Roundhouse Lake

View across Roundhouse lake

Roundhouse Lake (c) Nathan Millar

Reeds and rushes at the edge of Roundhouse Lake

Roundhouse Lake (c) Nathan Millar

Roundhouse Lake

Situated just to the west of Lechlade in the eastern part of the Cotswold Water Park. It's a great location to watch over wintering wildfowl and in the springtime watch the reed dances of the great crested grebe.

Location

West Of Lechlade-On-Thames, south of the A417 at the junction with Bryworth Lane
Lechlade
The nearest postcode is GL7 3DR

OS Map Reference

SU198992
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A static map of Roundhouse Lake

Know before you go

Size
18 hectares
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

Parking can be found nearby at either Whelford Pools or Lechlade town
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Grazing animals

None
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Access

Roundhouse Lake is accessed via walking only, either from Lechlade or along from Whelford Pools
There are wide paths but these may become rutted and muddy after rainfall

Dogs

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When to visit

Opening times

Open access throughout the year

Best time to visit

March to August

About the reserve

Roundhouse Lake nature reserve is a fine example of the purity of habitat that can be achieved through the careful and sympathetic restoration of gravel pits. The large open lake plays host to a large number of wintering wildfowl, including wigeon, red-crested pochard, goldeneye, pochard and tufted duck. Great crested and little grebes are also frequently found on the lake, and sightings of kingfisher are not unlikely. Nightingale and bittern also put in occasional appearances and over the summer months, common tern might be spotted, as well as clouds of dragonflies and damselflies. Otters are also known to visit the lake regularly.     

The nature reserve has some restricted access at particular times of the year to protect nesting birds.

More detailed directions

From Fairford, head towards Lechlade on the A417. After passing the garden centre, go straight over the roundabout and after about 200m turn right down the single-lane track. After 300m follow the track round to the right, and the reserve is the first lake on your right after about 500m.