Watermead Lake
A serene lakeside escape in Aylesbury, offering abundant wildlife, scenic walks, and a charming village atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant greenery & active wildlife
Watermead Lake
Best Time
Vibrant greenery & active wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lakeside escape in Aylesbury, offering abundant wildlife, scenic walks, and a charming village atmosphere.
"Watermead lake is a lovely place to visit if you're near the area; a little bit of a paradise in Aylesbury."
🚶♀️ Walk Both Lakes
Don't miss either side! Both the northern and southern lakes offer unique scenic views and experiences. :walking:
🐦 Feed Waterfowl Wisely
Bring specialist waterfowl food, not bread, to feed the ducks and swans responsibly. :duck:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Northern Lake Serenity
Northern part of Watermead Lake
Discover hidden coves and benches amidst woodland, offering peaceful spots for reflection.
Wildlife Watching
Throughout Watermead Lake
Spot ducks, swans, geese, and even herons. Feeding waterfowl is allowed, but use specialist food, not bread.
Lakeside Pub & Dining
Watermead Village
Enjoy a meal or drink with scenic views at the Watermead Inn or other village eateries.
Western Field Picnic Spot
Western side of the large lake
A spacious field perfect for picnics with family and friends, offering lovely green views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Village Charm & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Both Lakes
Don't miss either side! Both the northern and southern lakes offer unique scenic views and experiences. :walking:
🐦 Feed Waterfowl Wisely
Bring specialist waterfowl food, not bread, to feed the ducks and swans responsibly. :duck:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Watermead Lake welcomes dogs, making it an ideal spot for dog walkers and their furry companions. :dog:
☔ Check Flood Alerts
Access to some areas can be restricted by flooding after heavy rain. Check local alerts before visiting. :umbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Both Lakes
Don't miss either side! Both the northern and southern lakes offer unique scenic views and experiences. :walking:
🐦 Feed Waterfowl Wisely
Bring specialist waterfowl food, not bread, to feed the ducks and swans responsibly. :duck:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Watermead Lake welcomes dogs, making it an ideal spot for dog walkers and their furry companions. :dog:
☔ Check Flood Alerts
Access to some areas can be restricted by flooding after heavy rain. Check local alerts before visiting. :umbrella:
📸 Capture Lakeside Beauty
The lake offers picturesque views year-round, perfect for photography enthusiasts. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Watermead Lake is widely praised as a tranquil local paradise offering beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, perfect for walks and picnics. While many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and dog-friendly environment, some perceive the adjacent village as a bit exclusive. Occasional flooding can temporarily limit access to certain areas.
"Watermead lake is a lovely place to visit if you're near the area; a little bit of a paradise in Aylesbury.
The lake is split into two, separated by the road bridge that comes into Watermead village. This creates a larger northern lake, and a smaller southern lake. Both can be walked around in their entirety, but you can walk each one separately. Walks can range from fifteen minutes to one hour. There are a couple of hidden coves in the woodland area at the northern tip with benches, and there is a large field on the western side of the large lake where you can picnic. There is also a child's playground on the western side of the small lake. However, access can be restricted to any of these locations by localised flooding if there has been a lot of rain.
The wildlife changes throughout the seasons, but you can expect to see ducks, geese, swans, coots, moorhens, and grebes. You may even be able to spot animals such as herons and terrapins. You are allowed to feed the waterfowl, but please do not use bread. Instead, you may purchase specialist waterfowl food from the shop in the piazza in the centre of Watermead Village.
Dogs are allowed at all places."
The Sunset Kid
"Watermead is a beautiful place and lake. There is a nice pub in the are to hang out with friends. However we it's a nice local place to go for walks as well. Lots of people come there with their dogs too. It has two parts on both side of the road. So do not miss either as both sides are equally beautiful with scenic views. I personally feel its tranquil! Enjoy some beautiful pics clicked by us at Watermead Lake!"
Foodie Birdy
"Amazing Place. Walk Talk Ducks Heron Geese Coot lovely greenery enjoy."
Naeem Ahmed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Watermead Lake is easily accessible from Aylesbury town centre. You can drive, with parking available in Watermead Village. Public transport options might involve local bus routes; check with local transport providers for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! Watermead Lake is a popular spot for dog walkers, with plenty of space and scenic routes for your canine companions to enjoy. Dogs are welcome throughout the area.
Watermead itself is a prime location for nature walks. For broader options, areas like Bedgrove are also mentioned as nice for countryside dog walks, with Watermead being a key highlight.
While specific cycle paths might vary, the general walking routes around Watermead Lake are often suitable for cycling, offering a pleasant way to explore the area.
The main paths around the lake are generally flat and accessible, but some areas might become uneven or restricted due to localized flooding after heavy rain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Watermead Lake is a public park and nature reserve, so there is no entrance fee to visit. You can enjoy the walking trails and scenery for free.
Watermead Lake is generally open to the public from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty throughout the day.
No booking is required for general visits to Watermead Lake. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy at their leisure.
The main restriction to be aware of is potential localized flooding after significant rainfall, which can impact access to certain paths and areas.
Yes, dogs are allowed at Watermead Lake and are a common sight, making it a great destination for pet owners.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of waterfowl including ducks, geese, swans, coots, moorhens, and grebes. Herons and terrapins have also been spotted.
Yes, Watermead Village offers the Watermead Inn, a lakeside pub, and other dining options. You can also bring your own food for picnics.
There is a children's playground located on the western side of the smaller, southern lake.
Activities include walking, picnicking, wildlife watching, photography, and enjoying the lakeside atmosphere. Paddleboarding is also a popular water sport here.
You are allowed to feed the waterfowl, but it's important to use specialist waterfowl food and avoid feeding them bread.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire lake offers beautiful scenery, but the woodland coves in the north and the open fields on the west provide particularly scenic backdrops. The swans and ducks also make for great subjects.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the lake and surrounding nature.
Waterfowl like ducks and swans are abundant. You might also capture herons, grebes, and the tranquil reflections on the water's surface.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and any specific restrictions in place for Watermead Park and surrounding areas before flying a drone.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a telephoto lens for wildlife, would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive lake views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
+1 Explore the woodland coves for a more intimate connection with nature. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Watermead's Natural Beauty
The wildlife at Watermead Lake is a significant draw, changing with the seasons but consistently offering sightings of ducks, geese, swans, coots, and grebes. More elusive creatures like herons and terrapins can also be spotted, adding an element of surprise to your visit. While feeding the waterfowl is permitted, visitors are strongly encouraged to use specialist waterfowl food rather than bread, which can be harmful.
It's important to note that localized flooding can sometimes restrict access to certain areas, especially after periods of heavy rain. Always check local conditions if you plan to explore the more secluded spots. Despite this, Watermead remains a cherished local paradise, offering a tranquil escape with its scenic views and abundant wildlife.
Watermead Village: Lakeside Amenities and Atmosphere
It's a great place to grab a meal, whether it's a comforting breakfast or a full lunch, and soak in the tranquil vibes. The village also features cozy gazebos, adding to the relaxed ambiance. While the village offers a pleasant experience, some reviews have described it as a 'snooty enclave reluctantly attached to Aylesbury.' This perspective suggests that while the setting is beautiful, the atmosphere might not appeal to everyone. However, for many, it's a delightful local spot to unwind, enjoy good food, and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the lake.
For those looking for specific services, Lakeside Aesthetics also operates beside the tranquil waters, offering beauty treatments. This adds another dimension to the village's offerings, catering to a range of visitor needs.
Water Sports and Safety at Watermead Lake
This indicates that while the lake is a place for recreation, safety is also a consideration, with trained individuals present for potential incidents. For those interested in paddleboarding, it's a fantastic way to experience the lake from a different perspective. The calm waters are generally suitable for beginners, but as with any water sport, it's wise to be aware of conditions and safety protocols. The presence of 'Sup Rescue' and 'Sup Coaching' suggests that resources are available for those seeking guidance or assistance.
While the focus is often on paddleboarding, the lake's expanse and natural setting make it an attractive spot for other water-based activities as well, contributing to its appeal as a recreational destination.
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