Top 5 Lakes around Holt
Best lakes around Holt, a region in Hampshire, England, offers a variety of water bodies for outdoor activities. The area features former gravel pits transformed into nature reserves and fishing lakes. These lakes provide opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and angling. The landscape is characterized by its natural features and managed recreational spaces.
Best lakes around Holt
- The most popular lakes is Longham Lakes, an other natural area managed as a wildlife reserve and fishing lakes. There is a path around the area suitable for easy walks.
- Another must-see spot is Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, a viewpoint and lake area. This site, once gravel pits, has been transformed into a series of thriving lakes with opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birds in winter.
- Visitors also love Ellingham Pound Lake, a small lake with easy to walk banks. The buildings next to the lake are the Ellingham Water Ski and Wakeboard Club.
- Holt is known for fishing lakes, nature reserves, and family-friendly lake areas. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from dedicated angling spots to wildlife habitats.
- The lakes around Holt are appreciated by the komoot community, with 25 upvotes and 9 photos shared.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
Highlight • Viewpoint
Summer is a lovely time of year to visit but in winter, the bird hides come into their own as many flighty folk overwinter here from colder countries further north. Lapwings, terns and oyster catchers throw Christmas parties here. There are public toilets at the north of Ivy Lake and several car parks.
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Longham Lakes
Highlight • Natural
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Mockbeggar Lake, Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
Highlight • Trail
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Ellingham Pound Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Mockbeggar Lake within the Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is a beautiful and peaceful place. The Reserve abounds in birds and is a popular place with bird spotters. There are a number of hides here such as the Lapwing Hide. Great, managed paths allow good views of both Mockbeggar Lake and Ibsley Water. Enjoy!
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A small lake north of Ellingham Lake with easy to walk banks. On a dry day, it is perfectly possible to sit on the grass and enjoy. The buildings next to the lake are the Ellingham Water Ski and Wakeboard Club.
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Longham Lakes are a double lake separated by a narrow causeway. It's managed as a wildlife reserve and fishing lakes. There is a nice path around the area, perfect for an easy walk.
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Once an area of desolate gravel pits, the landscape here has been utterly transformed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, in partnership with two water companies. Now a series of thriving lakes with fishing, sailing, youth education and wildlife, there’s a lot going on here despite its general serenity. Summer is a lovely time of year to visit but in winter, the bird hides come into their own as many flighty folk overwinter here from colder countries further north. Lapwings, terns and oyster catchers throw Christmas parties here. There are public toilets at the north of Ivy Lake and several car parks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of lakes found around Holt?
The lakes around Holt are primarily former gravel pits that have been transformed into nature reserves and fishing lakes. This includes sites like Longham Lakes and Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, which offer diverse environments for wildlife and recreation.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes near Holt?
Yes, several lakes offer pleasant walking opportunities. For instance, Longham Lakes has a nice path suitable for easy walks. Within Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, you can find well-managed paths around lakes like Mockbeggar Lake, providing good views and access.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The nature reserves, particularly Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, are excellent for wildlife viewing. They are especially popular with birdwatchers, as many species, including lapwings, terns, and oyster catchers, overwinter here. The reserve has several bird hides, such as the Lapwing Hide at Mockbeggar Lake.
Are the lakes around Holt suitable for fishing?
Absolutely. Fishing is a popular activity around Holt. Hightown Lake is known as a top carp venue, with fish over 45lb, and also has a large head of bream, roach, and tench. Longham Lakes also offers fishing opportunities.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes?
Yes, several lakes are considered family-friendly. Longham Lakes and Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve are both great for families, offering easy walks and opportunities for nature observation. Ellingham Pound Lake also has easy-to-walk banks, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Holt?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the area around Holt offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, including easy to moderate routes like 'Through the Forest Singletrack'. There are also many easy hikes, such as those through Holt Heath Nature Reserve, and gravel biking routes like the Castleman Trailway.
Are there specific viewpoints or scenic spots at the lakes?
Yes, Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is itself a significant viewpoint and lake area, offering expansive views of the transformed gravel pits. Within the reserve, Mockbeggar Lake provides beautiful and peaceful scenery, especially from its bird hides.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Holt?
While summer is a lovely time to visit for general recreation, winter offers a unique experience, especially for birdwatching. During colder months, the bird hides at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve become particularly active as many migratory birds overwinter there.
Are there facilities like toilets or parking available at the lake reserves?
Yes, for convenience, Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve provides public toilets at the north of Ivy Lake and has several car parks available for visitors.
What makes the lakes around Holt unique?
The lakes around Holt are unique because many of them are former gravel pits that have been successfully rewilded and managed as thriving nature reserves. This transformation has created rich habitats for wildlife, particularly birds, while also providing excellent recreational opportunities for walking and fishing.
Can I find easy-to-access lakes for a relaxed visit?
Certainly. Longham Lakes offers an easy path around the area, perfect for a relaxed stroll. Similarly, Ellingham Pound Lake has easy-to-walk banks, making it accessible for a leisurely visit.
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