Chew Valley Lake

If you're looking for a relaxing day out in the country, why not visit Bristol Water's Chew Valley Lake and enjoy the lovely Mendip scenery - take a walk or have a cream tea, or maybe both. Chew Valley Lake has most attractions, with two picnic areas which overlook the 1200 acres of water and lie between Chew Stoke and Bishop Sutton villages. There is an attractive Tea and Gift Shop as well as plenty of room to picnic, children's play areas and two nature trails to walk.

One has a hard surface suitable for baby buggies and wheelchairs, whilst the other leads into marshy areas and reed beds and has a bird hide giving good views of duck, grebes and geese. This hide is open to all, but other hides can be visited if you buy a permit from the Tea Shop or Woodford Lodge. Chew is a nationally famous trout fishery with a Fishing Lodge and Restaurant. This provides breakfasts, lunches, teas and full evening meals as well as having a licensed bar, and is open to the general public.

For those active visitors you can buy day fishing permits at the Lodge and there are numerous tuition and beginners' courses to help you take up the sport as well as a comprehensively stocked Fishing Tackle Shop.

Contributed by: Louise Roberts