Best lakes around Terrington, North Yorkshire, are set within a landscape characterized by woodlands and rolling hills. This region offers a variety of natural and man-made water bodies, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The area is known for its tranquil settings and scenic beauty, making it a destination for those seeking peaceful natural experiences.
Last updated: June 30, 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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For a peaceful stroll, Lower Fish Pond is highly recommended. It's a picturesque natural lake with well-managed paths and small piers, offering a tranquil setting with swans and often displaying 'amazingly blue colours' on sunny days. The Higher Fish Pond in Yearsley Woods also provides a lovely, small lake environment popular for walks.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Lower Fish Pond and Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods are both considered family-friendly with pleasant walking paths. Additionally, the area around the Boathouse Café, located on the Great Lake, offers stunning views, picnic tables, and an adventure playground for children.
You can enjoy fishing at Birkdale Farm Lake, which is praised for its peace and solitude amidst woodlands. Fishing rods can be hired directly from Birkdale Farm, and the lake is stocked with Carp, Bream, and Roach. Another significant spot for fishing enthusiasts is Tollerton Pond, located about 9.6 miles from Terrington, offering three distinct ponds stocked with various coarse fish.
The lakes around Terrington are set within a landscape of woodlands and rolling hills. You'll find picturesque natural lakes like Lower Fish Pond with its 'amazingly blue colours' and swans. Yearsley Woods, home to Higher Fish Pond, offers a forest environment. The View of Oulston Reservoir provides a glimpse of a wild and serene water body within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails in the vicinity of Terrington's lakes. You can find a variety of routes, from easy to difficult, suitable for different fitness levels. For detailed options, explore the Hiking around Terrington guide, or for easier walks, check out the Easy hikes around Terrington guide.
Beyond walking and fishing, the area around Terrington offers opportunities for mountain biking. You can discover various routes and trails by consulting the MTB Trails around Terrington guide, which includes options like the 'Lake loop from Yearsley'.
Yes, for places like Birkdale Farm Lake, there is ample space for parking nearby. For other locations, it's advisable to check specific access points or local information for parking availability.
Direct public access to Oulston Reservoir is restricted. While it appears wild and serene from a distance, you cannot access the reservoir itself due to a locked gate. However, beautiful views can be enjoyed from nearby points, such as along the footpath from east of Pond Head Farm.
Yes, the Boathouse Café is located directly on the bank of the Great Lake, offering stunning views and a place to relax. For fishing enthusiasts, Tollerton Pond, though a bit further out, provides good facilities including a café and clean amenities.
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil and picturesque settings. The 'amazingly blue colours' of Lower Fish Pond and the peaceful solitude of Birkdale Farm Lake are frequently highlighted. The well-managed paths and opportunities for peaceful walks in natural surroundings are also highly appreciated.
Yes, there are several easy walks suitable for beginners. The paths around Lower Fish Pond are well-managed and easy to navigate. For more options, the Easy hikes around Terrington guide lists routes like the 'Temple of the Four Winds – Castle Howard loop' which are considered easy.


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