Best lakes around Malton, North Yorkshire, offer a variety of natural settings for outdoor activities. The area features a mix of fishing lakes, tranquil ponds, and scenic arboretum landscapes. These locations provide opportunities for walking, picnicking, and observing local wildlife. Malton's surroundings are characterized by woodlands and rolling hills, contributing to the natural appeal of its water bodies.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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This beautiful arboretum is run jointly by Castle Howard Estates and Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew). Started in 1959, it has over 6,000 trees on 128 acres of ground. These are fantastically beautiful, landscaped grounds for any walker, including families and those with pets. There is a café at the entrance to the Arboretum. There is an entry fee. Please check at the website before going. https://www.yorkshirearboretum.org
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A lovely segment here down (or up from) Ganthorpe, with some picturesque ponds just outside Ganthorpe. There are pleasant views of Owlers Wood (east) and Cum Hag Wood (north-east) on this walk. A perfect stroll on your next weekend.
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A lovely little triangle-shaped pond on the western end of The Yorkshire Arboretum. Surrounded by beautiful trees that take gorgeous colours, particularly in the autumn. A peaceful place.
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This is a really gorgeous place. Right on the bank of the Great Lake, there are stunning views across the water from here, as well as picnic tables and an adventure playground for children. Peace, quiet and essentially nirvana!
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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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Parkland of over 6,000 trees, wildflower meadows & lakes, with a playground & bug hunting for kids.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Birkdale Farm for its peaceful fishing lake setting, and Sata Pond, located within The Yorkshire Arboretum, known for its beautiful autumnal colors. The Boathouse Café is also a popular spot, offering stunning views across the Great Lake and family-friendly facilities.
The lakes around Malton are set amidst beautiful woodlands and rolling hills. You'll find serene fishing lakes like Welham Lake, which is within 18 acres of woodland and known for abundant wildlife including buzzards, kingfishers, and deer. The Yorkshire Arboretum, home to Sata Pond, features over 6,000 trees, wildflower meadows, and landscaped grounds.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly recommended for places like Sata Pond within The Yorkshire Arboretum, where the surrounding trees display gorgeous colors. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, picnicking, and fishing, while Welham Lake maintains its spring-fed waters even in summer.
Yes, Malton is known for its fishing lakes. Welham Lake is a highly regarded 5.5-acre carp fishery, offering an exclusive experience with large carp and tench. Birkdale Farm also features a lovely fishing lake where you can hire rods directly from the farm. Malton Lakes (formerly Carpvale Doubles) is another option for challenging specimen carp fishing.
Beyond walking and fishing, the Malton area offers excellent cycling opportunities. You can explore various routes for touring bicycles, mountain bikes, and road cycling. For example, there are routes like the 'Castle Howard & Nunnington loop' for touring, or 'Red 6 Trail loop' for MTB. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Malton, MTB Trails around Malton, and Road Cycling Routes around Malton guides.
Absolutely! The Boathouse Café offers an adventure playground for children alongside picnic tables and stunning lake views. The Yorkshire Arboretum is also very family-friendly, with a playground and bug hunting activities, set within beautiful landscaped grounds. Many of the walking paths around lakes like Moor Hill to Ganthorpe Bridleway and Ponds are suitable for a leisurely family stroll.
While specific public transport routes to individual lakes can vary, Malton itself is a well-connected town. For destinations like The Yorkshire Arboretum (which includes Sata Pond), it's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date public transport information, as options like local bus services might be available from Malton.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. The Boathouse Café is located right on the bank of the Great Lake, offering views and picnic tables. The Yorkshire Arboretum also has a café at its entrance. For other lakes, Malton town center offers a wider selection of cafes and pubs, typically a short drive away.
Many of Malton's lakes offer tranquil settings. Welham Lake, for instance, is known for its peaceful atmosphere within 18 acres of woodland, featuring nature hides for observing abundant wildlife. Birkdale Farm provides a sense of peace and solitude amidst surrounding woodlands and hills, perfect for a quiet picnic or fishing. Sata Pond is also described as a peaceful place, especially when surrounded by autumn foliage.
For fishing at specific venues like Welham Lake or Birkdale Farm, permits or day tickets are typically required. At Birkdale Farm, you can often hire fishing rods directly. It's always best to check with the specific fishery or venue beforehand for their current rules and permit requirements.
You can find a variety of walking routes, from leisurely strolls to more extensive paths. The area around Moor Hill to Ganthorpe Bridleway and Ponds offers picturesque views and is perfect for a scenic walk. The Yorkshire Arboretum provides beautifully landscaped grounds suitable for walkers of all abilities, including families and those with pets.


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