Top 5 Lakes around Bispham
Best lakes around Bispham include the Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve, a significant natural attraction and Biological Heritage Site. This area, sometimes known as Kooky Ponds, is a wildlife haven featuring diverse bird populations and nature trails. Ashfield Pond is also part of this ecological context, benefiting from community projects. The region offers opportunities to experience natural ecosystems within an urban setting.
Best lakes around Bispham
- The most popular lakes is Yarrow Valley Country Park, a facilities that offers beautiful…
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Yarrow Valley Country Park
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Martin Mere Wetland Centre
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Orrell Water Park
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Worden Park Pond
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As well as offering more than 60 hectares of meadows, woodlands and playing fields, Worden Park also includes a range of attractions in its historic grounds.
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Twin Lakes Velo Café
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Yarrow Valley Country Park was first established in 1987 on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing, and mining. Once industrial activity had ended, the site lay derelict for 30 years until the late 1980's when Chorley Council acquired the site. Yarrow Valley Country Park, a 700-acre facility run by Chorley Council, includes a café (treeface) built using Heritage Lottery funds. There is a play area for children, with a dog protection order, and also an angling agreement at Yarrow Valley Country Park, which gives the fishing rights at Birkacre to Wigan & District Angling Association (WDAA). Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004. The 'park' is used by (dog) walkers, runners & cyclists. Share with care :)
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Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
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A nature reserve and coarse fishery, Orrell Water Park is open all-year round for residents, visitors and day ticket fishing. Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded. Trying to have a break or eat a sandwich is impossible here due to the ducks, geese and swans all trying to get to your food. A beautiful place with a coffee shop at the top which sells a few cakes etc but no toilets.
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This park has so much to offer beautiful lakes waterfalls many different routes which is great for the kids and dog walkers
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Beautiful lake to visit with a nice coffee shop at the top of the hill.
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Beautiful woodland surrounds two disused reservoirs and is home to a diverse group of birds and insects, with over 100 bird species and a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies recorded. Good cycling paths
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Worden Park As well as offering more than 60 hectares of meadows, woodlands and playing fields, Worden Park also includes a range of attractions in its historic grounds. Situated on the outskirts of Leyland, the park is less than a quarter of a mile from the town centre. The park has held the Green Flag Award since the scheme began in 1997, the only site north of London to have done so. It has a beautiful pond to stop at very pieceful in the morning.
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Martin Mere was formed at the end of the last ice age, when water filled a depression in the glacial drift. Since then its size has varied as water levels have risen and fallen. The original giant lake can be seen on Christopher Saxton's map from 1579 and stretched from Rufford in the east, to Churchtown (then known as North Meols) in the west. To the north of the lake were the villages of Mere Brow and Holmeswood, the site of Holmeswood Hall, built by the Heskeths as a hunting lodge. South of the lake was the Scarisbrick Hall estate, Martin Hall and Tarlefarwood, now known as Tarlscough
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Bispham's lakes?
The region offers diverse natural settings. The Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve, a former marl pit, is a significant wildlife haven with nature trails. You can also find lakes, waterfalls, and woodlands at Yarrow Valley Country Park, and a vast marshland at Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
Are there family-friendly lakes to visit near Bispham?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Yarrow Valley Country Park offers various routes suitable for children. Martin Mere Wetland Centre is also designed with families in mind, providing opportunities to see wildlife. Orrell Water Park features a children's play area alongside its natural beauty.
Which lakes are suitable for dog walking?
Both Yarrow Valley Country Park and Orrell Water Park are pet-friendly, offering great spaces for walks with your dog. The Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve also has nature trails that are popular for dog walkers.
Where can I spot wildlife around Bispham's lakes?
The Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve is a prime location for birdwatching, known for its diverse bird population including herons, swans, and various ducks. Martin Mere Wetland Centre is specifically managed for wild birds and animals, offering hides for observation. Orrell Water Park is home to over 100 bird species, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible lakes or trails?
Yes, Worden Park Pond, located within Worden Park, offers an easy access boardwalk and new paths, making it suitable for wheelchair users. The park itself has held the Green Flag Award since 1997.
What historical insights can I find near these lakes?
The Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve was originally an 1890s marl pit, excavated for fertilizer, and has since transformed into a Biological Heritage Site. Yarrow Valley Country Park is the site of former cloth mills and collieries, with interesting traces of its industrial past still visible.
Are there cafes or refreshment options near the lakes?
Yes, Yarrow Valley Country Park has a cafe and information center on site. Orrell Water Park also features a lovely cafe. At Martin Mere Wetland Centre, there is a small cafe and shop at the visitor center.
What outdoor activities can I do near Bispham's lakes?
Beyond exploring the lakes, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. There are numerous hiking routes, gravel biking trails, and running trails in the wider Bispham area. These routes often pass by or offer views of the local natural landscapes.
How can I get to Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve by public transport?
For detailed information on public transport options to Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve, it's best to check the Blackpool Council website or local transport schedules, as routes can vary.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, Orrell Water Park offers free parking on site. For other locations like Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve, parking information can often be found on the local council's website or by checking local signage upon arrival.
What is Ashfield Pond, and how does it relate to Kincraig Lake?
Ashfield Pond is a distinct, smaller water body located within the broader ecological context of Bispham, often mentioned in connection with the Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve. It has benefited from community heritage projects, including the erection of a new viewing platform.
What makes Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve important?
The Kincraig Lake Ecological Reserve is one of Blackpool's fourteen Biological Heritage Sites (BHS). It plays a crucial role in conserving local biodiversity, providing a refuge for rare and threatened plants and animals, and offering a chance to experience a natural ecosystem within an urban setting.
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