Shearwater Lake & Longleat Estate

Shearwater Lake, located in the heart of Wiltshire’s countryside, is a quintessential English fishing venue with 36 acres of mature banks and stunning scenery. Owned by the renowned Longleat Estate, it has matured into one of the finest mixed coarse fisheries in the UK, renowned for its prolific stock of carp. Shearwater offers a great natural-style match water, with a huge head of skimmers and decent bream, and the silverfish sport is second to none with incredible roach catches. Moreover, Shearwater has become increasingly popular for predator fishing, with pike caught up to over 20lbs. Overall, it is a fantastic mixed fishery with something for everyone.

Shearwater is a man-made freshwater lake near Crockerton village, close to the town of Warminster in Wiltshire. Part of the Longleat Estate, the lake is surrounded by mature woodland and is popular with anglers, walkers, and cyclists.

Take a 4.3km walk around Shearwater Lake and the surrounding countryside. The walk starts around the edge of the lake and through woodland before walking across open fields and green lanes with abundant wildlife. 

After a walk at Shearwater Lake, visit Longleat Estate where you will find a splendid stately home, gardens, and safari park. Home to the 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Bath, the Longleat estate is an insight into Elizabethan architecture, containing one of the most significant private collections in England. Explore the formal gardens, 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped gardens, the magnificent house, and the collection. Guided tours of the house are available but must be booked in advance.

If you fancy an escape to the wild side, then drive through Britain’s number 1 safari park. Home to cheetahs, wolves, giraffes, monkeys, and much more, you can also drive through the historic deer park, where deer have lived since the 16th century. Also on-site is a boat safari, a walking safari, and VIP safaris.