Best lakes around Sherfield English offer a range of natural and man-made water features within and near the region. The area is characterized by its rural setting, including parts of the New Forest, providing diverse landscapes for exploration. Sherfield English itself features established fisheries with multiple lakes, alongside broader natural reserves. These locations support various wildlife and provide opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
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
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Sherfield English.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
It's called a lake, but it's in fact a reservoir, apparently able to store 270 million litres of water. It's one of the three lakes that make up Test Lakes Nature Reserve (the other lakes being Testwood Lake to the north and Meadow Lake to the north of that). In fact, this beautiful spot affords you beautiful views of both Little Testwood Lake and Testwood Lake. Worth stopping here to marvel at the natural world.
2
0
There are lovely views of the lake from its northern banks. Within the Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, it abounds in wildlife (e.g. oystercatchers and lapwings). Easy paths lead to the banks - on a sunny day, it's great to sit on the grass for a bit of quiet.
1
0
Visit Fritham and Eyeworth Pond, take a moment to wander through history Walk around the man-made gunpowder mill pond or take a walk through the woodland. Keep an eye out for the old black post box near the entrance to Fritham car park, there for the workers of the mill. Wander through the woodlands full of Roman remains. Fritham is a small village with the village green at it's heart. Visit the pub, named after the ancient oak opposite (over 1000 years old), or join the cycle trail network and ride over to Ogdens. You are likely to see the New Forest's ponies and cattle. Please treat these animals with care, don’t feed or pet the livestock – keep your distance.
1
0
Abbotswood Nature Reserve has recently been opened by the Test Valley Borough Council, as part of the nearby housing development. There are several ponds which support a large population of Great Crested Newts.
2
0
Testwood Lakes is a beautiful nature reserve located in Southampton. The reserve features a multitude of tranquil lakes and walking trails and is teeming with wonderful wildlife and birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the likes of the sand martin, great crested grebe, kingfisher, snipe, great white egret, little egret and Grey Heron.
2
0
A peaceful place off the New Forest tourist trail. Eyeworth Pond was created in the late 19th century to provide water power to a nearby gunpowder mill.
0
0
More like a lake than a pond. A nice spot for a picnic. Also has a small number of parking places if you want to hike from here.
4
0
For walking and hiking, Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve offers multiple tranquil lakes and dedicated walking trails, teeming with wildlife. You can also explore the area around Eyeworth Pond, which has woodland walks and historical ties to a gunpowder mill. For more extensive hiking options, you can find various trails in the region, including easy loops like the Awbridge Nature Reserve loop, by visiting the Hiking around Sherfield English guide.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve and Little Testwood Lake are both family-friendly, offering nature exploration and walking trails. Eyeworth Pond is also a peaceful spot for picnics and gentle walks, located off the main tourist trails.
The Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve is an excellent location for wildlife and birdlife spotting, including kingfishers, great crested grebes, sand martins, and various dragonflies and damselflies. It features bird hides for observation. Eyeworth Pond, nestled in the New Forest, also offers opportunities to see local wildlife, including the famous New Forest ponies and cattle.
Near Testwood Lakes, you can find a fascinating Bronze Age Roundhouse. This site revealed evidence of a Bronze Age settlement, including the roundhouse, a timber bridge, and part of a boat. Eyeworth Pond itself has historical ties, having been created in the late 19th century to power a nearby gunpowder mill, and the surrounding woodlands contain Roman remains.
Yes, Dandy's Ford Fishery in Sherfield English is a prominent location for fishing. It features three distinct lakes with varying numbers of pegs, primarily catering to anglers. You can expect to catch a range of fish, including carp, roach, bream, and chub. The fishery also offers facilities like holiday accommodation, toilets, and fishing coaching.
Dandy's Ford Fishery provides several facilities for visitors, including holiday accommodation, spotless ladies' and men's toilets (with disabled facilities), and a tea room on-site for refreshments. Disabled access is available to most fishing swims, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
Dandy's Ford Fishery, a significant lake attraction in Sherfield English, has a tea room on-site for refreshments. Near Eyeworth Pond, in the nearby village of Fritham, there is a pub where you can find refreshments after your walk.
Yes, the area offers various cycling opportunities. You can find gravel biking routes, such as the 'Beechen Lane Gravel Track' or 'Bluebell Path' loops, and road cycling routes like the 'Crawley Duck Pond' loop. For detailed routes and guides, explore the Gravel biking around Sherfield English and Road Cycling Routes around Sherfield English guides.
The lakes around Sherfield English, particularly nature reserves like Testwood Lakes, are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for observing abundant birdlife, dragonflies, and damselflies. The peaceful setting of Eyeworth Pond is pleasant for picnics in warmer months, while autumn offers scenic woodland colors.
Absolutely. Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve is a prime example, featuring multiple tranquil lakes, grassland, wetland, and woodland habitats. Additionally, Pond at Abbotswood Nature Reserve is home to several ponds supporting a large population of Great Crested Newts.
Dandy's Ford Fishery, a key lake attraction in Sherfield English, ensures disabled access to most of its fishing swims and provides disabled toilet facilities. For general information on accessibility in the broader Sherfield English area, you may find resources on the Test Valley Borough Council website.


Still not found your perfect lake around Sherfield English? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.