Top 6 Lakes around Hurst Green
Best lakes around Hurst Green, Surrey, are situated within a landscape featuring extensive woodlands and historical estates. This region offers a diverse range of water bodies, including large reservoirs and smaller, tranquil ponds. The area provides various outdoor experiences, from exploring natural settings to visiting historical sites. Many of these natural lakes near Hurst Green Surrey are ideal for walking trails and family-friendly activities.
Best lakes around Hurst Green
- The most popular lakes is Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, a forest that features a 10 km paved family cycling trail and a 350-acre National Pinetum. This location offers extensive trails for cycling, walking, and running, along with amenities like a cafe and bike hire.
- Another must-see spot is Scotney Castle and Gardens, a historical site with a lake. This National Trust property features a medieval, moated manor house on an island within a small lake, surrounded by gardens known for their seasonal colors.
- Visitors also love Bewl Water, a large reservoir. It is the largest body of inland water in southeast England, offering a 12-mile route for walking and cycling, a water bus, and various water-based activities.
- Hurst Green is known for its diverse range of water bodies, including large reservoirs, historical castle lakes, and peaceful forest ponds. The area provides opportunities to explore both natural and man-made lakes, each with distinct characteristics and activities.
- The lakes around Hurst Green are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and 11 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Highlight • Forest
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Scotney Castle and Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
The gardens, which are a celebrated example of the Picturesque style, are open to the public. The central feature is the ruins of a medieval, moated manor house, Scotney Old Castle, which is on an island on a small lake. The lake is surrounded by sloping, wooded gardens with fine collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and kalmia for spring colour, summer wisteria and roses, and spectacular autumn colour.
At the top of the garden stands a house which was built to replace the Old Castle between 1835 and 1843. This is known as Scotney New Castle, or simply Scotney Castle, and was designed by Anthony Salvin. It is an early, and unusually restrained, example of Tudor Revival architectural style in 19th century Britain. Following the death of the resident, Elizabeth Hussey, in 2006, this house was opened to the public for the first time on 6 June 2007
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Bewl Water
Highlight • Lake
It's around 12 miles all the way round with signs saying to allow 6 hours to walk whole route.
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Park Watermill Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Bewl Water
Highlight • Trail
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Tips from the Community
"Spring has arrived – and the sun has melted the ice on the mill pond. Its rays reach to the bottom of the pond – and tickle awake the little water sprite, who has been hibernating with his mermaid parents. And what's the first thing a curious little water sprite does? Spring cleaning with his mother? Repairing the broken roof of the water sprite's house? Wrong! Of course, the little water sprite's first priority is to meet his old friend, Cyprinus the carp... The little water sprite isn't quite as cheeky here as in the 1955 original – but Daniel Napp's little spring story has been enchantingly illustrated. A magical, endearing, and ageless reading experience for children ages 4 and up." The Stiftung Lesen (Reading Foundation) reviews a four-volume sequel to the popular "The Little Water Sprite" by Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), which guides children through the seasons in this children's book series.
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Always a lovely place to walk around, can be muddy in some spots depending on the time of the year
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The complex is dominated by the manor house on the hill and the ruin further down in the valley. The ruin was "created" from a functioning house several hundred years old by the owners of the manor house in order to obtain a romantic view. The two buildings are embedded in a beautiful garden. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle
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At the back exit of Bateman's and therefore worth visiting even if you are not visiting the park and the house. We walked a very long way around the grounds - the only benches were here 😳
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This garden, which is not so well known internationally, gave us so much joy! Incredible flowers, and that in April. The "new" house can be visited, the old one is just a very picturesque ruin. Entry per adult £17, NT members excluded. Parking was free today, the guidebook said £4 (?) Café extremely friendly and really good cake.
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Parking is £7 per car for a full day. No other options for shorter periods. Cafe, toilets, bike hire, laser tag and water sport activities on site. Plenty of space to park on weekends. Great views of the reservoir and access to walking trails.
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Managed by Forestry England, the National Pinetum is home to over 12000 specimens of trees and is a great place to visit for anyone interested in conservation. The adjacent forest is full of tracks and trails for cycling, walking, running and a tree top adventure, Go Ape. Take a moment out from your ride and breathe it all in. There is also a visitors centre with toilets and a cafe on site.
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The mill pond sits in front of Park Watermill. The present mill was built in around 1750 but there has been a mill here since the 13th century. The mill is part of the Bateman's estate. Once home to Rudyard Kipling and now in the care of the National Trust.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Hurst Green?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. For instance, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest features a 10 km paved family cycling trail and adventure playgrounds. Scotney Castle and Gardens, a National Trust property, has extensive gardens and a moated castle that families can explore. Bewl Water also provides a children's play area and water-based activities.
What kind of walking trails can I find around the lakes?
You'll find a variety of walking trails. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest offers miles of trails through its pinetum and forest. Bewl Water boasts a 12-mile route suitable for walking and cycling. Additionally, the hiking guide for Hurst Green lists several routes, including moderate trails around Bedgebury Forest.
Are there opportunities for cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a prime spot for cycling, with three dedicated trails and a 10 km paved family route. Bewl Water also has a 12-mile circuit popular with cyclists. You can find more cycling routes in the cycling guide for Hurst Green, including routes around Bewl Water and Bedgebury.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes near Hurst Green?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the area. The Hollands Anglers Society runs 'Private Pond' and 'Dunks' in Surrey, known for their peaceful settings. Edenbrook Fishing Lake in Oxted, Surrey, is a coarse angling and carp fishery with two lakes accessible on a day-ticket basis. The Willinghurst Estate Lakes also offer excellent fishing opportunities.
What historical sites are located near the lakes?
The region is rich in history. Scotney Castle and Gardens features a medieval, moated manor house on an island within a small lake. Park Watermill Pond is part of the Bateman's estate, once home to Rudyard Kipling, with a mill dating back to the 13th century. Hever Castle, while not directly in Hurst Green, also features an ornamental lake and historical grounds.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, several locations offer amenities. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest has a cafe serving locally sourced food. At Bewl Water, you'll find a cafe. Buckland Park Lake also features a restaurant called The Reverie with lake views.
Is parking available at the lake destinations?
Parking is generally available at the main attractions. For example, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest has full-day parking available. Bewl Water has a reasonable parking charge. It's always advisable to check specific venue websites for current parking information and fees.
Can I go wild swimming or paddleboarding in any of the lakes?
Buckland Park Lake, located between Dorking and Reigate, offers stand-up paddleboarding, open water swimming, and e-foiling through The Surrey Hills Adventure Company (The SHAC), which requires pre-booking. Other lakes may have restrictions, so it's best to check with individual sites.
What are the typical walking times for circular routes around the lakes?
Walking times vary by lake. For instance, the full 12-mile route around Bewl Water is estimated to take around 6 hours to walk. Shorter loops and trails are available at places like Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, which can be explored in less time depending on the chosen path.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' lakes to explore?
While not widely publicized, the 'Private Pond' and 'Dunks' run by the Hollands Anglers Society offer peaceful fishing spots with well-maintained swims. Louisa Lake, nestled within Bedgebury Forest, is a charming and peaceful spot often encountered along woodland bike trails, perfect for a quiet pause.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are set within diverse natural landscapes. You can expect extensive woodlands, such as those surrounding Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, which also boasts the world's largest conifer collection. Buckland Park Lake features dramatic cliffs and nearly 50 acres of mature woodland, making it a haven for birdlife. Many areas offer picturesque views and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Are the lakes and surrounding areas dog-friendly?
Many outdoor areas in the region are dog-friendly, especially walking trails. However, specific rules may apply to certain attractions or nature reserves, particularly regarding lead requirements or restricted areas. It's always best to check the specific guidelines for each lake or park you plan to visit with your dog.
Most popular attractions around Hurst Green
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