Top 11 Lakes around Brighton

The Brighton area and wider Sussex countryside offer a diverse range of lakes, including historically significant natural ponds like Falmer Pond, former quarries now used for watersports such as Piddinghoe Lake, and large reservoirs like Bewl Water and Arlington Reservoir. You'll also find picturesque garden lakes like those at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens.

Yes, Piddinghoe Lake is a private inland watersports location perfect for pre-booked group and family activities. It offers RYA sailing and windsurfing courses, as well as paddleboarding and kayaking. Bewl Water is another large destination where you can enjoy activities on the water.

Bewl Water is excellent for both walking and cycling, with a full circuit around the lake spanning 12.5 miles. Arlington Reservoir offers a serene circular walk with superb waterside views, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Swanbourne Lake in Arundel also provides a beautiful 1.1-mile lakeside walk. For cycling, you can explore various routes around the region; check out the Cycling around Brighton guide for more options.

While specific dog-friendly designations vary, many natural areas around lakes in Sussex welcome dogs on leads. For example, the walks around Bewl Water and Swanbourne Lake are popular with dog walkers. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs.

Arlington Reservoir is recognized as a tranquil and beautiful location for wild swimming. Bewl Water also offers opportunities for wild swimming. Always ensure you understand the risks and local regulations before swimming in open water.

Swanbourne Lake in Arundel is very family-friendly, offering leisurely strolls, opportunities to feed waterfowl, and rowing boat hire between March and October. Piddinghoe Lake provides pre-bookable group and family watersports activities. Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens also offers a unique family experience with its gardens, a Dolls' House Museum, and a rare colony of wallabies.

Falmer Pond, located within Brighton, is historically significant with records dating back almost 1,000 years to the Domesday Book. It is the city's only naturally occurring small lake and has been a notable local landmark for centuries.

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, known as 'The Finest Woodland Gardens in England,' offers outstanding scenery year-round, particularly in spring and autumn, with beautiful lakes, a Rock Garden, and free-roaming deer and wallabies. Swanbourne Lake in Arundel is rich with wildlife, and Bewl Water is set by peaceful lakes and woodlands, offering tranquil escapes and beautiful scenery.

Arlington Reservoir offers a serene circular walk that is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, providing superb waterside views.

Many lakes offer excellent walking trails. For dedicated hiking, you can find various routes in the wider Sussex area. Explore the Hiking around Brighton guide for detailed trails, including options near reservoirs and natural parks.

Swanbourne Lodge Tearooms, located opposite the boathouse at Swanbourne Lake, offers refreshments. Many larger lake destinations like Bewl Water and Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens have on-site cafes or restaurants. For accommodation, you'll find various options in nearby towns and villages such as Arundel, Lewes, and Haywards Heath.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant blooms to places like Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, while autumn offers stunning colours around Bewl Water and other woodland areas. Summer is ideal for watersports and longer walks, and even winter can provide peaceful, crisp walks, though some facilities like boat hire at Swanbourne Lake may be seasonal (March to October).