Top 20 Lakes in Surrey
Lakes in Surrey offer a diverse range of natural and man-made water bodies across this county in Southeast England. The region features varied landscapes, from tranquil nature reserves to areas suitable for water sports. These lakes are often set within woodlands, commons, or historical gardens, providing distinct environments for exploration. Surrey's topography includes the North Downs, contributing to the varied settings of its lakes and ponds.
Best lakes in Surrey
- The most popular lakes is Friday Street Mill Pond, a lake that powered a hammer mill until the eighteenth century. It is a quiet spot, popular at weekends, surrounded by old cottages.
- Another must-see spot is Silent Pool, a natural monument. Visitors can expect a crystal-clear, spring-fed lake with an eerie stillness, surrounded by evergreen box trees.
- Visitors also love Cow Pond, a lake known for its ducks, birds, and views. It was renovated in 2012, with a Baroque-style footbridge and oak arbour added based on original 1748 designs.
- Surrey is known for its mill ponds, natural spring-fed lakes, and historical garden lakes. The county offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from serene spots for wildlife observation to those with water sports facilities.
- The lakes in Surrey are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 350 upvotes and 40 photos shared.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Friday Street Mill Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Silent Pool
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Cow Pond
Highlight • Lake
Whilst visiting Cow Pond, take a trip to nearby Chapel Wood. Autumn fills this woodland with the glorious colour of the Japanese maples, while a visit during January and February will be rewarded with colourful and sweetly perfumed witch hazels. Whatever the season, this charming wood is always a worthwhile addition to your walk.
Cow Pond was formally created in the early 1700s by architect Henry Flitcroft, as an extension from an existing pond. The oak arbour and footbridge, added as part of the renovations in 2012, were built according to the original 1748 designs.
windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/cow-pond
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Coxes Lock and Mill Pond
Highlight • River
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coxes_Lock?wprov=sfla1
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Rapley Lake
Highlight • Forest
The area can get a bit muddy after heavy rainfall, so keep that in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
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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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Spynes Mere Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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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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Bricksbury Hill Pond
Highlight • Viewpoint
This specific spot offers some beautiful scenery across one of the larger ponds in the area, which has some lovely clean water with a beach-like feel. Unfortunately, you're not able to swim here, but you can still pull up a picnic blanket and relax in the sunshine.
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Popular around Surrey
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Tips from the Community
To a passerby, a mill pond like the one presented here might seem ordinary, but there is another point of view: For example, in the story world of Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), who became famous with the imaginative children's books he wrote, things look quite different: Here, such a mill pond is also the extremely exciting habitat of a water sprite family. His still popular book "Der kleine Wassermann" tells wonderful stories of the adventures experienced by the family's offspring. On an audio book CD, the water sprite mother sings her son to sleep for the winter: "Little water sprite, close your eyes and get some rest, I'll sit here for a while and watch you sleep. May your dreams guide you and touch you wonderfully, and when you wake up again, a new year will begin for you."
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Generally quiet lanes around this area with sandy paths to jump on and off.
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Don’t use this track as it was flooded. My tire was fully under - best head up to Mertsham and go around in order to avoid
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The tow path in the Basingstoke canal, from Woking to the junction with the Wey, it is paved and smooth. The tow path in the Wey Navigation canal is more bumpy, roots etc. Apt for a gravel bike, perhaps not so for a road bike.
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Great place for dog walking or running pretty good paths
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Nutfield Marsh lies in the vale of Holmesdale between the North Downs and the Greensand Ridge and comprises of a series wetland sites - The Moors, Spynes Mere, Holmethorpe Lagoons and Mercer Country Park. These areas were restored from sand workings along the Redhill Brook and now support a myriad of wetland wildlife. The Trust manages The Moors.
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Generally pretty quiet, so great to include on local rides.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes in Surrey?
Yes, several lakes in Surrey are ideal for families. Frensham Little Pond offers a largely flat 3km hiking trail, perfect for children, and has existed since the 13th century. Cow Pond is another great spot for picnics, known for its ducks and birds, and features a renovated Baroque-style footbridge. Buckland Park Lake also has a children's playground and a giant sandpit.
Which lakes in Surrey are good for nature and wildlife observation?
Surrey's lakes are rich in wildlife. Stockbridge Pond in Tilford, fed by an underwater spring, is home to swans, ducks, and various fish species. Hedgecourt Lake, the largest semi-natural open water body in east Surrey, is a haven for diverse plant life and insects, including twelve species of dragonflies. Buckland Park Lake also boasts abundant birdlife with dedicated hides for observation.
Can I go wild swimming in Surrey's lakes?
Yes, wild swimming is possible at certain locations. Frensham Great Pond is a popular spot with a sandy beach and designated roped-off areas for wild swimming. Buckland Park Lake also offers open-water swimming, which requires pre-booking.
Are there lakes in Surrey with historical significance?
Absolutely. Friday Street Mill Pond powered a hammer mill until the eighteenth century and is surrounded by old cottages. Cow Pond was formally created in the early 1700s and renovated in 2012 based on original 1748 designs. Claremont Landscape Garden features a serpentine, man-made lake within an 18th-century garden, resting below a unique turf amphitheatre.
What kind of water sports are available at Surrey's lakes?
For water sports enthusiasts, Buckland Park Lake is a prime destination, offering stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and e-foil activities, all requiring pre-booking. Mercers Country Park is also known for its water sports facilities.
Where can I find peaceful walks around lakes in Surrey?
For tranquil escapes, Silent Pool offers a stunning, crystal-clear, spring-fed lake with an eerie stillness, perfect for a peaceful visit. Stockbridge Pond provides a quiet environment for gentle strolls and wildlife observation. Rapley Lake, within Swinley Forest, is excellent for walks and exploring a network of forest paths.
Are there lakes in Surrey suitable for dog walking?
Many areas around Surrey's lakes are dog-friendly. Frensham Little Pond and Frensham Great Pond are popular for walks with dogs, though specific restrictions may apply in certain areas or during nesting seasons. Always check local signage for lead requirements.
What are some unique or less-known lakes to visit in Surrey?
Beyond the well-known spots, consider Coxes Lock and Mill Pond, a historical site with a tranquil atmosphere. Black Pond in Esher Common Woods is the largest of several ponds in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, offering rich habitats and rare species. Bricksbury Hill Pond also offers a peaceful forest setting.
Are there hiking or running trails near Surrey's lakes?
Yes, Surrey offers numerous trails. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the Frensham Little Pond Family Walk. If you're looking for running trails, there are options around Box Hill and other areas. For gravel biking, routes around Frensham Ponds, Thursley Common, and Hankley Common are popular. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Easy hikes in Surrey, Running Trails in Surrey, and Gravel biking in Surrey guides.
Which lakes offer amenities like cafes or restaurants?
Buckland Park Lake features The Reverie restaurant, offering light bites and meals with lake views. Near Silent Pool, you'll find an Indian street food cafe, a gin distillery with a bar, and a cheese shop, providing various refreshment options.
What is the best time of year to visit Surrey's lakes?
The best time to visit Surrey's lakes depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, picnics, and enjoying the sandy beaches at places like Frensham Great Pond. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, especially in woodlands surrounding lakes, while winter can provide serene, quiet walks, though some paths may be muddy.
Are there accessible lakes in Surrey for visitors with mobility needs?
While specific accessibility information for all lakes varies, many paths around popular lakes like Frensham Little Pond are largely flat, making them more accessible. It's always recommended to check specific site information for detailed accessibility features before visiting.
Where can I find a lake with a sandy beach in Surrey?
Frensham Great Pond is well-known for its sandy beach, making it a very popular destination, especially during warmer months, for those looking to relax by the water or enjoy wild swimming.
Are there lakes in Surrey known for fishing?
Yes, Henfold Lakes near Dorking are primarily known for fishing, offering a quiet environment with a good stock of fish for anglers.
What are some lakes in Surrey with interesting natural features?
Silent Pool is notable for its crystal-clear, spring-fed waters and eerie stillness, surrounded by evergreen box trees. Buckland Park Lake features dramatic cliffs and nearly 50 acres of mature woodland. Hedgecourt Lake is recognized for its fen-type vegetation and damp-loving plants, supporting a rich insect population.
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