach, especially if they sense food. While it's tempting to feed them, it's best to bring appropriate food like lettuce rather than bread, which can be harmful to waterfowl. The surrounding woodlands also support a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, small mammals, and insects. The changing seasons bring different spectacles, from spring blossoms to autumn foliage, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
+1 The natural beauty of Shearwater Lake and its surroundings makes it a popular spot for those seeking a peaceful escape and a connection with the outdoors. Visitor Amenities and Tips
This makes Shearwater Lake a convenient destination for a half-day outing. When it comes to parking, it's crucial to use the designated car park across the road from the lake. Several online reviews mention receiving parking fines for roadside parking, so it's worth heeding this advice to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit