Top 20 Lakes in South East England
Best lakes in South East England offer diverse natural landscapes, from expansive reservoirs to serene ponds and former gravel pits. The region features a mix of protected heathlands and country parks, providing habitats for various wildlife. These water bodies are integrated into areas known for their natural beauty and historical significance. Visitors can find a range of environments, from quiet natural retreats to active water sports hubs.
Best lakes in South East England
- The most popular lakes is Friday Street Mill Pond, a lake that once powered a hammer mill. This beautiful spot is relatively quiet but popular on weekends.
- Another must-see spot is Ardingly Reservoir, a lake and Local Nature Reserve. It is a wildlife haven with bird hides and is also a center for watersports activity.
- Visitors also love Silent Pool, a natural monument and beautiful large pool. The area around it features a vineyard, gin distillery, and an Indian street food cafe.
- South East England is known for reservoirs, natural ponds, and country park lakes. These offer a variety of experiences, from wildlife observation to water sports and family-friendly activities.
- The lakes in South East England are appreciated by the komoot community. More than 290 upvotes and 50 photos highlight the appeal of these locations.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Ardingly Reservoir
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Friday Street Mill Pond
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Silent Pool
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Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre
Highlight • Rest Area
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Whitten Pond
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Hatchet Pond
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Avington Park Mansion and Lake
Highlight • Monument
The estate has been owned by several prominent families throughout the centuries, and it remains a privately-owned property.
It's also famous for its serene lake, situated close to the manor house and Avington Park Lane which is part of National Cycle Network route 23.
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Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
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Normandy Lagoon Nature Reserve
Highlight • Historical Site
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Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve
Highlight • Viewpoint
The salty mud creates an idyllic habitat for plants such as yellow-horned poppy, sea campion and sea aster, and healthy fish populations make the marshes a fantastic place for sandwich and little terns, black-headed gulls, and cormorants. Keep your eyes peeled for hunting birds of prey, including marsh harriers, peregrine falcons, and merlins.
hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/lymington-and-keyhaven-marshes-nature-reserve
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Popular around South East England
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Tips from the Community
As others have said, the area around this pond is crucially important for endangered birds from April to August and should be avoided during these months to give the wildlife the time and space it needs to safely raise their babies.
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Lovely quiet roads, watch out for the cattle grids
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Walked to this pond early April. Ground comparatively dry due to very low rainfall in March. No signage seen for nesting birds.
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There is a local car park at the Activity Centre leading straight onto the walk around the reservoir. Currently the foot path is very wet and muddy in places but would be a nice walk spring/summer/ autumn. There are a few benches around the reservoir for stopping and taking in the view.
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The perimeter path around the reservoir is very muddy in places currently due to the amount of rain. Welly boots needed in some places.
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This is the location of the only (single) public toilet on this route, and there’s also a kiosk for hot and cold drinks and ice creams. Long queues for both.
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The marshes were once used as salterns for the thriving salt industry. The salterns are first mentioned in 1132, and continued in use until 1865. They were replaced by oyster beds, but are now disused marshland with some enclosing banks. A circular mound 1.2 metres high and 12 metres across is all that remains of a mill, and there is another mound with an overgrown brick structure and rectangular pond of unknown date. Just north of the marshes, in Lower Pennington, are several 18th-century salt boiling houses. The marshes are a site of special scientific interest and an area of outstanding natural beauty. They are part of the New Forest National Park, and in summer are grazed by cattle and ponies owned by New Forest commoners. Part of the marshes behind the sea wall are a national nature reserve managed by English Nature, and a local nature reserve managed by Hampshire County Council. Part of the intertidal mudland is also a nature reserve. The marshes and tidal muds offer a variety of wildlife habitats, which are important for gulls and terns in spring/summer and waders and wildfowl in autumn/winter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in South East England?
The lakes in South East England offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy water sports like sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing, rowing, and open water swimming at places like Bewl Water and Leybourne Lakes Country Park. Many lakes also feature extensive walking and cycling trails. For example, you can find various hiking trails, including easy and moderate options, in the region. Check out guides like Easy hikes in South East England or Hiking in South East England for more details.
Are there family-friendly lakes in South East England?
Yes, many lakes in South East England are ideal for families. Friday Street Mill Pond is a beautiful spot popular on weekends. Bewl Water offers an Aqua Park, playgrounds, and indoor soft play, alongside walking and cycling paths. Leybourne Lakes Country Park has a children's play area and family-friendly events. Frensham Great Pond features a sandy beach with shallow swimming areas, perfect for kids.
Which lakes are best for water sports in the region?
For water sports enthusiasts, Bewl Water is excellent for sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and open water swimming. Leybourne Lakes Country Park is popular for open water swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Rye Watersports and St Andrews Lakes both feature exhilarating Aqua Parks. Ardingly Reservoir is also a known hub for water sports activities.
Can I go wild swimming in any of the lakes?
Yes, several lakes in South East England are popular for open water or wild swimming. Frensham Great Pond has designated shallow swimming areas with a sandy beach. Buckland Park Lake is known for its exceptionally clear and deep water, making it a popular year-round open water swimming destination. Andark Lake is a purpose-built inland lake for water sports and open water swimming, offering facilities like changing rooms and a sauna.
What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are rich in natural beauty and wildlife. Ardingly Reservoir is a Local Nature Reserve and a wildlife haven, with bird hides for observing species like ospreys. Leybourne Lakes Country Park features wildflower meadows and wetlands, designated as a Local Wildlife Site. Frensham Great Pond is surrounded by precious heathland and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, offering opportunities for birdwatching. Whitten Pond is known for herds of ponies and other wildlife, especially in summer.
Are there any lakes with historical significance or interesting landmarks nearby?
Yes, some lakes have historical connections. Frensham Great Pond, for instance, originated in the 13th century. Friday Street Mill Pond once powered a hammer mill. Avington Park Mansion and Lake offers a historical setting. Additionally, Normandy Lagoon Nature Reserve is adjacent to marshes that were once used for a thriving salt industry, with remnants of its past visible.
Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes for refreshments?
Many lakes offer convenient amenities. Silent Pool is unique with an Indian street food cafe, a gin distillery, and a vineyard nearby. Leybourne Lakes Country Park and Frensham Great Pond both have on-site cafes. Andark Lake also provides a cafe, and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, which includes a lake, has a cafe.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in South East England?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is popular for water sports and relaxing by the shore, but some areas like Whitten Pond can get busy. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and birdwatching, especially at nature reserves like Ardingly Reservoir. Note that some areas, like Whitten Pond, have restrictions on walking during ground nesting bird season (February to July).
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' lakes worth exploring?
While many lakes are well-known, some offer a more tranquil experience. Whitten Pond and Hatchet Pond, both nestled in open heathland, are serene spots for relaxation and wildlife observation, particularly beautiful at sunset. They can be less crowded than larger activity hubs.
Can I find circular walks around the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer circular walking routes. Bewl Water features 12.5 miles of paths suitable for walking and cycling around its perimeter. Leybourne Lakes Country Park also has extensive walking trails, some of which are accessible. For a specific example, the 'Ouse Valley Viaduct and Ardingly Reservoir Circular Walk' is a moderate 11.7 km hike that can be found in the Hiking in South East England guide.
Are the lakes generally dog-friendly?
Many lakes and their surrounding areas are dog-friendly, especially for walks. For example, the walk around Ardingly Reservoir is popular with dog walkers. However, it's always best to check specific rules for each location, as some nature reserves or areas with ground-nesting birds, like parts of Whitten Pond, may have restrictions during certain seasons to protect wildlife.
Most popular routes in South East England
Most popular attractions in South East England
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