Top 15 Lakes around Godalming
Best lakes around Godalming offer a variety of natural and man-made water bodies within a landscape characterized by heathland, woodlands, and historic estates. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, wildlife observation, and angling. These lakes are often set within picturesque surroundings, contributing to the region's natural appeal.
Best lakes around Godalming
- The most popular lakes is Silent Pool, a natural monument that is a beautiful large pool with an Indian restaurant and cookery school alongside. Around this spot, visitors can find a vineyard, gin distillery, Indian street food cafe, and cheese shop.
- Another must-see spot is Frensham Little Pond, a lake that is a glorious place to hike, surrounded by pine trees and sandy hills. The circular walk around the pond is under 3 km, suitable for families.
- Visitors also love Frensham Little Pond Beach, a lake with a beach set in a backdrop of pine trees. It offers a lovely spot to pause, with views across to the reed beds on the eastern shore.
- Godalming is known for its natural ponds, historical man-made ponds, and ornamental garden lakes. These offer diverse experiences, from tranquil walks to wildlife observation and angling.
- The lakes around Godalming are appreciated by the komoot community. The community has contributed over 35 photos and 137 upvotes, showcasing the appeal of these locations.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Silent Pool
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Frensham Little Pond
Highlight • Lake
There as been a lake here since the 13th century when the Bishop of Winchester decreed a dam be built. The resulting pond provided fish for when he was staying at nearby Farnham Castle.
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Frensham Little Pond Beach
Highlight • Lake
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Stockbridge Pond
Highlight • Viewpoint
The pond is fed by an underwater spring and is known for its crystal clear qualities. It's home to a variety of wildlife including swans, ducks, and different types of fish species, and is generally a great spot to escape into nature and enjoy some tranquillity.
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Loseley House and Lake
Highlight • Historical Site
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Popular around Godalming
Tips from the Community
Generally quiet lanes around this area with sandy paths to jump on and off.
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Generally pretty quiet, so great to include on local rides.
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Indian cafe/shop very much present & seems worth trying. If you're into gin, there's also a distillery with bar (booking might be needed).
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...many feel an eerie stillness looking out over the still water surrounded by the evergreen box trees. Legend has it that this is due to the fate of a woodcutter's daughter who was surprised by a nobleman on a horse as she bathed in the pool. Having failed to lure her to the bank, he rode his horse into the water and caused the girl to move out to deeper water where she drowned. When the woodcutter returned and found her body, he also found the nobleman's hat floating on the water. It bore the crest of none other than Prince John! Source: https://www.visitsurrey.com/listing/silent-pool/66361101/
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Frensham Little Pond is more tranquil and offers a greater variety of walks and scenery than its nearby neighbour the Frensham Great Pond. Although the circular walk around the Little Pond can become a little busy at weekends there are plenty of other quieter paths to explore!
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Swimming is not permitted at Frensham Little Pond, but this still makes a lovely spot to pause for a while. You can see straight across to the reed beds on the eastern shore. The beach is set in a backdrop of pine trees. A lovely place to hang out on a hot summer's day.
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The trail runs through the estate of Loseley House with great views f the mansion and its grounds. You can visit the house between May and August when it is open to the public. Here you are just a short distance from Guildford but the quiet paths and surroundings make you feel a million miles away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Godalming are suitable for families?
Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. Frensham Little Pond offers a circular walk under 3 km, perfect for children. Frensham Little Pond Beach is a lovely spot to relax by the water. Stockbridge Pond is a tranquil woodland pond with wildlife. For active fun, Thorpe Lakes (a bit further afield) features a giant floating aqua park and other watersports suitable for various ages.
Where can I go for a walk or hike around the lakes near Godalming?
There are numerous walking opportunities. The circular walk around Frensham Little Pond is popular. Winkworth Arboretum offers winding trails through its gardens and past two lakes. The area around Large Enton Lake is suitable for hiking with moderate trails and views of the Surrey Hills AONB. For more options, you can explore various routes in the Easy hikes around Godalming guide.
Are there any lakes near Godalming where I can swim?
Frensham Great Pond is known for its sandy beach and is a popular spot for swimming, with regularly monitored water quality. While swimming is not permitted at Frensham Little Pond Beach, it's a great place to relax by the water.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Stockbridge Pond supports swans, ducks, and various fish species. Busbridge Lakes is renowned for its collection of over 1000 ornamental waterfowl, pheasants, and parkland birds. Frensham Ponds are surrounded by heathland, an internationally rare habitat supporting diverse wildlife.
Are there any historical sites or notable landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, Loseley House and Lake offers views of the historic mansion and its grounds, which are open to the public on selected dates between May and August. Frensham Ponds themselves have historical significance, created in the Middle Ages to supply fish for the Bishop of Winchester. Busbridge Lakes features heritage gardens, follies, and grottos.
Which lakes are good for angling near Godalming?
Several lakes are popular for fishing. Frensham Great Pond is well-stocked with pike, carp, tench, roach, rudd, and perch. Busbridge Lower Lake is known for carp and pike over thirty pounds, as well as other species. Broadwater is a ten-acre lake well-stocked with carp, roach, rudd, perch, crucian carp, and tench, and is open all year round for members of the Godalming Angling Society.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Godalming?
Beyond walking and angling, the area offers various activities. You can find numerous running trails and road cycling routes. Thorpe Lakes, though a bit further, is a leading watersports park offering wakeboarding and Ringo rides. The area around Large Enton Lake is also great for exploring the Surrey Hills AONB.
Are there any dog-friendly walking routes around the lakes?
Yes, many of the natural areas around the lakes are suitable for dog walking. Frensham Little Pond Beach is listed as dog-friendly, and the heathland surrounding Frensham Ponds provides ample space for walks. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially around nature reserves or during nesting seasons.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Godalming?
The best time depends on your interests. Winkworth Arboretum is particularly vibrant in spring for magnolias, bluebells, and azaleas, and in autumn for maples, liquidambar, and tupelos. Summer is popular for swimming at Frensham Great Pond. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and enjoying the scenery, while winter walks can be tranquil.
Are there places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Near Silent Pool, you'll find an Indian restaurant, a gin distillery with a bar, an Indian street food cafe, and a cheese shop. Frensham Great Pond has facilities like a snack bar. Many local villages near the lakes also offer pubs and cafes.
Are there any lakes with easy access for those with mobility considerations?
Busbridge Lower Lake offers good disabled access at parts of its dam wall, making it more accessible for some visitors. For other locations, it's advisable to check specific trail conditions, as some paths can be sandy or rooty.
What makes Silent Pool a popular destination?
Silent Pool is a beautiful large natural pool. It's popular not only for its scenic beauty but also for the amenities nearby, including an Indian restaurant and cookery school, a vineyard, a gin distillery, and a cheese shop, offering a unique blend of nature and local produce.
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