Chew Valley Lake

#198 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Nature, Natural attraction, Lake, Top attraction

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Facts and practical information

Chew Valley Lake, nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, United Kingdom, is a serene man-made reservoir and a popular destination for both nature enthusiasts and recreational visitors. Spanning over 1,200 acres, it is the largest lake in the southwest of England and was created in the early 1950s to provide a reliable source of drinking water for the surrounding area.

The lake is renowned for its tranquil beauty and rich biodiversity. It is encircled by lush greenery and offers a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including a variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The lake's clear waters are also a draw for fishermen, with stocks of trout and other freshwater fish.

Aside from its natural appeal, Chew Valley Lake is equipped with visitor facilities, including picnic areas, walking trails, and a visitor center, where one can learn about the lake's creation and its ecological significance. The site also features a sailing club, reflecting its popularity for water sports and boating activities.

Alternative names: Maximum depth: 37 ftElevation: 174 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°20'10"N, 2°37'13"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

Chew Valley Lake – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Stanton Drew stone circles, Church of St Mary the Virgin, Chew Magna Reservoir, Burledge Hill.

2.9 miNE
Archaeological site
Stanton Drew stone circles, Bristol
74 min walk • The Stanton Drew stone circles are just outside the village of Stanton Drew in the English county of Somerset. The largest stone circle is the Great Circle, 113 metres in diameter and the second largest stone circle in Britain; it is considered to be one of the largest Neolithic monuments to have been built.
2.7 miNE
Church, Cemetery
Church of St Mary the Virgin
70 min walk • The Anglican Church of St Mary the Virgin in Stanton Drew, Somerset, England, was built in the 13th century. It is a Grade II* listed building.
2.1 miN
Lake
Chew Magna Reservoir, Bristol
54 min walk • Chew Magna Reservoir is a 5-acre reservoir on the western outskirts of the village of Chew Magna, Somerset, England. It lies just north of the B3130 Winford Road.
1.4 miSE
Hill
Burledge Hill, Mendips
36 min walk • Burledge Hill is on the southern edge of the village of Bishop Sutton, Somerset, England. It is the site of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an univallate Iron Age hillfort.
5.4 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Hill
Stock Hill
139 min walk • Stock Hill is a Forestry Commission plantation on the Mendip Hills, Somerset, England. It lies to the south of the B3135 which runs from Cheddar Gorge to Green Ore and is the largest woodland on the Mendip plateau. A number of wide rides run through the forest.
3.2 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Litton Reservoirs
83 min walk • Litton Reservoirs are two reservoirs near the village of Litton, Somerset, England. They are operated by Bristol Water. They lie on the boundary between Bath and North East Somerset and Mendip districts.
2.6 miSW
Church
Church of St Bartholomew, Mendips
68 min walk • The Church of St Bartholomew in Ubley, Somerset, England is a small medieval church originating from the 13th century with later additions. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building. The church has no fixed pews. Features include a Jacobean pulpit and a chained copy of the ‘Paraphrases of Erasmus’ dated 1552.
5.5 miS
Archaeological site
Priddy Nine Barrows
140 min walk • Priddy Nine Barrows Cemetery and Ashen Hill Barrow Cemetery are a collection of round barrows, dating from the Bronze Age, near Priddy in the English county of Somerset. They are designated as ancient monuments.
~1240 ftNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Valley
Chew Valley
6 min walk • The Chew Valley is an affluent area in North Somerset, England, named after the River Chew, which rises at Chewton Mendip, and joins the River Avon at Keynsham.
2.4 miE
Park, Farm
Folly Farm, Bristol
61 min walk • Folly Farm is a traditionally managed working farm and nature reserve run by the Avon Wildlife Trust. It is located between Stowey, Clutton and Stanton Wick in the civil parish of Stowey in the English county of Somerset.
4.5 miSE
Church
Church of St Mary Magdalene
115 min walk • The Church of St Mary Magdalene in Chewton Mendip, Somerset, England, was built in the 1540s and has been designated as a Grade I listed building. It is dedicated to Jesus' companion Mary Magdalene.

Chew Valley Lake

Facts and practical information

Chew Valley Lake plan & book

Chew Valley Lake – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)