Langford Lakes

Lapwings in flight

Lapwings in flight at Langford Lakes nature reserve. Credit: Paul Green.

Take a walk around four beautiful lakes and hides to spot birds including kingfisher and lapwing.

Location

Steeple Langford
Duck Street
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP3 4NH

OS Map Reference

OS map 130 Grid ref: SU037370

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A static map of Langford Lakes

Know before you go

Size
32 hectares
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

There is an on-site car park including disabled and coach parking. Just off the A36 Salisbury to Warminster road, follow signs for The Langfords. In Steeple Langford turn into Duck Street. Reserve entrance is on the left once you have crossed the river.

Bicycle parking

Yes. National Cycle Route 24 runs right past Langford Lakes nature reserve.

Grazing animals

Yes

Walking trails

There is a flat level path around the lake which is a 1 mile loop. Note: The path is currently closed at the far end of the reserve for construction work.

Access

Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. 

Dogs

No dogs permitted

This is due to ground nesting birds and livestock. See our FAQ's for more information

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Facilities

Visitor centre
Bird hides
Toilets
Shop
Cafe/refreshments
Accessible toilet
Outdoor play area
Disabled parking
Accessible trails

When to visit

Opening times

The cafe is open Wednesdays to Fridays 10:30am - 3:30pm, and from 10am - 4pm on weekends.

Best time to visit

All year round. Nearby attractions include Philipps House (4 miles), Wilton House (6 miles), Heale House and Garden (6 miles), Stonehenge (6 miles).

About the reserve

We are excited to announce that construction of a sand martin nesting bank has started at Langford Lakes, funded by National Highways Environment and Wellbeing Designated Fund as part of the Network for Nature programme. During this construction, we have closed the paths at the far end of the nature reserve, which will reopen when it's safe to do so. The café and bird hides can still be accessed as normal. We thank you for your patience whilst this work is being carried out, and we will update you again in future when the construction has been completed.

Nestled in the Wylye Valley between Salisbury and Warminster, Langford Lakes nature reserve is an ideal place for bird watching. The four lakes and wet scrape provide a vital stopping off point and resident habitat for about 150 different bird species. The reserve has a relaxing atmosphere with good level paths and you can enjoy watching wildfowl from five hides overlooking the lakes. You may even see some rarities, such as osprey. Residents include kingfisher, water rail and gadwall.

There is an on-site cafe.

When gravel was excavated during the 1960s and 1970s the process left behind holes that filled with water and were turned into a commercial fishery. Since we acquired the lakes in 2001, we have created islands, ponds and wader scrapes that provide habitat for birds such as redshank and sandpiper that probe the mud for food. We have improved the 800m stretch of Wylye River for fish, designated a Special Area of Conservation. And we have transformed a neighbouring field into the Great Meadow wetland, which opened in September 2012.

In spring watch for great-crested grebes shaking their heads in courtship. Reed warbler, waders and terns drop in on their summer migration. As winter advances shoveler and wigeon join the other ducks present all year round and occasionally the endangered and secretive bittern pays a visit.

We run family and educational activities from The Brockbank Centre, which hosts the Kingfisher Cafe, and is also available to hire.

Contact us

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01380 725670

Environmental designation

County Wildlife Site
SAC SSSI
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Map of Langford Lakes

Map of Langford Lakes

Virtual tour

Events at Langford Lakes

Photo of the cafe veranda

Visit the Kingfisher Café

Visit
Brockbank extension

Venue hire

Find out more
Wedding food

Weddings

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A lovely walk!
Chris from Salisbury
An ideal place for relaxation and enjoying nature
Steve from Warminster
Perfect length for a little walk and space for a picnic. Children enjoyed the little play trail and the bird hides along the walk as well.
Matthew from Winchester
Volunteer

Volunteer, Aline Denton, cuts brambles and blackthorn as part of the farm's conservation management - Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Volunteer at Langford Lakes

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