Top 11 Lakes around St. Ives
Lakes around St. Ives, Cambridgeshire, are primarily found within an extensive network of former gravel pits, now transformed into nature reserves and fisheries. This area is characterized by its numerous water bodies, offering diverse natural landscapes. The region provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and wildlife observation. These lakes contribute to the area's natural appeal, attracting visitors seeking tranquil settings.
Best lakes around St. Ives
- The most popular lakes is Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, a lake area that offers beautiful water views and a cycle path. This RSPB Nature Reserve features a series of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries.
- Another must-see spot is Godmanchester Nature Reserve, a historical site with four lakes. Visitors can expect areas of grassland and hedgerows, alongside its notable Roman heritage, including Roman Lake.
- Visitors also love Far Fen Lake, a lake recognizable by an island near its eastern shore. It is part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, offering a natural setting for observation.
- St. Ives is known for its nature reserve lakes, former gravel pit lakes, and fishery lakes. The area offers a variety of water bodies to explore, many of which are now managed for wildlife and recreation.
- The lakes around St. Ives are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 25 upvotes and 9 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Far Fen Lake
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Godmanchester Nature Reserve
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As well as songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl, the reserve is also notable for its Roman heritage. Roman Lake was the site of a Roman well, discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s.
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Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve
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Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
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Benches Along the Busway Cycle Path
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Tips from the Community
Being here three times in the nice weather, I consider this a place where you can reset yourself after your daily routine or others, where you can sit and listen to the seagulls and the geese and any other sound. In the evening the sunset was so astonishing during the summer. I understood the place was becoming muddy after a few days of rain.
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Parking is £2. There is a portaloo and a bin in the carpark. This hike was limited in what you could see, in August the trees and weeds blocked most of the view. For safety note that the pathway takes the narrow road that cars are entering and exiting. There are two crossings over the guided path where the buses are traveling at speed. The first part of the walk by the Ouse was lovely as was the last part on a field where you ton off by the weight limited bridge. I would imagine in winter the path would be a mush pit.
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The cycleway passes between a series of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries, now a nature reserve. The path is often flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring though.
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The tarmac cycle lane runs parallel to the bus-way, both providing an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Cycle-parks at each major bus stop.
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The bus whizzes through the yellow grain landscape like oiled lightning. The intercity bus from Cambridge to St Ivy rolls over a special lane bus track and reaches an impressive speed. Today he transports the four of us to the "Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve", in the lake landscape we hike and do "birdwatching". “Fen Drayton Lakes was originally a flooded sand and gravel pit bordering river floodplains. Today the area is a magnet for a variety of wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. There is something to see (and hear) here all year round.” (https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fen-drayton-lakes/)
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Like many nature reserves in England, Godmanchester Nature Reserve was once gravel pits. The peaceful nature could not be further away from its industrial history. Keep an eye out for songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl as you run through.
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Part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, Far Fen Lake is recognisable by the island near its eastern shore.
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The busway cycle path provides plenty of spots to stop and take in a view or have some refreshments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect around the lakes in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire?
The lakes around St. Ives, Cambridgeshire, are primarily former gravel pits that have been transformed into diverse nature reserves and fisheries. You'll find extensive water bodies, grasslands, hedgerows, and tranquil settings, many of which are managed for wildlife and recreation. Areas like Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve and Godmanchester Nature Reserve are excellent examples of these transformed landscapes.
Are there good spots for wildlife watching near St. Ives lakes?
Yes, several lakes are excellent for wildlife spotting. Godmanchester Nature Reserve is known for songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers, and overwintering wildfowl. The Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve is a magnet for various wildlife, including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese. Wildlife Sanctuary Lake is also noted as a good area for spotting birds and other wildlife.
Are there any lakes with historical significance in the St. Ives area?
Yes, Godmanchester Nature Reserve has notable Roman heritage. Roman Lake within the reserve was the site of a Roman well, discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s.
Can I go cycling around the lakes in St. Ives?
Absolutely. The Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve area features an amazing tarmac cycle lane that runs parallel to the bus-way, offering beautiful water views. This cycle path provides an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. You can find cycling routes in the area, such as those listed in the Cycling around St. Ives guide.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes in St. Ives?
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore trails around Godmanchester Nature Reserve and Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve. For specific routes, check out the Hiking around St. Ives guide, which includes moderate trails like the 'Godmanchester Nature Reserve, Houghton Meadows & the River Great Ouse loop'.
What fishing opportunities are available at the lakes near St. Ives, Cambridgeshire?
The St Ives Lakes Fishery is a significant destination for anglers, comprising nine lakes including St Ives Lagoon, Shallow Lake, and Meadow Lake. These lakes are renowned for carp fishing, with fish often exceeding 40 lbs, and pike that can reach up to 30 lbs. The Lagoon is particularly noted for large carp.
Are the lakes around St. Ives suitable for families and dogs?
Many areas are family-friendly, such as Godmanchester Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary Lake, which offer pleasant walks. While specific dog-friendly policies vary by reserve, many natural areas welcome dogs on leads. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding pets.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire?
The lakes offer something year-round. For birdwatching, overwintering wildfowl are present in colder months. However, some paths, particularly around Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, can become flooded and impassable for road bikes between autumn and spring. Summer offers pleasant conditions for walking and cycling, though views might be partially obscured by dense foliage in August.
Is there parking available at the nature reserves?
Yes, for example, at Far Fen Lake (part of Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve), parking is available for a fee of £2. It's always advisable to check specific reserve websites for the most current parking information and any permit requirements.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in St. Ives?
Visitors appreciate the tranquil settings, the abundance of wildlife, and the opportunities for leisurely walks and cycling. The beautiful water views, especially along the cycle path at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, are frequently highlighted. Many find these areas perfect for resetting and enjoying nature, with attractive waterside walks and stunning sunsets in the summer.
Are there easy walking trails around the lakes for beginners or those seeking a relaxed stroll?
Yes, many of the lake areas offer relatively flat and easy paths suitable for relaxed strolls. Godmanchester Nature Reserve is described as a superb place for a walk, and Wildlife Sanctuary Lake offers attractive waterside walks. For more structured easy routes, you can consult the Easy hikes around St. Ives guide.
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