Top 12 Lakes around Huntingdonshire
Best lakes around Huntingdonshire, a district in Cambridgeshire, England, features a landscape shaped by significant reservoirs and former gravel pits. These areas have been transformed into havens for wildlife and recreation, offering diverse environments for outdoor activities. The region provides opportunities for exploring various aquatic habitats and associated parklands. Many of these sites are recognized for their natural beauty and ecological importance.
Best lakes around Huntingdonshire
- The most popular lakes is Grafham Water, a cycle_way that is England's eighth largest reservoir by volume. It offers a 16 km track for cycling and walking, and hosts a water sport centre.
- Another must-see spot is Godmanchester Nature Reserve, a historical site comprising four lakes with areas of grassland and hedgerows. Visitors can observe songbirds, ducks, geese, and kingfishers, and explore its Roman heritage.
- Visitors also love Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, a nature reserve with lakes, riverside, meadow, and woodland habitats. It is known for birdwatching, with kingfishers and nightingales being common sightings.
- Huntingdonshire is known for its reservoirs, former gravel pits, and nature reserve lakes. These provide diverse environments for recreation and wildlife observation.
- The lakes around Huntingdonshire are appreciated by the komoot community, with 177 upvotes and 41 photos shared.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Grafham Water
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Godmanchester Nature Reserve
Highlight • Historical Site
As well as songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl, the reserve is also notable for its Roman heritage. Roman Lake was the site of a Roman well, discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s.
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Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
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Paxton Pits Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Kingfishers and nightingales are a common sight and overwintering wildfowl visit during the colder months. In spring and summer, wildflowers, dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies create a vibrant environment.
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Wildlife Lake Bird Hide
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Holme Fen National Nature Reserve
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Burnhams Mere
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View of Church Hill Bay
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Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake
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Somersham Local Nature Reserve has developed around the disused railway line from Cambridge to March and includes a lake and areas of woodland, grassland and wildflower meadows.
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Kingfisher Hide
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Popular around Huntingdonshire
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Tips from the Community
Being here three times in the nice weather, I consider this a place where you can reset yourself after your daily routine or others, where you can sit and listen to the seagulls and the geese and any other sound. In the evening the sunset was so astonishing during the summer. I understood the place was becoming muddy after a few days of rain.
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The cycle path along the top of the dam is wide and flat and gives great views across the reservoir. Reach it from the Visitor Centre at the northern end although access at the southern end is trickier as you have to squeeze through a narrow gap next to a locked gate by the main road.
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Off the main track to the left you take a narrow wooden walkway out to the hide which has great views over Heronry South Lake as well as Heronry North Lake.
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Good cafe usually busy but plenty of space for bikes and a playpark for youngsters. Great crazy golf course due to open May 2023.
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Bird hide overlooking the wildlife lake at Hichingbrooke Country Park. Look out for the likes of Cormorant, heron, tern, teal, wigeon, coot, moorhen, great crested grebe and great crested newt amongst many others. Don't forget your binoculars!
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Burnhams Mere was created when the area was cut for peat, resulting in this wildlife haven.
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Like many nature reserves in England, Godmanchester Nature Reserve was once gravel pits. The peaceful nature could not be further away from its industrial history. Keep an eye out for songbirds, ducks, geese, kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl as you run through.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I enjoy at the lakes around Huntingdonshire?
The lakes in Huntingdonshire offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy cycling and walking around the nine-mile track at Grafham Water, which is also popular for trout and predator fishing, and birdwatching from dedicated hides. Hinchingbrooke Country Park provides well-maintained walking and cycling trails, play areas, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Other reserves like Paxton Pits Nature Reserve are excellent for birdwatching and exploring diverse habitats.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Huntingdonshire?
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Grafham Water features picnic areas and playgrounds, alongside its cycling and walking paths. Hinchingbrooke Country Park is a fantastic destination for families, offering play areas, picnic spots, and easy trails. Godmanchester Nature Reserve is another great option for a family walk, with opportunities to spot wildlife.
Which lakes are best for wildlife spotting and nature observation?
Huntingdonshire is rich in wildlife. The western end of Grafham Water is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with a nature reserve, ancient woodlands, and reed beds, supporting diverse bird and amphibian populations. Hinchingbrooke Country Park is a haven for water birds, reed buntings, newts, and even occasional otters and kingfishers. Paxton Pits Nature Reserve and Godmanchester Nature Reserve are also highly recommended for birdwatching and spotting various species.
Are there historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, Godmanchester Nature Reserve is notable for its Roman heritage, including 'Roman Lake' where a Roman well was discovered during quarrying work in the 1980s. This former gravel pit along the River Great Ouse combines natural beauty with historical significance.
Can I go cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. Grafham Water is famous for its nine-mile track, which is very popular for cycling. Hinchingbrooke Country Park also features well-maintained cycling trails. For more cycling options, you can explore routes like the 'Grafham Water loop from St Neots' or 'Huntingdon to Fen Drayton Lakes via St Ives on the Busway river path' in the Cycling around Huntingdonshire guide.
Are the lakes suitable for dog walking?
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on leads at Grafham Water, making it a good spot for pet owners. Hinchingbrooke Country Park is also a popular destination for dog walkers, offering ample space and trails.
Where can I find good fishing spots in Huntingdonshire?
Huntingdonshire offers several excellent fishing locations. Grafham Water is a renowned destination for trout and predator fishing, with a dedicated Fishing Lodge. For carp fishing, Grenville Lake Huntingdon is a 72-acre mature gravel pit stocked with carp, some exceeding 50lb. Crystal Lakes Leisure Fishing offers a 4.3-acre specimen carp lake and a mix of other species. Additionally, Wyton Lakes Holiday Park features three well-stocked fishing lakes with carp, tench, and other coarse fish.
What kind of terrain can I expect on walks around the lakes?
The terrain around Huntingdonshire's lakes varies. At Grafham Water, the nine-mile track includes a mixture of gravel, mud, and road surfaces, with a few inclines on the northwest side. Hinchingbrooke Country Park offers well-maintained walking trails through grasslands and woodlands. Other reserves like Paxton Pits Nature Reserve feature diverse habitats including riverside paths, meadows, and woodlands.
Are there cafes or amenities near the lakes?
Yes, you'll find amenities at some of the larger lake destinations. Grafham Water has two coffee shops and Rutland Cycling facilities. Hinchingbrooke Country Park includes a café and visitor center on site. Paxton Pits Nature Reserve also has a visitor centre offering refreshments and facilities.
What is the best time to visit the lakes for walking and nature?
Spring and summer are vibrant times to visit, with wildflowers, dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies creating a lively environment at places like Paxton Pits Nature Reserve. Autumn offers beautiful scenery, and winter provides opportunities to spot overwintering wildfowl at many reserves, including Godmanchester Nature Reserve. The lakes are generally enjoyable year-round, depending on your preferred activities and weather.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' lakes worth exploring?
Beyond the major sites, you might enjoy exploring Holme Fen National Nature Reserve, described as stunningly beautiful and great for birdwatchers and cyclists. Burnhams Mere, created from a peat cutting area, is another wildlife haven. The Somersham Local Nature Reserve Lake, located in the pleasant village of Somersham, offers a peaceful greenspace for exploration.
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