Top 10 Lakes around Somersham
Lakes around Somersham offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Somersham itself features the Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake, an 8.9-hectare area developed around a disused railway line. This reserve provides varied habitats including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, supporting a range of wildlife. Visitors can find peaceful walks, observe birds, and enjoy the quiet ambiance away from urban areas.
Best lakes around Somersham
- The most popular lakes is Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, a lake and nature reserve formed from old sand and gravel quarries. This area features a tarmac cycle lane that runs parallel to the bus-way, offering scenic water views.
- Another must-see spot is Far Fen Lake, a lake that is part of the RSPB Nature Reserve. Recognisable by an island near its eastern shore, it is a location for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.
- Visitors also love Wildlife Sanctuary Lake, an area noted for spotting birds and wildlife. This location offers attractive waterside walks and opportunities for quiet observation.
- Somersham is known for nature reserves and former gravel pits that have been rewilded into lakes. These areas provide diverse habitats for wildlife and offer various walking and cycling routes.
- The lakes around Somersham are appreciated by the komoot community, with 26 upvotes and 9 photos shared across 2 highlights.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Far Fen Lake
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Godmanchester Nature Reserve
Highlight • Historical Site
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
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
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Benches Along the Busway Cycle Path
Highlight • Cycleway
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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 are the main lakes to visit around Somersham?
Somersham is primarily known for the Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake, which is an 8.9-hectare area offering diverse habitats. Beyond Somersham itself, other notable lakes in the wider area include Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, Far Fen Lake (part of the RSPB Nature Reserve), and Wildlife Sanctuary Lake, all offering unique natural experiences.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes near Somersham?
The lakes and surrounding nature reserves are rich in wildlife. At Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake, you might spot grass snakes, common lizards, various butterflies (like brimstone and common blue), dragonflies, bees, herons, great crested grebes, and even kingfishers. Far Fen Lake is known for otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese, while Godmanchester Nature Reserve is home to songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers, and overwintering wildfowl.
Are there easy walking routes around the lakes in Somersham?
Yes, the Somersham Local Nature Reserve offers peaceful walks along a path that circles the lake and extends through sections of a disused railway line. These paths are generally considered easily accessible and suitable for all skill levels. Many of the lakes, such as those within Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, also feature accessible routes, including a tarmac cycle lane that provides scenic water views.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Somersham?
The lakes offer beauty year-round. In spring and summer, the meadows are vibrant with butterflies and wildflowers, and birdwatching is excellent. Autumn brings a spectacular display of colors in the woodland areas surrounding Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake. While some paths can become muddy after rain, especially in winter, the natural beauty persists, and overwintering wildfowl can be observed.
Are the lakes around Somersham suitable for families with children?
Yes, many of the lakes are family-friendly. The Somersham Local Nature Reserve provides a safe and tranquil environment for short walks and picnics. Godmanchester Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary Lake are also highlighted as family-friendly locations, offering opportunities for nature observation and gentle strolls.
What historical aspects can be found near the lakes?
The Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake is developed around a disused railway line, adding a unique historical dimension. The white gates at the Station Approach entrance serve as a reminder of the old level crossing. Additionally, Godmanchester Nature Reserve has a notable Roman heritage, with Roman Lake being the site of a Roman well discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes around Somersham?
Yes, there are excellent cycling opportunities. The tarmac cycle lane at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve runs parallel to the bus-way, offering a scenic link between Huntingdon and Cambridge with beautiful water views. For more cycling options, you can explore various road cycling routes and MTB trails around Somersham.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Besides walking and cycling, the lakes offer opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying peaceful nature. Fishing events have also been held at Somersham Lake. For more structured outdoor activities, you can find numerous hiking routes, road cycling routes, and mountain biking trails in the wider Somersham area.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, for the Somersham Local Nature Reserve, there is a free car park located in Church Street. For Far Fen Lake, parking is available for a fee of £2, which includes a portaloo and a bin in the car park.
Are there any facilities like benches or viewpoints around the lakes?
Yes, the Somersham Local Nature Reserve has seating areas for those wishing to relax by the water. Along the busway cycle path, particularly near Benches Along the Busway Cycle Path, there are plenty of spots to stop, take in the view, or have refreshments. Wildlife Sanctuary Lake is also noted for attractive waterside walks and quiet observation spots.
What makes the lakes around Somersham unique?
Many of the lakes in the area, including Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake, are formed from disused railway lines or former sand and gravel quarries that have been rewilded. This industrial past has created diverse habitats, supporting a wide array of wildlife and offering unique landscapes for exploration. The blend of natural beauty with historical elements provides a distinctive experience.
Can I access the lakes using public transport?
While direct public transport to every lake might vary, the bus-way that runs parallel to the cycle lane at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve provides an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge, with cycle-parks at each major bus stop, making it accessible for visitors using public transport and then cycling or walking.
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