Best lakes around Godmanchester are primarily found within the Godmanchester Nature Reserve, a 59-hectare site south of the River Great Ouse. This area, once gravel pits, features four lakes and provides diverse habitats for wildlife, including various birds and insects. Godmanchester also offers dedicated fishing spots and reservoirs, blending natural beauty with historical context. The region is appreciated for its natural landscapes and recreational opportunities for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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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 cycle path along the top of the dam is wide and flat and gives great views across the reservoir. Reach it from the Visitor Centre at the northern end although access at the southern end is trickier as you have to squeeze through a narrow gap next to a locked gate by the main road.
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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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Good cafe usually busy but plenty of space for bikes and a playpark for youngsters. Great crazy golf course due to open May 2023.
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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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The Godmanchester Nature Reserve features four former gravel pits: Roman Lake, which holds historical significance due to a Roman well discovery; Mouldings Meadow, known for observing snipe; Teddy's Lake; and Island Lake, a sheltered spot where gulls and ducks breed. Roman Lake and Island Lake are accessible to the public.
The lakes, particularly within the Godmanchester Nature Reserve, are a haven for wildlife. You can spot many birds, including ducks, geese, and kingfishers. In winter, the bird population increases significantly with migrating wildfowl. Songbirds are abundant in the hedgerows, and the area also supports various insects like dragonflies and butterflies.
Yes, the Godmanchester Nature Reserve has a notable historical context. Roman Lake is particularly significant as the site where a Roman well was unearthed during quarrying in the 1980s. This adds a layer of historical intrigue to the natural beauty of the area.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. The Godmanchester Nature Reserve offers easy walking trails and is ideal for birdwatching. For more structured routes, consider exploring nearby options like the 'Godmanchester Nature Reserve – Wildlife Sanctuary Lake loop from Godmanchester Eastside Common' for hiking, or 'Huntingdon to Fen Drayton Lakes via St Ives on the Busway river path' for cycling. You can find more routes in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Godmanchester.
While fishing is not permitted in the Godmanchester Nature Reserve lakes, the nearby Woolpack Fishery Lakes offer dedicated angling opportunities. This historic carp fishery comprises three syndicate lakes (numbered 5/6, 7, and 8) and Pit 4, which is available for exclusive bookings.
Yes, the Godmanchester Nature Reserve is considered family-friendly. It offers easy walking trails and opportunities for birdwatching, making it an ideal location for a peaceful walk with children. The diverse wildlife and botanical interest can also be engaging for younger visitors.
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. During summer, the Godmanchester Nature Reserve is vibrant with wildflowers, attracting many insects. In winter, the bird population increases significantly with migrating wildfowl, making it an excellent time for birdwatching. The trails are generally accessible year-round, though some paths might be muddy after rain.
The Godmanchester Nature Reserve offers easy walking trails, which are generally suitable for a peaceful walk. While specific accessibility details for wheelchairs or pushchairs are not provided, the 'easy' grading of many local routes suggests a relatively flat and manageable terrain.
For the Godmanchester Nature Reserve, parking is available, with a fee of £2. There is also a portaloo and a bin in the car park. For other lakes, parking availability may vary, so it's advisable to check specific locations beforehand.
While the Godmanchester Nature Reserve is a natural area, specific dog rules (on-leash/off-leash) are not detailed. It's generally recommended to keep dogs under control, especially in nature reserves, to protect wildlife. Always check local signage upon arrival for the most current regulations.
During summer, the Godmanchester Nature Reserve is vibrant with wildflowers, attracting nectar-feeding invertebrates. Wildflowers like knapweed can be found along the old railway line, adding to the area's natural beauty and biodiversity.
The provided information does not specify cafes or pubs directly within the Godmanchester Nature Reserve or immediately adjacent to the lakes. However, Godmanchester is a town with amenities, so options would likely be available a short distance away.


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