Top 5 Lakes around Davenham
Best lakes around Davenham are found in Cheshire, an area known for its rural landscape and diverse water bodies. The region features locations such as the Davenham Pits, which are three distinct bodies of water popular for angling. These lakes, including flashes formed by mining subsidence and reclaimed wetlands, offer varied natural settings. The area provides opportunities for exploring different lakeside environments.
Best lakes around Davenham
- The most popular lakes is Blakemere Moss, a natural monument that is a…
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Blakemere Moss
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Marbury Country Park
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Pickmere Lake
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Croxton Flash
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Watchlane Flash
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Tips from the Community
Lovely ride through Delamere Forest. You can't go wrong on a mtb or emtb. I entered the forest at New Pale and went round lots of trails to the holiday lodges and came out on Waterloo Lane.
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the path around east side is very muddy in parts definitely need boots or wellies, not walking shoes like me lol
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Watchlane Flash is one of fourteen wetlands that make up the Sandbach Flashes. It has a biodiverse ecosystem, and you can see lots of different wildlife and vegetation.
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Pickmere Lake is a popular spot in Cheshire for open water swimming. Lawns and Picnic tables as well as car parking are available throughout the site.
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Blakemere Moss at Delamere Forest is a reclaimed wetland area. The Moss was originally formed from two kettle holes (water filled hollows formed by a detached mass of glacial ice melted in situ towards the end of the last ice age). Delamere Forest is made up of more than 100 peatland basins and includes several sites of rare 'quaking' bogland, a phenomenon in which sphagnum mosses form a carpet above peaty water that appears to tremble when trodden on. The area was drained from the 1800's, supposedly by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars and planted with trees, (mainly oak and Scot's Pine) between 1793-1815 to provide timber for shipbuilding. The Forestry Commission planted the moss with pine and western hemlock during the 1940s, which proved uneconomic. In the late 1990's the Commission allowed the area to re-flood again naturally.
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Marbury Country Park boasts avenues of lime trees, an arboretum, a wildlife-rich mere, and even has an outdoor swimming pool (£8 for adults, £5 for children). The park is nestled within Northwich Community Woodlands, where former industrial land is gradually being reclaimed by nature. For more information, visit: https://www.visitcheshire.com/things-to-do/marbury-country-park-and-outdoor-pool-p32091.
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Croxton Flash, on the east bank of the Trent and Mersey Canal, was formed because of mining subsidence. The lake is one of many similar lakes in the area created this way, which are referred to locally as ‘flashes’. Croxton Flash is home to many birds and insects.
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Blakemere Moss is a flooded area of Delamere Forest. The lake is rich in biodiversity and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is a great place for birdwatching and is home to species such as greylags, Canada geese, black-headed gulls, coots, mallards, and lapwings. The area was drained in the 1800s, supposedly by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars, and planted with trees. It was turned back into a lake in the 1990s and tree stumps still poke through the water’s surface.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Davenham?
Among the most popular lakes are Blakemere Moss, a natural monument known for birdwatching within Delamere Forest, and Marbury Country Park, which features a wildlife-rich mere and an arboretum. Visitors also frequently enjoy Pickmere Lake, especially for open water swimming.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Davenham?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Blakemere Moss in Delamere Forest offers natural exploration and birdwatching. Marbury Country Park is another excellent choice with its mere, arboretum, and even an outdoor swimming pool. Pickmere Lake provides lawns and picnic tables, perfect for a family day out.
Where can I go for open water swimming around Davenham?
For open water swimming, Pickmere Lake is a popular destination. It offers dedicated areas for swimming, along with lawns and picnic tables for relaxation.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes around Davenham are rich in wildlife. At Blakemere Moss, you can spot various bird species like greylags, Canada geese, black-headed gulls, coots, mallards, and lapwings. Marbury Country Park also boasts a wildlife-rich mere. Additionally, Croxton Flash and Watchlane Flash are known for their biodiverse ecosystems, supporting many birds and insects.
Are there good places for birdwatching near Davenham?
Yes, Blakemere Moss is an excellent spot for birdwatching, being a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. You can observe various waterfowl and other bird species there. Croxton Flash and Watchlane Flash, part of the Sandbach Flashes, also attract a diverse range of birds and insects due to their rich ecosystems.
What are 'flashes' and where can I find them?
Flashes are lakes formed by mining subsidence, common in the Cheshire area. Croxton Flash is a notable example, located on the east bank of the Trent and Mersey Canal. Watchlane Flash is another, part of the fourteen wetlands that make up the Sandbach Flashes, known for its biodiverse ecosystem.
Are there any fishing spots around Davenham?
The Davenham Pits are a popular destination primarily for anglers. These three distinct bodies of water are well-stocked with coarse fish, including rudd, roach, perch, tench, mirror carp, and common carp. Fishing is permitted from dawn until dusk, though night fishing is not allowed.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Davenham?
Beyond visiting the lakes, you can explore various outdoor activities. There are numerous cycling routes, including touring, road, and gravel biking options. For example, you can find routes like the 'Whitegate Way loop' or 'River Weaver – Vale Royal Locks loop'. You can discover more cycling routes in the Cycling around Davenham guide, the Road Cycling Routes around Davenham guide, and the Gravel biking around Davenham guide.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is available at several locations. For the Davenham Pits, there's a parking area between houses 25-39 on Mount Pleasant Road, followed by a short walk. Pickmere Lake also offers car parking facilities on-site.
What are the unique natural features of the lakes in this region?
The region boasts unique natural features such as the 'flashes' formed by mining subsidence, like Croxton Flash and Watchlane Flash. Blakemere Moss is a reclaimed wetland area, originally formed from kettle holes, and features rare 'quaking' bogland where sphagnum mosses form a trembling carpet over peaty water.
Are there any lakes with good viewpoints?
Yes, Blakemere Moss offers lovely lake views, especially along its cycle path. Pickmere Lake also provides scenic viewpoints with its open lawns. Additionally, Watchlane Flash is listed as a viewpoint, offering sights of its biodiverse ecosystem.
Can I find places for a picnic near the lakes?
Absolutely. Pickmere Lake is well-equipped for picnics, offering lawns and picnic tables. Marbury Country Park also provides ample space within its grounds for a pleasant outdoor meal.
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