Lakes around Haswell, a village in County Durham, England, offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities. The area features a mix of reservoirs, former industrial sites repurposed into country parks, and natural ponds. These locations provide settings for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. The landscape around Haswell includes woodlands and open spaces, contributing to varied lakeside experiences.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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The Model Boating Lake in Herrington Country Park is a charming feature of the park that offers a unique recreational space for model boating enthusiasts. The lake is surrounded by lush scenery and has plenty of picnic spaces and benches.
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Hetton Lyons Country Park is a pretty park centred around a water sports lake. It has a cafe based in the Springboard Adventure centre. It was once the site of a coal mine, operating for almost 130 years. The colliery closed in 1950.
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Hurworth Burn Reservoir is a 21 acre lake built in 1867. It's surrounded by woodland and attracts a rich variety of wildlife.
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Hidden away next to the prison, two large ponds created by flooding old clay pits. Important wildfowl breeding spot.
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Brasside Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Two large ponds, the result of flooding of old clay pits. Important breeding site for wildfowl.
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Park at the small car park accessed by Frankland Lane which runs adjacent to HMP Frankland. Taking the top path, you get superb views of Durham Cathedral and there is also a vantage point over the East Coast Mainline (train). This is accessed by a set of steps adjacent to the lake which is approximately half way along the top path.
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great place for a picnic stop - plenty of seating and birds to watch.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Hurworth Burn Reservoir, known for its woodland surroundings and wildlife. Another popular spot is Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park, which offers a unique recreational space. Hetton Lyons Lake is also a favorite, especially for water sports and its cafe.
Yes, many lakes offer pleasant walking opportunities. For instance, Hurworth Burn Reservoir is part of the Castle Eden Walkway, which is also National Cycle Network 1. Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve also features trails with views, including one over Durham Cathedral.
Beyond walking, you can find various outdoor activities. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Durham Heritage Coast – Blast Beach, Seaham loop' or 'Coldwell Burn Forest Path loop'. You can find more hiking options at Hiking around Haswell. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as 'Thorpe Thewles Station – Hurworth Burn Reservoir loop' available. Discover more cycling tours at Cycling around Haswell and Road Cycling Routes around Haswell.
Absolutely. Many lakes are family-friendly. Hurworth Burn Reservoir is a great spot for picnics, and Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park, offers recreational space with picnic areas. Hetton Lyons Lake, within a country park, has a cafe and is a central point for park activities, making it ideal for families.
The lakes offer diverse natural features. You'll find woodlands surrounding reservoirs like Hurworth Burn Reservoir, which is also known for its wildlife. Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve features forests and viewpoints. Brasside Pond, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is important for wildfowl breeding.
Yes, Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve is a notable example, offering forests, trails, and a lake. Additionally, Brasside Pond is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its importance as a wildfowl breeding site.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Hurworth Burn Reservoir is located along National Cycle Network 1. You can find various cycling routes, including road cycling and touring bicycle options, by exploring the guides for Cycling around Haswell and Road Cycling Routes around Haswell.
While some lakes are suitable for water sports, specific designated wild swimming spots are not widely advertised for the lakes directly around Haswell. It's always recommended to check local regulations and safety guidelines before attempting wild swimming in any body of water.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the wider County Durham area. Hurworth Burn Reservoir is known for its fishing opportunities. Additionally, lakes at Witton Castle Country Park and Angel of The North Fishing Lakes are specifically designed for anglers, offering diverse fishing for carp, roach, perch, tench, and various silverfish.
Visitors appreciate Hurworth Burn Reservoir for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views. It's considered a great spot for wildlife observation and a pleasant place to stop for a picnic and a breather, especially for those cycling the Castle Eden Walkway.
The Model Boating Lake in Herrington Country Park is specifically designed for model boating enthusiasts. It offers a charming recreational space surrounded by lush scenery and provides picnic areas and benches for visitors.
Hetton Lyons Lake is unique because it was once the site of a coal mine, operating for nearly 130 years. Today, it's a vibrant water sports lake within a country park, featuring a cafe and serving as a central hub for various park activities.
Many of the country parks and nature reserves around Haswell, including those with lakes, offer dog-friendly walking paths. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or near livestock, and to check specific park rules regarding pets.


Still not found your perfect lake around Haswell? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.