Best lakes around St Helens offers a variety of aquatic environments, from historic reservoirs to natural ponds within country parks. The region features diverse landscapes, including former industrial sites transformed into green spaces and areas with significant wildlife habitats. These locations provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, and observing local flora and fauna. St Helens' lakes are integrated into its natural and historical fabric, reflecting both its industrial past and its commitment to green spaces.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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I've only just moved to this area. It's so beautiful for me and my dog for our local walk.
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The Sutton Mill Dam in Sutton, St Helens is a 26 acre wildlife nature park with its own lake, which measures 360 metres in length, situated between Clock Face Road, Leach Lane and Mill Lane. The lake is formed from the Pendlebury Brook which enters Sutton Mill Dam after flowing under Clock Face Road. The water exits the Mill Dam as the Sutton Brook (some old maps call it Sutton Mill Brook) via an impressive waterfall over a dozen stone steps and then navigates by the Wheatsheaf pub before flowing underneath Mill Lane as it journeys into St Helens town centre and the St Helens / Sankey Canal.
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The outflow goes to the Blackbrook Basin, part of the Sankey shipping. There are two of these drains in total. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3989954
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Carr Mill Dam originally provided hydroelectric power to a grist mill. It is the largest body of water in the district. The water area was expanded in the 1750s for navigation on the Sankey Canal and later for the railway (London and North Western Railway). https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carr_Mill_Dam
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Animals found here in the reserve, such as birds and butterflies, are presented on the information board.
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The small lake is not only beautiful to look at. The reeds also provide a habitat for various small animals such as the water vole. Nesting boxes for barn owls have been installed in the park by the Forest Commission. Both the small animals in the grass and the water voles in the reeds are good prey for the owls. https://www.suttonbeauty.org.uk/manorwoodlands/
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The lakes around St Helens offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling on trails around lakes like Carr Mill Dam and Taylor Park Lake. Fishing is popular at Fishing Pond at Clock Face Country Park and Carr Mill Dam, which is also known for powerboat racing. For wildlife observation, Manor Park Pond and Sutton Mill Dam Waterfall are excellent choices.
Yes, most lakes around St Helens are family-friendly. Carr Mill Dam, Manor Park Pond, Fishing Pond at Clock Face Country Park, Sutton Mill Dam Waterfall, and Taylor Park Lake all offer suitable environments for families, often with walking paths and green spaces.
For fishing enthusiasts, Carr Mill Dam is a well-known fishing lake. The Fishing Pond at Clock Face Country Park, located on a former colliery site, also offers good fishing opportunities. Taylor Park Lake is another popular spot for anglers.
Absolutely. Many lakes feature trails around their edges, perfect for hiking. For example, Carr Mill Dam has pleasant walking trails. You can also explore various easy hiking routes in the area, such as the Carr Mill Reservoir loop, which is about 3 km long. Find more options on the Easy hikes around St Helens guide.
Yes, many of the lake areas are dog-friendly. Carr Mill Dam, for instance, is a popular spot for dog walkers, though trails can get muddy at times.
The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Manor Park Pond, reeds provide habitat for small animals like water voles, and nesting boxes have been installed for barn owls. Sutton Mill Dam Waterfall is part of a 26-acre wildlife nature park, offering opportunities for birdwatching and observing local fauna.
Yes, several lakes have interesting historical backgrounds. Carr Mill Dam was originally a mill pond, later enlarged to supply water to the Sankey Brook Navigation and then by the railway company. Clock Face Country Park, which includes a fishing pond, is built on the site of a former colliery dating back to 1890.
Lakes like Taylor Park Lake offer cycling routes. For more extensive options, you can explore mountain biking and road cycling guides for the St Helens area. Check out the MTB Trails around St Helens guide or the Road Cycling Routes around St Helens guide for detailed routes.
Yes, parking is generally available. For example, Clock Face Country Park, home to a fishing pond, offers a free car park for visitors.
Beyond the lakes themselves, you can find diverse natural features. Sutton Mill Dam features an impressive waterfall over a dozen stone steps. Clock Face Country Park boasts developing woodlands and meadow areas, while Manor Park Pond is notable for its reeds providing habitat for various small animals.
Yes, some lake areas offer facilities. Taylor Park Lake has a cafe with delicious coffee, and it also features a fitness park. Information boards at places like Clock Face Country Park provide details on history, trails, and local clubs.


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