Skip to content
The Parks Trust
Go to Cart
Image of trees and sign at Water Spinney in Tattenhoe Valley Park

Water Spinney Fishpond

Located along Tattenhoe Valley Park, the Water Spinney comprises of the remnants of a large medieval fish pond and earthen dam.

Woodland that protects the fish pond

The pond is now surrounded by woodland that helps protect the site and cannot be accessed, but you can imagine the scale that it once was by walking along the path.

The dam was designed to hold back the waters of a small stream and thus created a rectangular fishpond up to 350m long and 100m wide. The fishpond was most probably created to serve the deserted medieval village of Tattenhoe which was located in much of the area to the north-west of the Water Spinney.

Medieval fishponds were of vital importance to medieval village life, providing slow-moving fresh water for managing fish stock.

View Historic England Listing
Plan your visit

The Water Spinney is located in Tattenhoe Valley Park at What3Words location rush.healers.grapes. 

Tattenhoe Valley Park is a delightful place for a walk, cycle or horse ride, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. The series of ponds splashing over rocks which provide a fantastic habitat for insect, bird and waterlife.

Tattenhoe Valley Park
Heritage in our parks

Discover Milton Keynes' heritage by exploring the city's historical landmarks and scheduled ancient monuments.

Learn more
Roman Villa outline in stone
Bancroft Roman Villa

Known primarily for its Roman villa, archaeological digs at Bancroft and Bluebridge have revealed almost continuous occupation from 800 BC.

Great Linford Brick Kilns

In Great Linford, you'll find two Victorian Brick Kilns and the base of a third that were made to produce bricks for the local towns.
Stone building and ornamental lakes at Great Linford Manor Park.
Great Linford Manor Park Heritage Fund Project

This park has a history that can be traced back to Saxon times and is home to many 17th and 18th century features.
Pond with overhanging willow trees
Milton Keynes Village Fish Ponds

The scheduled ancient monument in Middleton Park is made up of fish ponds and a moated platform.
North Loughton Moated Site

As one of the oldest villages in Milton Keynes, it was no surprise to find a scheduled ancient monument in Loughton. 
The image shows a white Buddhist stupa with a golden statue of Buddha placed in an alcove at the front. The stupa is situated in a grassy area with trees in the background under a blue sky with some clouds. The stupa features a traditional pagoda-style roof with a golden ornament at the top, and it is elevated on a platform with steps leading up to it. The overall design reflects elements of Japanese or East Asian architecture.
Peace Pagoda

The Peace Pagoda was the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, symbolizing peace.
Image of motte (mound of earth) at the Toot
Shenley Toot

The remains of a motte and bailey castle known as the 'Toot' and several other moated sites can be found near Shenley Wood.
Church arch ruins with blue sky
St Peter's Church

Discover the Grade II listed remains of St Peter's Church which dates back to the 12th century.
Outline of manor house at Simpson
Simpson Manor House

The scheduled ancient monument at Simpson shows the buried remains of a high-status manor house.
Willen Lake and Village

Discover the rich history of Willen, from its origins as 'the place of willows' to the birth of one of Milton Keynes' most popular lakes.