Top 20 Lakes around Turners Hill
Best lakes around Turners Hill are found in the surrounding area, offering diverse natural landscapes and activities. The region features several notable bodies of water, including Tilgate Lake, Ardingly Reservoir, and Weir Wood Reservoir. These locations provide opportunities for watersports, wildlife observation, and various outdoor recreation. The area's geography supports both active pursuits and tranquil natural experiences.
Best lakes around Turners Hill
- The most popular lakes is Ardingly Reservoir, a lake that serves as a public water supply and a hub for outdoor activities. It is also a Local Nature Reserve and a wildlife haven where ospreys have been sighted.
- Another must-see spot is Tilgate Lake, a popular watersports lake within Tilgate Park. Visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Visitors also love Ifield Mill, a 19th-century watermill with a large lake next to it. It offers a scenic spot for cycling and exploring local history.
- Turners Hill is known for watersports lakes, nature reserves, and historical sites with water features. These bodies of water provide opportunities for activities like watersports, wildlife observation, and walking.
- The lakes around Turners Hill are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 290 upvotes and 50 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Ardingly Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Tilgate Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
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.
Tip by
Ifield Mill
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Weir Wood Reservoir Local Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Turners Hill.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
From here, whichever route you choose it will involve a climb. Pick wisely
0
0
There is a local car park at the Activity Centre leading straight onto the walk around the reservoir. Currently the foot path is very wet and muddy in places but would be a nice walk spring/summer/ autumn. There are a few benches around the reservoir for stopping and taking in the view.
0
0
The perimeter path around the reservoir is very muddy in places currently due to the amount of rain. Welly boots needed in some places.
0
0
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,
0
0
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.
1
0
This is the location of the only (single) public toilet on this route, and there’s also a kiosk for hot and cold drinks and ice creams. Long queues for both.
0
0
Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
1
0
Apart from a café bar where you can stop for a break, this center offers a variety of activities at Ardingly Reservoir, including junior and adult sailing, paddleboard rentals, and the opportunity to try windsurfing, among others.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do at the lakes near Turners Hill?
The lakes around Turners Hill offer a wide range of activities. At Tilgate Lake, you can enjoy canoeing, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, raft building, rowing, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and open water swimming. Ardingly Reservoir is popular for windsurfing, canoeing, powerboating, dinghy sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Weir Wood Reservoir also offers sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes near Turners Hill?
Yes, there are several excellent walking opportunities. Ardingly Reservoir has public footpaths and bridleways, including a Kingfisher Nature Trail. Weir Wood Reservoir features the Millennium Walk footpath and surrounding woodlands. For more hiking options, you can explore easy hikes around Turners Hill.
Which lakes are suitable for families?
Tilgate Lake within Tilgate Park is ideal for families, offering a wide array of activities and lush parkland. Ardingly Reservoir is also family-friendly with its activity center and nature trails. Ifield Mill, with its 19th-century watermill and large lake, provides a scenic spot for family cycling and exploring local history.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes near Turners Hill?
Open water swimming is available at both Tilgate Lake and Weir Wood Reservoir. These locations offer designated opportunities for swimming in a natural setting.
What kind of wildlife can I spot at the lakes?
Ardingly Reservoir is a designated Local Nature Reserve and a wildlife haven where ospreys have been sighted, featuring two bird hides. Weir Wood Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a haven for over 250 bird species, including kingfishers, great crested grebes, and various wildfowl, with an easily accessible bird hide.
Are the lake walks dog-friendly?
Yes, many visitors enjoy walking their dogs around the lakes. For instance, the walk around Ardingly Reservoir is popular with dog walkers, and its car park makes access easy.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, the area offers various cycling routes. Ifield Mill is a nice cycle destination. You can find more options, including mountain biking trails around Tilgate Lake, by exploring MTB trails around Turners Hill or road cycling routes around Turners Hill.
What historical sites are near the lakes?
Ifield Mill is a notable historical site, a 19th-century weatherboarded watermill with a large lake nearby, offering insight into the power of moving water. The area around Tilgate Lake also has a rich history, dating back to the Mesolithic period and later serving as a royal deer park.
Is parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. For example, the car park at Ardingly Reservoir makes access easy for visitors. Specific parking details may vary by location, so it's advisable to check local signage.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Turners Hill?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Summer is excellent for watersports and picking berries, as noted by visitors at Ardingly Reservoir. Winter is ideal for birdwatching at Weir Wood Reservoir, which hosts various wildfowl. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and enjoying the changing scenery.
Are there any less-known lakes or hidden gems worth exploring?
While the main lakes are popular, Horsted Keynes Fishponds offers a lovely, secluded gravelly cut-through north of Horsted Keynes. It passes several fishponds and provides an off-road route with beautiful scenery, including a Grade 1 church nearby.
Can I fish at the lakes near Turners Hill?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Tilgate Lake offers fishing opportunities. Ardingly Reservoir is a popular fishing venue with species like carp, tench, pike, and bream. Fishing is also available at Weir Wood Reservoir and Horsted Keynes Fishponds.
Most popular routes around Turners Hill
Most popular attractions around Turners Hill
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Turners Hill? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
