Top 6 Lakes around Widdrington Village
Best lakes around Widdrington Village are found in Northumberland, England, an area known for its diverse natural beauty. Many of these lakes were formed from former opencast coal mines, which have since been reclaimed and transformed into thriving habitats. The region offers a variety of natural landscapes, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Best lakes around Widdrington Village
- The most popular lakes is Druridge Bay Country Park, an other natural area that features lakes, meadows, woods, and a 7-mile stretch of sandy coastline. During summer, watersports like windsurfing, canoeing, and sailing are possible on the lake.
- Another must-see spot is Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake, a natural monument with a large artificial lake. Visitors can enjoy a gentle stroll around the lake and observe wildlife.
- Visitors also love Hauxley Nature Reserve, a natural monument with an eco-friendly Wildlife Discovery Centre overlooking its lake. This picturesque sanctuary is known for diverse birds and stunning flowers, and is one of the best places in England to spot red squirrels.
- Widdrington Village is known for its reclaimed mine lakes, coastal ponds, and country park lakes. The variety of lakes offers opportunities for watersports, birdwatching, and peaceful walks.
- The lakes around Widdrington Village are appreciated by the komoot community, with 88 upvotes and 12 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Druridge Bay Country Park
Highlight • Natural
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Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake
Highlight • Forest
but a nice gentle stroll around a lake. easy going and just took it easy and rnjoyed the wildlife
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Hauxley Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
This picturesque sanctuary attracts a diverse range of birds, including tree sparrows and coots. The reserve boasts stunning flowers like viper's bugloss and northern marsh orchids, attracting butterflies and dragonflies.
Originally a coal mine, Hauxley was transformed by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Visitors can enjoy a circular walk, hides for bird watching, a wildlife sightings board, and a rubbing disc trail.
The Lookout Café offers delicious refreshments with panoramic views. With volunteering opportunities and educational workshops, Hauxley nature reserve offers an immersive nature experience.
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Ladyburn Lake, Druridge Bay Country Park
Highlight • Beach
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Cresswell Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Free to park for 72 hours. theres a pub in the carpark that serves food. we didnt try it though but a nice gentle stroll around a lake. easy going and just took it easy and rnjoyed the wildlife
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A paradise for terns. Also herons, barn owls, black-headed gulls, ...
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even on a windy late March day theres dozens of species on the lake.
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This pond was formed due to subsidence caused by the collapse of old mining works, resulting in a unique brackish water habitat that connects to the sea. This ecological feature makes it an ideal feeding ground for wading birds, particularly during the spring and autumn migrations when rare species are frequently spotted. Notably, avocets nested here in 2011, marking the northernmost location in the UK where they have done so. The pond also serves as a roosting spot for a substantial number of waterfowl, including greylag and pink-footed geese in small numbers.
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Refreshment and toilet facilities at the Druridge Bay Country Park Visitor Center.
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Hauxley nature reserve has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the addition of the eco-friendly Wildlife Discovery Centre. This picturesque sanctuary attracts a diverse range of birds, including tree sparrows and coots. The reserve boasts stunning flowers like viper's bugloss and northern marsh orchids, attracting butterflies and dragonflies. Originally a coal mine, Hauxley was transformed by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Visitors can enjoy a circular walk, hides for bird watching, a wildlife sightings board, and a rubbing disc trail. The Lookout Café offers delicious refreshments with panoramic views. With volunteering opportunities and educational workshops, Hauxley nature reserve offers an immersive nature experience.
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Once the spoil tip for nearby coal mines, this area is now a nature reserve with a large artificial lake. It's a great place for a walk either as part of a longer loop or as a gentle stroll just around the lake. Popular with families and dog walkers.
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a nice little walh around the county park, be sure to hire some paddle boards if you want to experience the water
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of walking trails can I find around the lakes near Widdrington Village?
You'll find a variety of walking trails, from easy, family-friendly strolls to moderate and difficult hikes. Many trails are located within country parks like Druridge Bay Country Park and Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake, offering gentle paths around the water. For more detailed routes, you can explore options like the 'View of the Lake – Chinese Bridge loop' or 'Druridge Bay Country Park – Gravel Path loop'. You can find more hiking options in the guide to Hiking around Widdrington Village.
Are there family-friendly activities and facilities at the lakes?
Yes, several lakes offer excellent family-friendly options. Druridge Bay Country Park (which includes Ladyburn Lake) has a visitor centre, cafe, toilets, and a children's play area. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake is also noted for being family-friendly, with easy strolls and even geocaching opportunities. Hauxley Nature Reserve features a Wildlife Discovery Centre and a rubbing disc trail for younger visitors.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife, especially birds. Hauxley Nature Reserve is a haven for diverse birds like tree sparrows and coots, and is one of the best places in England to spot red squirrels. Widdrington Moor Lake is renowned for wintering wildfowl such as Eurasian Wigeon and Pink-footed Goose, with rare sightings like Slavonian Grebe. Cresswell Pond is a significant feeding ground for wading birds, particularly during migration, and avocets have nested there.
Are there opportunities for watersports or wild swimming?
Yes, Ladyburn Lake within Druridge Bay Country Park is a hub for various watersports. You can enjoy kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Wild swimming is also possible with permits available from the visitor center. Coquet Shorebase Trust offers training and watercraft hire at the park.
Where are the best spots for birdwatching?
For birdwatching, Widdrington Moor Lake is excellent, especially in winter for wildfowl and raptors like Peregrine Falcons. Cresswell Pond is a key location during spring and autumn migrations for wading birds and waterfowl. Hauxley Nature Reserve also offers hides and a Wildlife Discovery Centre overlooking its lake, providing great views of various species.
What is the history behind these lakes?
Many of the lakes around Widdrington Village, including Ladyburn Lake, Widdrington Moor Lake, and the lake at Hauxley Nature Reserve, were formed from former opencast coal mines. These sites have been reclaimed and transformed into thriving natural habitats and recreational areas. Cresswell Pond, for example, was formed due to subsidence from old mining works, creating its unique brackish water habitat.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, you'll find refreshment options. Druridge Bay Country Park has a cafe at its visitor centre. Hauxley Nature Reserve features The Lookout Café, offering refreshments with panoramic views. Additionally, there's a pub in the car park near Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake that serves food.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes for nature observation?
The best time depends on what you want to see. Winter is excellent for birdwatching at Widdrington Moor Lake, as it attracts significant numbers of wintering wildfowl. Spring and autumn migrations are ideal for spotting rare wading birds at Cresswell Pond. For general nature and flowers, late spring and summer are beautiful, especially at Hauxley Nature Reserve with its vibrant orchids and butterflies.
Are the walking paths around the lakes suitable for dogs?
Many areas are dog-friendly. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake is popular with dog walkers. While dogs are generally welcome on trails, it's always advisable to keep them on a lead, especially in nature reserves or areas with ground-nesting birds, to protect wildlife. Always check local signage for specific rules.
Is there parking available at the lake destinations?
Yes, parking is generally available. Druridge Bay Country Park has designated parking areas. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake offers free parking for up to 72 hours. Always check for any potential parking fees or time limits upon arrival.
What other outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides walking?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling on easy gravel paths, particularly along Druridge Bay Country Park. Running is also popular, with various trails available, such as those detailed in the guide to Running Trails around Widdrington Village. Geocaching is an option at Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake, providing a fun way to explore.
Are there any easy, pram-friendly walks around the lakes?
Yes, for easy and pram-friendly walks, the paths around Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake are generally gentle and suitable. Druridge Bay Country Park also offers accessible paths, particularly around Ladyburn Lake, making it suitable for families with prams. Look for routes categorized as 'easy' in the guide to Easy hikes around Widdrington Village.
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