This picturesque lake, surrounded by pine forest on the Longleat Estate has become one of our favourite recent discoveries and we keep going back.
We first visited on a clear & sunny winters day and the views across the lake were breathtaking. There’s a gently sloping, paved path the kids can bike along and they LOVE exploring inside the bushes along the path. To top it off the Shearwater Lake Tea Rooms have a great view across the lake and of course because they sell ice cream!. It’s really popular so there’s plenty of people about but it doesn’t feel too busy.
The kids are really enjoying their bikes at the moment but are only 3 & 4 years old so still can’t go far. So we made it round the paved section of the lake then headed back to enjoy an ice cream and lunch at the cafe in the sun. But you can venture off on a number of different walks around the estate.
The Lake Walk. There’s a flat, smooth paved path that goes half way around the lake. The path forks off onto more rugged footpaths into the woods.
The Cafe. Shearwater Lake Tea Rooms have a great spot overlooking the lake with plenty of tables and a varied lunch menu, refreshments, ice creams and afternoon tea style cakes and scones. You can buy a huge bag of duck food for £2.
The Sailing Club. The Shearwater Sailing Club is a small, friendly club based on the lake. Sailing takes place from March to November and members are free to sail on any day. Racing is on Sundays and on many Tuesday evenings.
The Walks. There are some very popular routes from the lake taking you over to the Longleat Estate or over to Cley Hill. Here’s a few suggested walks.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- PARKING: Map. Free car park near the cafe, also space in the cafe. Lots of signs warning the council will give you a £60 fine for parking on the verge.
- WHEELS FRIENDLY: Yes
- DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
- TOILETS: By the cafe
