Chew Valley Lake

Chew Valley Lake is a reservoir in Bath and North East Somerset, England, that spreads across gentle hills surrounded by pasture and hedgerows. The water is held by a dam at the eastern end, while shallow bays and reed beds break up the shoreline in several places.

The reservoir was built in the early 1950s to supply drinking water to Bristol and nearby towns. Queen Elizabeth II opened it in 1956 after several farms and fields were flooded to create the basin.

The name comes from the River Chew, which once flowed through this valley before it was dammed. Today, anglers gather along the banks while sailors take to the open water and birdwatchers scan the reed beds at the edge.

Bristol Water manages fishing permits and offers boat rentals, while several access points along the shore allow different activities. On calm days the shallow bays are good for exploring, and when the wind picks up, windsurfers favor the open sections near the dam.

When water levels drop, remains of the flooded landscape resurface, including walls from old farmsteads and bridge arches. Visitors can then see how the fields and lanes looked before the valley was submerged.

Location: Bath and North East Somerset

Elevation above the sea: 56 m

GPS coordinates: 51.33470,-2.61803

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28