Top 15 Lakes around Keighley
Best lakes around Keighley are found in a region characterized by its moorland landscapes and deep valleys. This area, historically significant for its industrial past, now offers tranquil natural escapes. The bodies of water, including both natural tarns and man-made reservoirs, provide opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. These locations contribute to the scenic beauty and recreational value of the Keighley area.
Best lakes around Keighley
- The most popular lakes is Lumb Falls, a waterfall that features a deep pool and is known as a local swimming spot. It is notable for its remote location, offering a quiet experience.
- Another must-see spot is The Tarn, Ilkley Moor, a scenic lake. Visitors can expect a destination for strolls or picnics, appreciated for its natural beauty since the Victorian era.
- Visitors also love Lister Park, an urban park with a re-opened lake for boats. It is special for its renovated facilities, including a Mughal Water Garden, and its status as a former "Britain's Best Park" winner.
- Keighley is known for its diverse bodies of water, including historical tarns, moorland reservoirs, and urban park lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from quiet birdwatching spots to areas for watersports.
- The lakes around Keighley are appreciated by the komoot community, with 85 upvotes and 52 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Lumb Falls
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Lister Park
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Lister Park contains the Cartwright Hall art gallery, where permanent and temporary exhibitions of modern and traditional art can be seen.
It was voted Britain's Best Park for 2006, and nominated for the Best Park In Europe 2006.
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Coppice Pond, St Ives Estate
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The whole estate is a Grade II listed park. The 17th century Harden Grange, the 19th century St Ives Mansion (now a care home), and several other individual buildings are also listed grade II
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The Tarn, Ilkley Moor
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Since the Victorian era, the tarn has remained a beloved destination for its natural beauty. During the winter months the Victorians would even ice skate on the frozen water.
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Lower Gorple Reservoir Descent
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Tips from the Community
absolutely lovely, in summer bring towels and inflatables
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The Tarn is a scenic lake located on Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire. It's a great place for a stroll or picnic, or to just simply unwind in nature. Since the Victorian era, the tarn has remained a beloved destination for its natural beauty. During the winter months the Victorians would even ice skate on the frozen water.
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Located on the western side of the Aire Valley above Bingley in West Yorkshire, St Ives Estate is a country park of 217ha. Much of the estate is woodland and heath, and in these areas are various places with evidence of ancient settlements in the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age, Roman and medieval periods. These include the “Fairfax entrenchment”, an ancient ditch named after a Civil War general but actually much older. From the 12th to the 16th centuries the land belonged to Rievaulx and Drax abbeys and was known as Harden Grange The whole estate is a Grade II listed park. The 17th century Harden Grange, the 19th century St Ives Mansion (now a care home), and several other individual buildings are also listed grade II
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Too many reports on Hebden Bridge groups about the amount of rubbish left by visitors going for a swim and a picnic. Not a place I would choose any more, especially on a sunny weekend.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some lesser-known lakes or hidden gems around Keighley?
For a tranquil experience, consider Sunnydale Reservoir near East Morton, often described as a hidden gem and popular for fishing. Another peaceful spot is Keighley Moor Reservoir, located on expansive moorland, known for its quiet atmosphere and wildlife like kestrels.
Are there lakes around Keighley suitable for family outings?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Lister Park offers an urban park setting with a re-opened lake for boats, a Mughal Water Garden, and a children's playground. The Tarn, Ilkley Moor is also a scenic spot perfect for strolls or picnics. Additionally, Coppice Pond within the St Ives Estate is family-friendly, set within a country park with woodlands and historical interest.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in the Keighley area?
The region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as those around Keighley Moor Reservoir and Ponden Reservoir. For cycling, there are routes like the 'Widdop Reservoir – Oxenhope Moor Climb loop' or the 'Five Rise Locks Café – Bingley Five Rise Locks loop'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like 'Rombald's Ride from Ilkley'. You can explore more options for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking around Keighley.
Are there any lakes with historical significance or literary connections?
Ponden Reservoir is notable for its proximity to the Brontë Waterfall and the rebuilt Brontë Bridge, offering a literary connection to the landscape. Lower Laithe Reservoir, completed in 1925, famously flooded the hamlet of Smith Bank, which was featured in Halliwell Sutcliffe's book 'A Man of the Moors'. Redcar Tarn (Keighley Tarn) also holds historical significance as a popular spot for ice skating and boating in earlier times.
Which lakes are good for birdwatching?
Redcar Tarn, also known as Keighley Tarn, is managed primarily as a haven for various bird species, including gulls and wildfowl, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching. Keighley Moor Reservoir also offers quiet birdwatching opportunities, often disturbed only by local wildlife like kestrels.
Can I do watersports at any of the lakes near Keighley?
Yes, Ponden Reservoir is used for sailing and canoeing by the Ponden Water Sport Club. While less common now, Redcar Tarn historically allowed boating and ice skating after a hard frost.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these lakes?
The lakes are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. You'll find moorland scenery around Keighley Moor Reservoir and Ponden Reservoir, offering expansive views. Lumb Falls features a waterfall with a deep pool, known as a local swimming spot. Many areas provide opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly walks around the lakes?
Yes, The Tarn, Ilkley Moor is excellent for easy strolls. Lister Park also offers accessible paths within an urban park setting. For a gentle walk in a country park, explore the paths around Coppice Pond in the St Ives Estate.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Keighley?
Visitors appreciate the tranquil escapes and opportunities for outdoor activities. Many enjoy the natural beauty, whether it's for a peaceful stroll, birdwatching, or more active pursuits like hiking and cycling. The historical and literary connections of some sites also add to the appeal, as does the family-friendly nature of places like Lister Park.
Are there any lakes where I can go fishing?
Sunnydale Reservoir is a popular location for fishing, hosting tournaments and offering day tickets to anglers hoping to catch trout, bream, chub, roach, and perch.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Keighley?
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for walks, picnics, and watersports, with warmer weather for activities like swimming at Lumb Falls. Autumn brings vibrant foliage to the surrounding landscapes. In winter, after a hard frost, Redcar Tarn has historically been used for ice skating, though this is less common now.
Are there any challenging trails or routes near the lakes for experienced hikers or cyclists?
Yes, for experienced hikers, trails around the expansive moorland near Keighley Moor Reservoir can be challenging. Cyclists can tackle difficult routes like the 'Widdop Reservoir – Oxenhope Moor Climb loop' or the 'Oxenhope Moor Climb – View of Warley Moor Reservoir loop'. Gravel bikers might enjoy 'Rombald's Ride from Ilkley', which is rated as difficult. The descent from Lower Gorple Reservoir is also described as open, spectacular, and very fast for those with the nerve.
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