The Top 10 Lakes in West Dorset
Looking to visit the best lakes in West Dorset? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of West Dorset’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: October 20, 2025
The Fleet Lagoon
Highlight • Viewpoint
At 8 miles (13 km) long and covering an area of 1,186 acres (480 ha), The Fleet is the largest tidal lagoon in Britain. It’s also a Site of Special …
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Burton Mere
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
This small area of trapped water is a thriving habitat that could easily go unnoticed. Reed beds surround the twin meres, creating shelter for vast amounts of visiting birds as …
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Minterne Gardens
Highlight • Lake
Nationally important Minterne Magna Gardens - famous for their Himalayan gardens. Dependent on the season, tea, coffe and cake on the terrace over looking capability brown inspired landscaped gardens
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Rushy Pond
Highlight • Lake
An important watering hole for wildlife and the resident Dartmoor ponies, Rushy Pond buzzes with dragonflies and damselflies, whilst the pond’s surface is often disturbed by a newt surfacing for air or a grass snake on the hunt.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage/things-to-see-and-do-at-hardys-cottage
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage/things-to-see-and-do-at-hardys-cottage
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Thatched Boathouse at Wheatley Lake
Highlight • Structure
On the shores of this lake, originally named Wheatley Lake, you can see this curious thatched boathouse.
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Kayaking on the Fleet Lagoon by Chesil Beach
Highlight • Lake
Such strong currents in the lagoon, make sure you are competent in your kayak or canoe abilities. Swimming is not recommended in this area.
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Sherborne New Castle and Old Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
Once the former home of Sir Walter Raleigh, Sherborne "New" Castle is an ideal place to visit while on a hike around Sherborne.
The mansion dates back to the 16th …
The mansion dates back to the 16th …
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Bridehead Lake and Waterfall
Highlight • Viewpoint
Bridehead has been sold and the new owners have closed the lake as of June 2025. There are plans to reopen (apparently) I’ll update the info when that happens
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Rushy Pond
Highlight • Lake
Rushy Pond is home to a wealth of wildlife including Grass Snakes, Palmate Newts and Dragonflies and Damselflies. On hot summer days, you may often find our resident ponies in the pond taking a cooling dip.
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View of The Fleet and St Catherine's Chapel
Highlight (Segment) • Religious Site
If you look towards the coast while running along this path, you'll be able to see in the distance parts of Chesil Beach and the famous The Fleet, with St Catherine's Chapel crowning the hilltop above it all.
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Find the best lakes in West Dorset per region:
Winterborne MonktonChickerellOwermoigneThornfordPowerstockClifton MaybankBradford AbbasOsmingtonWinterbourne SteepletonCrosswaysMelbury BubbPorteshamBeer HackettLittlebredyBincombeMelbury OsmondToller PorcorumLewestonMelbury SampfordCastletonStockwoodLeighLong BredyPuncknowleCharminsterWinterborne St. MartinWest KnightonHolnestAbbotsburyWynford EagleChetnoleTrentLongburtonStrattonEvershotWarmwellSydling St. NicholasWinterborne CameWhitcombeRyme IntrinsecaHilfieldBroadmayneFleetCorscombeLangton HerringWinterbourne AbbasYetminsterFramptonLillingtonDorchesterHalstockCattistockWest StaffordPoxwellWinterborne Herringston
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