Best lakes around Orton Longueville are primarily situated within Nene Park, a significant natural attraction near Peterborough. This area features several notable lakes, including Overton Lake and Gunwade Lake within Ferry Meadows, alongside The Orton Water Fishery. These lakes offer diverse features, ranging from tranquil waters for fishing and birdwatching to active hubs for watersports. The landscape provides varied recreational opportunities for visitors.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
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Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre Just a little tip for anyone using the caravan site next door: The visitor centre shop is a brilliant place to grab supplies. It has a lovely farm shop section with local produce, perfect for stocking up on tasty treats. They also have a good selection of small toys and gifts, which is handy if you need to keep the kids entertained!
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Gunwade Lake at Ferry Meadows is a fantastic spot for a flat and scenic run. If you're a runner, I highly recommend checking it out! The path is wide and well-maintained, and you'll often see lots of other runners and walkers, making it a really friendly and motivating place to be. It’s perfect for working on your pacing and enjoying the beautiful views. #running #FerryMeadows #GunwadeLake #runnertip
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Thorpe Meadows is home to Nene Park’s purpose-built rowing lake, riverside walks and a sculpture collection. Situated to the east of Ferry Meadows Country Park, it is a great place to walk the dog, cycle or jog while enjoying the sculptures.
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Popular cafe, often busy but has plenty of outdoor seating where you can sit with your bike.
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A real pleasure hiking here, I've done on the weekend, It is a vast place where anybody can enjoy walking, cycling or just sitting on the grass for a picnic. I've seen so many people doing diferent things and everything far away from the city centre in the middle of nature
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Very nice area for walking, cycling and all sorts of outdoor activities, but it might get flooded in the winter and some times spring as well so check the water levels, I would avoid it when 2.00 or more. check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/station/6286
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Situated in Ferry Meadows, a visitor centre, gift & farm shop.
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Part of Nene Park, Ferry Meadows is a hive of activity and relaxation. Gunwade Lake, Overton and Lynch Lake make for a beautiful setting for a run, not far from the centre of Peterborough. There is a cafe, bus stops and car parking so it also makes for a good start/end point for a run along the River Nene.
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The primary lakes in Orton Longueville are situated within Nene Park, notably Gunwade Lake and Overton Lake within Ferry Meadows. Additionally, The Orton Water Fishery offers a more dedicated fishing experience. These lakes provide a range of activities from watersports to tranquil fishing spots.
Gunwade Lake is a hub for watersports and activities. You can enjoy "Pay and Play" options like pedalos, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailing at the Nene Outdoors Watersports and Activity Centre. It also features a 400-meter open water swimming loop and is highly renowned for fishing. Many visitors also find it an excellent spot for a flat and scenic run.
Yes, the lakes within Nene Park, especially around Ferry Meadows, offer numerous walking opportunities. You can find wide, well-maintained paths perfect for a scenic stroll. The Peterborough Rowing Lake Path provides a 1 km shared car-free tarmacked footpath, ideal for walking. For more extensive routes, consider exploring the various hiking trails available, such as those found in the Hiking around Orton Longueville guide.
Absolutely. Ferry Meadows is an excellent destination for families, offering a wide variety of recreational opportunities. It features three children's play areas, a miniature railway, and ample space for walking, cycling, picnics, and barbecues. The diverse activities and natural setting make it a popular choice for a family day out.
Fishing is a popular activity across several lakes. Overton Lake is known for coarse fishing, particularly bream, and allows fishing during the river close season. Gunwade Lake also offers excellent fishing with a large population of bream, carp, pike, and zander. For a more dedicated experience, The Orton Water Fishery is a 22-acre syndicate lake offering mixed coarse fishing.
Yes, the area around the lakes is very cyclist-friendly. The Peterborough Rowing Lake Path offers a useful 1 km car-free tarmacked route. Additionally, the River Nene Riverside Path provides a pleasant traffic-free section for cycling. You can find more cycling options in the Cycling around Orton Longueville guide.
The lakes and surrounding meadows are excellent for wildlife spotting, especially birdwatching. Diverse birdlife is attracted to the varied habitats. For a deeper nature experience, consider visiting Holme Fen National Nature Reserve, which is stunningly beautiful and great for birdwatchers.
Yes, there are several convenient options. The Ferry Meadows Cafe, located overlooking Overton Lake, offers a pleasant spot for refreshments. The Nene Outdoors Watersports and Activity Centre at Gunwade Lake also has facilities. Additionally, the Lakeside Kitchen & Bar is situated by the car park, providing another popular choice for visitors.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports, picnics, and family outings. Autumn brings beautiful foliage for walks, and even winter offers peaceful, scenic walks, though some paths might be subject to flooding, so it's advisable to check water levels before visiting.
Many of the paths within Ferry Meadows and around the main lakes are wide and well-maintained, making them suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Peterborough Rowing Lake Path, for instance, is a tarmacked footpath, offering good accessibility.
Yes, Nene Park is generally dog-friendly, with many areas suitable for dog walking. It's a popular spot for owners to enjoy walks with their pets. Please ensure dogs are kept under control and follow any local signage regarding leads or restricted areas, especially around wildlife and other visitors.
Overton Lake is particularly known for its tranquil waters and picturesque views, making it a peaceful spot for relaxation and birdwatching. It's also a nationally recognised area for coarse fishing, especially for bream, and uniquely allows fishing during the close season for river waters (March 15th to June 15th).


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