Bowood Lake

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Wiltshire

England

Bowood Lake

Bowood House and gardens [38] The way from the car park to the public footpath.
Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot &#039;Capability&#039; Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1253268" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1253268">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000336" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000336">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Bowood House and gardens [38] Credit: Michael Dibb

Bowood Lake is a picturesque freshwater body located in the county of Wiltshire, England. Situated within the expansive Bowood Estate, the lake spans an impressive area of approximately 30 acres, making it a significant water feature in the region. This man-made lake was created in the 18th century by renowned architect Capability Brown, who designed the surrounding landscape as part of the Bowood House estate.

The lake itself is surrounded by lush greenery, with manicured lawns and mature trees providing a scenic backdrop. Its tranquil waters are fed by natural springs and a small stream, ensuring a constant flow of freshwater. The lake's irregular shape and varying depths add to its charm, with some areas reaching depths of up to 15 feet.

Bowood Lake supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The surrounding marshland is home to various species of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and herons, while the lake itself is inhabited by an array of fish species, including carp, pike, and perch. The vegetation surrounding the lake includes water lilies, reeds, and bulrushes, providing a habitat for a rich diversity of insects, amphibians, and small mammals.

Visitors to Bowood Lake can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The lake is also a popular spot for picnicking and leisurely walks, with several designated pathways offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Additionally, the lake serves as an idyllic backdrop for the Bowood House, a stately home that attracts tourists from near and far.

Overall, Bowood Lake is a charming and ecologically important freshwater feature that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the English countryside.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bowood Lake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.428883/-2.0333071 or Grid Reference ST9769. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bowood House and gardens [38]

The way from the car park to the public footpath. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [39]

The public footpath through the estate runs alongside the golf course. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [40]

The public footpath through the estate runs on this roadway alongside the golf course. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [46]

Seen from the footpath is The Osprey, an estate yard with a red brick house built circa 1870. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [85]

The north gateway into the walled garden, unchanged sine an earlier visit in August 2019 ST9770 : Bowood House and gardens [21]. The walled garden is only open on selected dates. The walls of the garden are listed separately, grade II, with details at: Link

Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [86]

A few birds have gathered at the northern shore of Bowood Lake. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [87]

A view from near the Doric temple across the lake towards the house. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Path into The Brake

Alan Hughes

Bench next to the old railway track cycle route

Rob Purvis

Old railway track heading for Calne

Rob Purvis

Black Dog Halt on the old railway line to Calne

Rob Purvis

Bowood Golf Course

Footpath skirting the edge of the golf course.

Wayland Smith

Bowood House and gardens [41]

Looking across the golf course to the clubrooms and hotel. Seen from the footpath. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [42]

A closer look at the clubhouse, seen from the footpath. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [43]

The public footpath leaves the road at this point and heads across the field. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [44]

Looking back at the road, a public footpath, alongside the golf course Seen from where the footpath leaves the road. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [45]

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Bowood House and gardens [47]

The footpath near this unnamed patch of woodland. Bowood is a Georgian country house of circa 1754 with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The existing house is only a small part of the original building which was mostly derelict after use by the RAF and as a school and it was demolished in 1956. Bowood is the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne and it has been open to the public since 1975. The house is listed, grade I, with much detail at: Link

The garden, amounting to some 550 hectares, is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, grade I, with much history and detail at: Link

Michael Dibb

Show me another place!

Bowood Lake is located at Grid Ref: ST9769 (Lat: 51.428883, Lng: -2.0333071)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire