Top 5 Lakes around Dunsfold

While Dunsfold isn't known for natural lakes, the area features the historic Wey and Arun Canal, restored sections of which offer recreational opportunities. You'll also find various estate lakes, park lakes, and interconnected water bodies within managed estates and public parks, such as Loseley House and Lake and Broadwater Park Lake.

The Wey and Arun Canal, often called 'London's Lost Route to the Sea,' offers a peaceful environment for walking and exploring its historical significance. A fully navigable section exists between Dunsfold and Alfold, and the long-distance 'Wey-South Path' follows its route. Restoration efforts continue to enhance this unique waterway.

Yes, the area offers various walking opportunities. You can enjoy quiet paths alongside fields with views of Loseley House and Lake, or explore the woodland and open grass at Broadwater Park Lake. The Wey and Arun Canal also provides peaceful routes. For more structured walks, consider exploring the easy hikes around Dunsfold.

For natural beauty and wildlife, Enton Lakes, with its interconnecting waters, attracts a variety of waterbirds, dragonflies, and otters, surrounded by woodlands rich in plant species like bluebells. The Wey and Arun Canal Trust has also created Hunt Nature Park, a wetland wildlife area at Shalford, and the Dunsfold Park Masterplan includes new wetlands to enhance local ecology.

Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Broadwater Park Lake is a 30-hectare park with woodland and open grass, perfect for picnics and feeding ducks, and it has public toilets. Forked Pond is a picturesque spot for a break during a walk. The Wey and Arun Canal also offers gentle walking paths suitable for families.

Absolutely. Loseley House and Lake is a significant historical site. The house and gardens are open to the public on selected dates between May and August, offering a glimpse into the past. The Wey and Arun Canal itself is a historical marvel, dating back to the 19th century, with its restoration highlighting past engineering feats.

Beyond walking, the area around Dunsfold offers various outdoor activities. You can explore road cycling routes or general cycling routes that often incorporate sections near the Wey and Arun Canal. There are also easy hiking trails, such as the Hascombe Hill and Stone Circle loop.

At Broadwater Park Lake, public toilets are conveniently located to the west of the lake. For other locations, facilities may vary, so it's advisable to check specific site information if available.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. For historical sites like Loseley House and Lake, the house and gardens are open between May and August. Spring offers beautiful displays of bluebells and wild garlic around Enton Lakes, while the Wey and Arun Canal is pleasant for walking throughout the warmer months.

Many of the outdoor areas and walking trails around Dunsfold, including those along the Wey and Arun Canal and in parks like Broadwater Park Lake, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock, and to check specific site regulations before visiting.

The Dunsfold Park Masterplan includes ambitious plans to transform the former aerodrome into a new village. This development will feature the design of streams, swales, and future 'lakes' to enhance the landscape and manage water, with excess rainwater flowing into the Wey and Arun Canal. These planned water features aim to integrate natural water management within a new country park.