Top 9 Lakes around Little Lumley
Lakes around Little Lumley offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities. This UK location features several notable lakes, including sites of scientific interest and former industrial areas transformed into country parks. Visitors can find places for nature observation, water sports, and scenic views, contributing to the area's natural landscape.
Best lakes around Little Lumley
- The most popular lakes is Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park, a natural feature that offers a dedicated recreational space for model boating. This lake is…
Last updated: August 27, 2026
Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park
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Herrington Country Park
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Hetton Lyons Lake
Highlight • Rest Area
It has a cafe based in the Springboard Adventure centre.
It was once the site of …
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Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve
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Brasside Pond
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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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Herrington Country Park is a large open public space to the south of Sunderland. The park is built on the site of a former colliery with the lakes filling depressions created by the mining and some of the hills covering old spoil heaps. It's a great place for a run with lots of good trails that you can use to create a loop of the park or options to make a longer run by including the nearby Penshaw Hill, River Wear trails or linking it to a start point in the city. There is a parkrun here every Saturday.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular lakes for recreation around Little Lumley?
For recreational activities, the Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park offers a dedicated space for model boating amidst lush scenery and picnic areas. Another excellent choice is Hetton Lyons Lake, which is the centerpiece of Hetton Lyons Country Park and known for its water sports facilities.
Where can I find natural features and viewpoints near the lakes around Little Lumley?
You can experience superb views of Durham Cathedral from the top path at Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve. This reserve also offers a vantage point to observe the East Coast Mainline. For nature observation, Brasside Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, important as a breeding ground for wildfowl.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Little Lumley?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park and Hetton Lyons Lake both offer family-friendly environments with amenities like picnic areas and cafes. Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve and Brasside Pond are also suitable for families interested in nature and gentle walks.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Little Lumley?
The area around Little Lumley offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find various easy hikes, running trails, and road cycling routes. For mountain biking, Pockerley Farm Pond is accessible via a rough bridleway, ideal for this activity.
Where can I go birdwatching or observe wildlife near Little Lumley?
Brasside Pond is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and is particularly important as a breeding ground for wildfowl, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.
Are there opportunities for water sports at the lakes near Little Lumley?
Yes, Hetton Lyons Lake, located within Hetton Lyons Country Park, is known for its water sports facilities. It also features a café within the Springboard Adventure centre for visitors.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Little Lumley?
The lakes around Little Lumley are enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and summer offer the best weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and water sports. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter can offer tranquil, crisp walks, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes around Little Lumley?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can explore easy hikes around Little Lumley, including routes like the Riverside Sculpture Garden loop from Chester-le-Street or the Lumley Castle loop. Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve also features a top path with scenic views.
Can I go mountain biking near the lakes?
Absolutely. Pockerley Farm Pond is specifically noted for its rough bridleway, which is ideal for mountain biking amidst the surrounding countryside.
What facilities are available at Herrington Country Park, home to the Model Boating Lake?
Herrington Country Park, where the Model Boating Lake is located, offers lush scenery, picnic areas, and benches, providing a relaxing environment for visitors. It's a great spot for a leisurely day out.
What is the historical significance of Hetton Lyons Lake?
Hetton Lyons Lake is the centerpiece of Hetton Lyons Country Park, which was formerly a coal mine. The colliery operated for nearly 130 years before closing in 1950, transforming the industrial site into a picturesque park for recreation.
Are there any cafes or refreshment options near the lakes?
Yes, Hetton Lyons Lake has a café located within the Springboard Adventure centre, offering refreshments for visitors to Hetton Lyons Country Park.
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