Top 12 Lakes around Boxgrove
Best lakes around Boxgrove are found in a region known for its significant Palaeolithic archaeological site. The surrounding area features diverse natural landscapes, including picturesque settings and rich wildlife habitats. These lakes offer various recreational opportunities and contribute to the area's natural beauty.
Best lakes around Boxgrove
- The most popular lakes is Swanbourne Lake, a forest and lake area known for its picturesque setting and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, relax on the banks, and hire rowing boats during warmer months.
- Another must-see spot is Mill Pond, a lake located within the Chichester Harbour AONB. This pond and its surrounding wetlands are rich in wildlife, including various waders, ducks, and swans.
- Visitors also love Burton Mill Pond and Mill, a historical site and lake. This atmospheric hammer pond is part of a Local Nature Reserve, nationally important for its wetland habitats and diverse populations of plants and invertebrates.
- Boxgrove is known for its historical mill ponds, natural lakes, and lakes within protected nature reserves. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those with historical significance to those rich in biodiversity.
- The lakes around Boxgrove are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and over 30 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Burton Mill Pond and Mill
Highlight • Historical Site
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Swanbourne Lake
Highlight • Forest
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East Dean Village Green and Pond
Highlight • Lake
This quaint settlement, steeped in history with traces of Celtic fields and Roman artifacts, has a timeless charm. It features a pond on the village green and a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter.
Surprisingly, despite its small size, East Dean proudly hosts a football team, a local institution founded over 130 years ago, competing in the West Sussex league.
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Mill Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Burton and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
24 separate species of dragonfly can be found here, including the rare hairy dragonfly. Bats, wildfowl and water lilies are also present.
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Tips from the Community
12% climb out of East Dean with the reward of a great descent down to Goodwood
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Mill Pond is located within the Chichester Harbour AONB nestled among beautiful countryside and salt marshes. The pond and surrounding wetlands are rich in wildlife, including waders, ducks, and swans. Historically the pond was part of a watermill system used for grinding grain.
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Burton Mill Pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Originating in the late 16th century to fuel a forge, the pond has a historical past. By the late 18th century, it played a vital role as part of a water mill for grinding corn, with the imposing structure by the road now standing as the remnants of the old mill. It's part of a fabulous landscape as you cycle along the road bordering its northeastern shore.
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Nestled on the outskirts of Chichester, between the villages of Singleton and Upwaltham, the pretty village of East Dean lies in the scenic Upper Lavant Valley of the South Downs. This quaint settlement, steeped in history with traces of Celtic fields and Roman artifacts, has a timeless charm. It features a pond on the village green and a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter. Surprisingly, despite its small size, East Dean proudly hosts a football team, a local institution founded over 130 years ago, competing in the West Sussex league.
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A beautiful lake in a tranquil setting with benches and a gorgeous lodge tea room on site. Such a nice place to visit and to take some time out at.
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The current mill building dates from around 1780, although mills and forges have been exploiting the Downs spring water for at least 800 years. The mill's historic water-powered milling machine has been restored to working condition. Burton Mill is open to visitors on the Sunday of the National Mills Weekend in May and the National Heritage Weekend in September.
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Burton Mill Pond is a beautiful place to visit. It is an atmospheric hammer pond and holding pond in the South Downs National Park, near Petworth, West Sussex. The pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and the Burton Park Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which are nationally important for their wetland habitats, rare plants, birdlife, and invertebrate populations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I see around the lakes near Boxgrove?
The lakes around Boxgrove are rich in biodiversity. At Burton and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve, you can find 24 species of dragonfly, including the rare hairy dragonfly, along with bats, wildfowl, and water lilies. Mill Pond, within the Chichester Harbour AONB, is home to various waders, ducks, and swans. Swanbourne Lake also boasts abundant wildlife.
Are there any historical sites or features near the lakes?
Yes, several lakes have historical significance. Burton Mill Pond and Mill is an atmospheric hammer pond and holding pond, part of a watermill system dating back to the late 16th century. The current mill building dates from around 1780. Mill Pond also has a past as part of a watermill system for grinding grain.
Are the lakes around Boxgrove suitable for families?
Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. Swanbourne Lake is a great spot for families, offering leisurely strolls, relaxing on the banks, and even rowing boat hires between March and October. Visitors also enjoy feeding the swans and ducks there. East Dean Village Green and Pond is another pleasant family spot.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Boxgrove?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but the warmer months from March to October are ideal for activities like rowing at Swanbourne Lake. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and active wildlife, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter walks can be serene, but check local conditions.
What kind of walking or hiking trails are available near the lakes?
There are various walking and hiking trails in the Boxgrove area. You can find routes ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. For example, there are easy loops like the 'Windmill Trail Tree-Lined Path – Halnaker Windmill loop from Boxgrove' (7.15 km) and 'Boxgrove Priory – Windmill Trail Tree-Lined Path loop from Boxgrove' (4.41 km). You can explore more options in the Hiking around Boxgrove guide.
Are there easy walking routes around the lakes?
Yes, several easy walking routes are available. You can enjoy leisurely strolls around Swanbourne Lake and its adjacent woodland. The Easy hikes around Boxgrove guide lists routes such as the 'Mill Lane Tree Tunnel – Halnaker Windmill loop from Boxgrove' (2.68 km) which are suitable for a relaxed pace.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, Swanbourne Lake has some free parking nearby. It's always a good idea to check specific locations for parking details before your visit.
Are there places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Yes, you can find options for refreshments. Swanbourne Lodge Tearooms, located opposite the boathouse at Swanbourne Lake, offers a range of food and drink. Additionally, the quaint village of East Dean, home to East Dean Village Green and Pond, features a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter.
Can I go boating on any of the lakes?
Yes, you can enjoy boating at Swanbourne Lake. Rowing boats are available for hire between March and October, offering a pleasant way to experience the picturesque setting and wildlife.
Which lakes are best for nature observation or birdwatching?
For nature observation and birdwatching, Burton and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve is an excellent choice, known for its diverse habitats and numerous dragonfly species, bats, and wildfowl. Mill Pond within the Chichester Harbour AONB is also highly recommended for its abundance of waders, ducks, and swans.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Boxgrove?
Visitors appreciate the picturesque settings, rich wildlife, and the variety of recreational opportunities. The serene atmosphere of places like Swanbourne Lake, the historical significance of Burton Mill Pond, and the biodiversity of the nature reserves are frequently highlighted. The community has shared over 30 photos and given more than 40 upvotes to these spots.
Are there running trails near the lakes?
Yes, there are running trails in the Boxgrove area that can be combined with visits to the lakes. You can find routes of varying difficulty, such as the 'Boxgrove Priory – Halnaker Windmill loop from Boxgrove' (7.00 km, moderate difficulty). More running options are detailed in the Running Trails around Boxgrove guide.
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