Top 7 Lakes around Sutton-On-The-Forest
Best lakes around Sutton-On-The-Forest offer diverse natural settings for outdoor activities. The area, situated near the Howardian Hills National Landscape, features tranquil waters amidst woodlands and hills. Visitors can find a range of lake environments, from serene fishing spots to landscaped arboretum grounds and urban parks. These locations provide opportunities for walking, cycling, and observing local wildlife.
Best lakes around Sutton-On-The-Forest
- The most popular lakes is Rowntree Park, an other natural area with a large central lake. This 25-acre park in York features a variety of birdlife and extensive recreational facilities.
- Another must-see spot is Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods, a family-friendly lake within a forest. It features well-maintained tracks and paths, offering views across the water.
- Visitors also love View of Oulston Reservoir, a lake viewpoint. This location offers a peaceful and wild setting for observation.
- Sutton-On-The-Forest is known for fishing lakes, forest lakes, and arboretum lakes. The region offers a variety of lake types to explore, from tranquil fishing spots to landscaped grounds.
- The lakes around Sutton-On-The-Forest are appreciated by the komoot community, with 37 upvotes and 7 photos shared.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Rowntree Park
Highlight • Natural
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Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods
Highlight • Natural
Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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Birkdale Farm
Highlight • Settlement
If you would like to fish, one can hire fishing rods from the farm.
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View of Oulston Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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The Yorkshire Arboretum
Highlight • Natural
There is an entry fee. Please check at the website before going. yorkshirearboretum.org
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Tips from the Community
Don't visit in winter. Very good chance it will be under water, or sludge after the River Ouse floodwaters have receded. Bearing that in mind, YCC and the keepers do a pretty good job of maintaining the park. The park was created in memory of employees of Rowntree's who died in the First World War, and was opened on 16 July 1921 by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Joseph Rowntree. Upon their purchase in 1919, the 17 acres of land cost £1,500. The park now covers an area of 25 acres, with it being extended in 1926/7 with the purchase of Clementhorpe allotments, and further in 2000 with the purchase of Butcher Terrace football fields. The gates at the riverbank entrance are eighteenth-century and were given by the company as a memorial to the people of York who died in the Second World War. There are further commemorative plaques on the dovecote. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowntree_Park
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You can also get a different view of the reservoir if you approach along the footpath from east of Pond Head Farm .
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This beautiful arboretum is run jointly by Castle Howard Estates and Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew). Started in 1959, it has over 6,000 trees on 128 acres of ground. These are fantastically beautiful, landscaped grounds for any walker, including families and those with pets. There is a café at the entrance to the Arboretum. There is an entry fee. Please check at the website before going. https://www.yorkshirearboretum.org
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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This is a lovely fishing lake right next to Birkdale Farm. It certainly offers a sense of peace and solitude here, in the lovely setting of the surrounding woodlands and hills. There is a boating hut on the bank, plenty of easy spaces for a picnic and space for parking nearby. If you would like to fish, one can hire fishing rods from the farm.
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The actual access to the reservoir is prohibited (a locked gate), so this is the closest and best you can get to. It's lovely place to stay at - very peaceful. Because it's inaccessible to the public, it also seems wild and serene. A great place to look at.
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to walk to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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Parkland of over 6,000 trees, wildflower meadows & lakes, with a playground & bug hunting for kids.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore near Sutton-On-The-Forest?
The area around Sutton-On-The-Forest offers a diverse range of lake environments. You can find serene fishing lakes like those at Birkdale Farm, tranquil forest lakes such as Higher Fish Pond in Yearsley Woods, and beautifully landscaped arboretum lakes within The Yorkshire Arboretum. Additionally, there's the popular urban park lake at Rowntree Park in nearby York.
Are there any good fishing lakes in the area?
Yes, Birkdale Farm Fishing Lake is a serene coarse fishing spot nestled in the Howardian Hills National Landscape. It's well-stocked with Carp, Bream, and Roach, and you can even hire fishing rods directly from the farm.
Which lakes are suitable for family outings and walks?
Several lakes are great for families. Higher Fish Pond in Yearsley Woods is part of a family-friendly circular walk with well-maintained paths. Rowntree Park in York offers extensive recreational facilities, including playgrounds and picnic spots. The Yorkshire Arboretum features accessible paths, pond-dipping platforms, and a playground, making it engaging for children.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Sutton-On-The-Forest?
Yes, many areas are dog-friendly. The Yearsley Woods Circular Walk around Higher Fish Pond is popular with dog walkers. The Yorkshire Arboretum welcomes dogs on a lead in most areas, with a specific off-lead section available. Always check local signage for specific rules.
Are there accessible paths around any of the lakes?
The Yorkshire Arboretum has made its main lake, Reservoir Pond, more accessible with a newly restored path. Rowntree Park also offers generally flat and well-maintained paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
What natural features can I observe at these lakes?
At Rowntree Park, you can observe various birdlife, including ducks, swans, and Canada geese. The Yorkshire Arboretum is home to over 6,000 trees, wildflower meadows, and abundant wildlife, with a bird-watching hide near its main lake. Birkdale Farm offers opportunities to observe local wildlife amidst woodlands and hills.
Are there walking trails near these lakes?
Yes, there are numerous walking opportunities. Higher Fish Pond is part of the popular Yearsley Woods Circular Walk. Birkdale Farm is crisscrossed by public rights of way, ideal for exploring the natural environment. The Yorkshire Arboretum offers many walking trails through its landscaped grounds.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling and horse riding on public rights of way around Birkdale Farm. Rowntree Park offers tennis courts and a skate park. For cycling enthusiasts, there are various routes nearby, including easy cycling tours like the 'Clarks Bakery Café, Easingwold loop' or more challenging gravel biking routes like the 'Howardian Hills loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the cycling guide or gravel biking guide for Sutton-On-The-Forest.
Where can I find a peaceful spot to enjoy nature without crowds?
For a sense of solitude, the Birkdale Farm Fishing Lake offers a peaceful setting amidst woodlands and hills. The View of Oulston Reservoir also provides a very peaceful and wild setting, as public access to the reservoir itself is prohibited, ensuring a serene observation point.
Are there any cafes or facilities near the lakes?
Rowntree Park in York has a reading cafe, toilets, and a children's playground. The Yorkshire Arboretum features a cafe at its entrance and designated picnic areas. While Birkdale Farm offers picnic spots, it's more rural, so bringing your own refreshments is advisable.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Sutton-On-The-Forest?
The lakes are enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather ideal for walking and picnics. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, especially in wooded areas like Yearsley Woods and The Yorkshire Arboretum. Winter can be picturesque, but be aware that areas like Rowntree Park can be prone to flooding after heavy rains from the River Ouse.
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