Buckland Lakes

About Buckland Lakes

The two connecting lakes lie to the north of Buckland House, below gently sloping parkland. They were intended to imitate the River Isis (Thames) which flows just a little further to the north. A herd of fallow deer graze the park and the lakes support a wide variety of wildlife including duck and geese. It is believed that the ornamental buildings were designed, circa 1760-75, by Richard Woods. The vermiculated limestone and thatched icehouse offer a fascinating insight into the arduous methods of chilling food in C18, before the advances of refrigerators.

There are many fine mature specimen trees surrounding the lakes, including sweeping London planes (Platanus acerifolia) and twisted Spanish chestnuts (Castanea sativa). A magnificent tulip tree (liriodendron tulipifera) borders the park and an Iron Tree (Parrotia persica) with its fused branches, overhangs the pathway. Flowering prunus and vivid acers reflect their colours in the water and horse chestnut branches dip low. An astonishingly high wisteria scrambles up to the top of some very old yew trees while in the springtime, drifts of daffodils adorn the grassy banks. The lakeside walk, bordered by clipped box, sweeps around the north side and gives views of the deer park and main house.

Wheelchair access is not recommended due to fairly steep slope which can become slippery in wet conditions. Community bus may ferry visitors between car park and teas
Please keep dogs on leads.