Top 5 Lakes around Stamfordham
Best lakes around Stamfordham are found within the wider Northumberland area, offering diverse natural beauty and outdoor activities. While Stamfordham itself does not feature large lakes, the surrounding region provides numerous options for lakeside exploration. These areas often combine tranquil waters with woodlands and open grasslands, providing varied landscapes for visitors. The region is known for its blend of natural and historical sites.
Best lakes around Stamfordham
- The most popular lakes is Bolam Lake, a country park lake that features a mixture of lake, wetland, and woodland habitats. It is a haven for wildlife, including red squirrels and various waterfowl, making it suitable for bird watching.
- Another must-see spot is Whittledean Reservoir, a lake known for its quiet lanes and potential wildlife sightings. Visitors might spot a heron on the banks, and the area offers routes for cycling or walking.
- Visitors also love Stargate Ponds and Bewes Hills Nature Reserve, an area reclaimed from former quarrying and opencast activities. It is a good place for walking and spotting a variety of birds in the undergrowth and feeding on the ponds.
- Stamfordham is known for country park lakes, reservoirs, and nature reserve ponds. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from tranquil waters to areas rich in wildlife.
- The lakes around Stamfordham are appreciated by the komoot community, with 36 upvotes and 9 photos shared.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Bolam Lake
Highlight • Forest
There is a cafe with seasonal opening times.
April to September: Open 10:00 - 16:00 but closed Mon & Tue.
October to March: Open 10:00 - 15:00 and closed Mon, Tue & Wed.
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Whittledean Reservoir
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Bradley Gardens and Sled Lane Pond
Highlight • Cafe
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Stargate Ponds and Bewes Hills Nature Reserve
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
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Kirkharle Serpentine Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
A fully accessible 1km pathway winds through the landscape, with informative boards along the way. This allows visitors to enjoy the park year-round.
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Tips from the Community
Pretty quiet lane, heads southwest to Corbridge or can swing up across the Military road to Matfen
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The serpentine lake at Kirkharle, designed by famed landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown who was born here in 1716, was finally completed in 2010. Brown's plan, rediscovered in 1980s, breathed new life into the Grade 2 listed parkland. Over 2,000 trees were planted with the help of local schoolchildren, restoring the parkland to its former glory. A fully accessible 1km pathway winds through the landscape, with informative boards along the way. This allows visitors to enjoy the park year-round.
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Bolam Lake country park is managed by Northumberland County Council. It's a mixture of lake, wetland and woodland habitat and home to many species of bird and animals including red squirrels. There is a cafe with seasonal opening times. April to September: Open 10:00 - 16:00 but closed Mon & Tue. October to March: Open 10:00 - 15:00 and closed Mon, Tue & Wed.
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Lovely place to rest the legs or just to get off the road and relax for a while.
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Stargate Ponds and Bewes Hills is an area reclaimed from former quarrying and opencast activities. Good palce for walking the dog and spotting a wide variety of birds in the undergrowth and feeding on the ponds
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The Pond is a lovely place to feed the ducks and the walled Gardens were laided in the 18th century and contain a lovely Cafe housed in the original 19th century glasshouse which once grew fruits for the local Bradley Hall as well as a Gift Shop
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If you're cycling this segment in winter make sure you've got mud guards otherwise avoid like the plague if you don't like your face being splattered with whatever that brown stuff was on the road! if you pull up quietly to whittledean reservoir you might be fortunate enough to witness a Herron on the banks of the reservoir? I pulled up to quickly and startled one which flew off in a majestic arc across the reservoir! not enough time to snap a quick photo though ☹️
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Stamfordham?
The area around Stamfordham, within wider Northumberland, offers a variety of lakes including tranquil country park lakes, reservoirs, and nature reserve ponds. These range from large man-made lakes like Kielder Water to smaller, serene spots like Bolam Lake and the historic Kirkharle Serpentine Lake.
Are there family-friendly lakes with amenities near Stamfordham?
Yes, several lakes are excellent for families. Bolam Lake Country Park features a visitor center, café, restrooms, and picnic areas, along with an accessible path around the lake. Druridge Bay Country Park, centered around Ladyburn Lake, also offers a visitor center, café, toilets, and a play park, making it very family-friendly.
Which lakes are best for walking and hiking?
For walking, Bolam Lake Country Park has a fully accessible 1-mile path around the lake and various woodland trails. Kielder Water & Forest Park boasts the 26-mile multi-user Lakeside Way, suitable for walkers and cyclists. Stargate Ponds and Bewes Hills Nature Reserve is also a good spot for walks and bird spotting.
Can I go cycling or mountain biking near these lakes?
Absolutely. Kielder Water & Forest Park offers extensive mountain biking tracks and the 26-mile Lakeside Way for cyclists. Druridge Bay Country Park also provides opportunities for cycling. For more specific routes, you can explore the Gravel biking around Stamfordham or MTB Trails around Stamfordham guides.
Are there any lakes suitable for watersports or wild swimming?
Druridge Bay Country Park's Ladyburn Lake is a hub for watersports, including kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, canoeing, and wild swimming. Kielder Water also offers water-skiing, sailing, and fishing opportunities.
Which lakes offer good opportunities for wildlife spotting and bird watching?
Bolam Lake Country Park is a haven for wildlife, including roe deer, red squirrels, nuthatches, and various waterfowl. Druridge Bay Country Park is rich in birdlife, especially during winter when divers, grebes, geese, and swans can be seen. Kielder Water & Forest Park is home to otters, red squirrels, and birds of prey. Stargate Ponds and Bewes Hills Nature Reserve and Sled Lane Pond are also noted for their wildlife.
Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs or pushchairs around the lakes?
Yes, Bolam Lake Country Park has a fully accessible path, approximately 1 mile long, that circumnavigates the lake. The Kirkharle Serpentine Lake also features a 1km fully accessible pathway. Druridge Bay Country Park is generally wheelchair accessible, and Kielder Water's Lakeside Way is a multi-user trail suitable for wheelchair users.
What historical or cultural sites can be found near the lakes?
The Kirkharle Serpentine Lake is a beautifully restored landscape originally designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, offering a peaceful walk in a historically significant setting. Bolam Lake Country Park also maintains historical elements integrated with its natural landscape. Kielder Water & Forest Park features unique art and architecture installations.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, you'll find cafes at several locations. Bolam Lake Country Park has a cafe with seasonal opening times. Druridge Bay Country Park also has a cafe. Adjacent to Kirkharle Serpentine Lake, Kirkharle Courtyard features an excellent coffee shop. Bradley Gardens also has a cafe housed in a historic glasshouse.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Stamfordham?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and lush scenery. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can be ideal for spotting specific bird species at places like Druridge Bay Country Park. Kielder Water is particularly renowned for stargazing due to its dark skies, making it a great evening destination.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
Many of the lakes and country parks are dog-friendly, though specific rules may apply regarding leashes, especially in nature reserve areas to protect wildlife. Stargate Ponds and Bewes Hills Nature Reserve is noted as a good place for walking the dog.
Where can I find less crowded lakes near Stamfordham?
While popular spots like Kielder and Bolam can attract visitors, places like Whittledean Reservoir are known for their quiet lanes and tranquil atmosphere, offering a more secluded experience. The Kirkharle Serpentine Lake also provides a peaceful lakeside walk.
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