Top 20 Lakes around West Hoathly
Best lakes around West Hoathly are found within a rural landscape featuring several notable reservoirs and historical ponds. While the village itself does not have large lakes, the surrounding area offers significant natural attractions. These bodies of water provide diverse recreational and ecological interests for visitors. The region's geography includes extensive open water, protected habitats, and historical sites.
Best lakes around West Hoathly
- The most popular lakes is Ardingly Reservoir, a lake that is also a Local Nature Reserve…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Ardingly Reservoir
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Tilgate Lake
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Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes
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Weir Wood Reservoir Local Nature Reserve
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Horsted Keynes Fishponds
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Tips from the Community
A very beautiful park with many old trees and beautiful plantings. The lakes form the center of the park. Old redwoods and sequoias are found here.
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From here, whichever route you choose it will involve a climb. Pick wisely
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The perimeter path around the reservoir is very muddy in places currently due to the amount of rain. Welly boots needed in some places.
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Tilgate Lake is the largest of the three lakes in Tilgate Park and remains a popular watersports centre and tourist attraction in Crawley, West Sussex. Tilgate Lake offers the public a wide range of outdoor activities including archery, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, raft building, rowing, running, sailing, standup paddleboarding, open water swimming, team building,
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Tilgate Lake is the biggest of the three lakes in Tilgate Park. It's a popular watersports lake with lots of other activities happening on and around it. Human history here goes back to the Mesolithic period when flint tools were made here. More recently, the area was a royal deer park in the 1600s and then Tilgate Manor Estate from 1647. More recently, BT owned it and the lake was sold for private fishing. Crawley Urban District Council purchased the area in the 1960s, and it's now open to the public.
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Four lakes form the heart of the garden and at the end of the line of sight the Gothic castle rises on a hill. While you can explore all the paths in the garden and the adjacent parkland, the house is privately owned and cannot be visited. The design of the park and the expansion of the house were initiated by John Holroyd at the end of the 19th century. He and his wife spent a fortune to design the property according to their ideas. The park and garden were further designed according to the original plans by subsequent owners. Finally, the National Trust acquired the site and now looks after it. The current opening times and further information can be found here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden.
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The tranquil Ardingly reservoir can be found 3 miles north of Haywards Heath. It is home to a number of bird species which can be identified with panels situated within bird hides around the reservoir. Walk the Kingfisher Nature Trail around the eastern shores and for the more adventurous, the Ardingly Activity Centre provides sailing, canoeing and windsurfing opportunities. Unfortunately most if not all access to the waterside is restricted to anglers.
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Also a Local Nature Reserve, Ardingly Reservoir was built in the 1970s. It is a wildlife haven with Ospreys even seen here. There are two bird hides on this eastern shore while the south eastern end is a hive of watersports activity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for watersports near West Hoathly?
For watersports enthusiasts, Ardingly Reservoir is an excellent choice. Its Ardingly Activity Centre offers a variety of activities including windsurfing, kayaking, powerboating, paddleboarding, and dinghy sailing. Another popular spot is Tilgate Lake, which provides opportunities for archery, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding.
Are there any lakes with significant historical importance in the area?
Yes, Gravetye Lake, part of the Gravetye Manor estate, has a rich history. The pond was historically used to power iron working. Additionally, Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes are set within a historically significant landscape garden, designed by 'Capability' Brown and further perfected by subsequent owners, now managed by the National Trust.
Which lakes are best for birdwatching and wildlife spotting?
Weir Wood Reservoir Local Nature Reserve is a 379-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest, supporting over 250 bird species with bird hides available. The southern end of Ardingly Reservoir is also a 74.5-hectare Local Nature Reserve, known for its wildlife, including sightings of Ospreys, and features two bird hides on its eastern bank.
Are there family-friendly walking trails around the lakes?
Yes, Ardingly Reservoir offers an easy way-marked route called the Kingfisher Trail, which is suitable for families. There's also a cafe available on weekends and school holidays. The area around Horsted Keynes Fishponds also provides lovely scenery and off-road routes suitable for family walks.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around West Hoathly?
Beyond watersports, the region offers excellent opportunities for hiking and road cycling. You can find various routes, such as the 'Brass Horse Sculpture – Bluebell Railway loop' for hiking, or 'Ardingly Village – Lindfield High Street loop' for road cycling. For more detailed routes, explore the hiking guides or road cycling guides around West Hoathly.
Where can I find easy lake walks near West Hoathly?
For easy walks, consider the Kingfisher Trail around Ardingly Reservoir. Additionally, the public footpaths along the northern shore of Weir Wood Reservoir offer beautiful views and generally accessible walking. The 'Gravetye Circular' walking route also passes Gravetye Lake, providing scenic views and woodland trails.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the lakes?
Yes, Ardingly Reservoir has a cafe available on weekends and school holidays. While specific pubs with direct lake views are not highlighted, the charming village of West Hoathly and nearby areas offer various amenities, including pubs and cafes, that can be combined with a lake visit.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes in this region?
The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and early summer are ideal for seeing flowering rhododendrons and azaleas around places like Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes. Autumn offers stunning foliage. For birdwatching, different seasons bring various migratory species, making it interesting throughout the year.
Can I go fishing at the lakes near West Hoathly?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Ardingly Reservoir is a well-known fishing venue, offering freshwater fishing for species like carp, tench, pike, and bream. Weir Wood Reservoir also provides fishing opportunities. Horsted Keynes Fishponds are specifically managed by an angling club.
Are there any less crowded lakes or ponds for a quieter experience?
While Ardingly and Weir Wood Reservoirs can be popular, the smaller, local ponds within West Hoathly parish, such as those near Goddenwick Farm or Burstye Farm, often offer a more tranquil and less crowded experience. These can be explored via public footpaths.
What are the parking options for visiting the lakes?
Parking is generally available at the larger reservoirs. For example, Ardingly Reservoir has a car park that makes access easy. For Weir Wood Reservoir, parking is available, with specific access points like those off Legsheath Lane. For smaller ponds, parking might be more limited to roadside spots or nearby village facilities.
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