Lakes around Whenby are situated in North Yorkshire, a region known for its rural landscapes and traditional villages. Whenby itself is a small civil parish characterized by old cottages and farmland. While the village does not feature large, prominent lakes directly within its boundaries, the surrounding area offers various natural water bodies and reservoirs. These features contribute to the natural landscape of the Howardian Hills, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 16, 2026
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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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Two ornamental ponds in the grounds of Castle Howard, shown on a 1774 estate map as a fish-pond. The ponds are divided in two by a bank on which Obelisk Bridge stands and are fed from Preserve Pond to the west. If you look east, you can see Dairies and Keepers Cottages.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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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 one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed, not to mention the swans. On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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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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While Whenby itself is a small, rural village without large, prominent lakes directly within its boundaries, the surrounding North Yorkshire area, particularly within the Howardian Hills, offers a variety of natural water bodies and reservoirs. These include picturesque ponds, fishing lakes, and secluded reservoirs.
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Lower Fish Pond features well-managed paths and swans, making it pleasant for a stroll. Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods is a natural monument within a forest, offering a lovely walk. Additionally, the Boathouse Café, located on the Great Lake, provides picnic tables and an adventure playground for children.
For peaceful and scenic views, consider the View of Oulston Reservoir. While access to the reservoir itself is restricted, the viewpoint offers a serene perspective of the wild landscape. Birkdale Farm also provides a sense of peace and solitude with its fishing lake set amidst woodlands and hills.
Yes, the area around Whenby offers various walking opportunities. You can find easy hikes, such as those around Yearsley, which are part of the Easy hikes around Whenby guide. Lower Fish Pond has well-managed tracks and paths suitable for walking.
Beyond walking, the region around Whenby provides opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can explore routes detailed in guides like Cycling around Whenby and MTB Trails around Whenby. Some highlights, like Birkdale Farm, are known for fishing.
Visitors appreciate the picturesque and beautiful settings, often noting the amazingly blue colors of the water on sunny days, such as at Lower Fish Pond. The peaceful and serene atmosphere, especially at places like the View of Oulston Reservoir, is also highly valued.
While specific dog-friendly designations aren't always noted for individual lakes, many rural walking paths in North Yorkshire are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control, especially near livestock. The well-managed tracks around Lower Fish Pond and the forest setting of Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods, are generally good options for walks with dogs.
The lakes and surrounding areas are enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for outdoor activities, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the wild and serene landscapes can be quite striking, though waterproof walking boots are recommended for potentially muddy conditions.
The paths around Lower Fish Pond are described as well-managed, which may offer easier access for some visitors. However, given the rural nature of the area, it's advisable to check specific trail conditions if accessibility is a primary concern, as many paths might be unpaved or uneven.
Yes, fishing is an option in the area. Birkdale Farm is home to a lovely fishing lake where you can even hire fishing rods from the farm itself.
Yes, the Boathouse Café is situated right on the bank of the Great Lake, offering stunning views, picnic tables, and an adventure playground. For other lakes, facilities may be more limited, so it's wise to plan accordingly.


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