Best lakes around Dalby-Cum-Skewsby are situated within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire, England. While the parish itself does not contain large natural lakes, the surrounding area features various water bodies, including fishing ponds and a significant designed lake. This region offers a mix of tranquil settings for angling, scenic walking routes, and views of expansive parklands. The landscape provides opportunities to experience the natural environment and picturesque countryside.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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You can also get a different view of the reservoir if you approach along the footpath from east of Pond Head Farm .
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Two ornamental ponds in the grounds of Castle Howard, shown on a 1774 estate map as a fish-pond. The ponds are divided in two by a bank on which Obelisk Bridge stands and are fed from Preserve Pond to the west. If you look east, you can see Dairies and Keepers Cottages.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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This is a lovely fishing lake right next to Birkdale Farm. It certainly offers a sense of peace and solitude here, in the lovely setting of the surrounding woodlands and hills. There is a boating hut on the bank, plenty of easy spaces for a picnic and space for parking nearby. If you would like to fish, one can hire fishing rods from the farm.
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The actual access to the reservoir is prohibited (a locked gate), so this is the closest and best you can get to. It's lovely place to stay at - very peaceful. Because it's inaccessible to the public, it also seems wild and serene. A great place to look at.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed, not to mention the swans. On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to walk to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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You can enjoy walks around Lower Fish Pond, which features well-managed tracks and piers. Another great option is Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods, located within Yearsley Woods and known for its natural setting suitable for walking.
Yes, both Lower Fish Pond and Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods are considered family-friendly. Additionally, the Boathouse Café, situated on the Great Lake at Castle Howard, offers stunning views, picnic tables, and an adventure playground for children.
For a peaceful fishing experience, consider Birkdale Farm. It offers coarse fishing lakes set within tranquil woodlands and hills, providing a sense of peace and solitude. You can even hire fishing rods from the farm.
The area is nestled within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll find picturesque ponds, tranquil woodlands, and rolling hills. Lakes like Lower Fish Pond are known for their beautiful blue waters on sunny days, while Higher Fish Pond is set within the natural environment of Yearsley Woods.
Yes, View of Oulston Reservoir provides a peaceful and serene environment for observation, offering sights of an otherwise inaccessible reservoir. The Boathouse Café also offers stunning views across the Great Lake at Castle Howard.
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the surrounding area offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, cycling routes, and road cycling tours. Explore options like the 'Abandoned Nissen Hut – Martin's Plantation loop' for hiking, or 'St Michael's Church, Coxwold – The Vale of York loop' for cycling. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes and cycling guides for the region.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails in the vicinity. For example, you can find routes like 'Abandoned Nissen Hut – Martin's Plantation loop from Yearsley' or 'All Saints' Church, Terrington – Terrington Tea Room loop from Terrington'. These are generally easy and suitable for a relaxed walk. More options are available in the easy hikes guide.
While specific dog-friendly policies for each lake are not detailed, many natural outdoor areas in the Howardian Hills are generally welcoming to dogs on leads. It's always best to check local signage or specific venue rules, especially for private properties like Birkdale Farm or Castle Howard, to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
The lakes and surrounding countryside are beautiful throughout the year. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, ideal for walking and enjoying the blue waters of ponds like Lower Fish Pond. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, and even winter can offer serene, peaceful landscapes, though some paths might be muddy, requiring good waterproof boots.
Yes, the Boathouse Café at Castle Howard is a notable spot, offering stunning views across the Great Lake, along with picnic tables. For other options, you might find local pubs or tea rooms in nearby villages like Terrington, which can be part of walking routes.
Dalby-Cum-Skewsby is a small parish, and public transport options directly to the lakes might be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car to access many of these more rural lake locations. Some areas might be accessible via local bus services to nearby villages, followed by a walk.
While some paths around lakes like Lower Fish Pond are well-managed, the overall terrain in the Howardian Hills can be varied. The Boathouse Café at Castle Howard offers more accessible facilities. For specific accessibility needs, it's advisable to check the details of individual locations or trails beforehand.


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