Best lakes around Little Bromley are primarily found within the wider Essex region, as the village itself does not feature notable natural lakes. The surrounding Essex countryside offers various fishing lakes and country parks with lakes, providing tranquil settings for visitors. These locations contribute to the natural landscape of the area, offering diverse outdoor experiences.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Lemons Hill Bridge carries the road across the northern end of Alton water reservoir. It links the two parts of Tattingstone village.
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High Wood's Country Park's lake is a peaceful spot in the park to take a break and enjoy Colchester's vibrant countryside.
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Dedham Therapy Farm is a tranquil retreat in the Suffolk countryside, offering therapeutic activities and programs to promote mental health and well-being. Whilst you cannot actually enter the farm without appointment, you can still stroll by and enjoy the animal interactions.
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The best view of the upper part of Alton Water. A wide, fast descent to the bridge from either direction with a short climb out.
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The road is a dead end but the lakeside view is very nice. Worth it if you want somewhere scenic to stop although not always very tranquil in the summer with the watersports centre, neighbouring campsite and playground.
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the welcome cafe had great flapjacks for refuelling
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Completed in 1987, Alton Water is a hive of outdoor activity from watersports, cycling, walking, running, birdwatching and fishing. There is a cafe and toilets at the watersports centre plus camping if you would like to extend your visit.
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Lemons Hill Bridge crosses Alton Water and links the two parts of Tattingstone which were split when the reservoir was created. A great number of buildings were lost. In the north is the village pub, the White Horse, a lovely place to stop, while in the south is an 18th century workhouse and the parish church. If you are running through the village keep an eye out for the red phone box which is home to a collection of audio recordings of people who were impacted by the flooding of the area to make way for Alton Water.
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While Little Bromley itself doesn't have natural lakes, the wider Essex region offers a variety of options. You'll find large man-made reservoirs like Alton Water, country park lakes such as High Woods Country Park Lake, and several dedicated fishing lakes like Oak Lakes Fisheries, Lakeland Fishery, and Bentley Fishery.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Alton Water Visitor Centre & Picnic Area offers a cafe, outdoor picnic space, and access to cross-country tracks with bike hire. High Woods Country Park Lake provides a peaceful setting within Colchester's vibrant countryside, perfect for a relaxing break. You can also observe animals from outside the enclosure at Dedham Therapy Farm Animal Enclosure.
The lakes and surrounding areas offer diverse outdoor activities. Alton Water is known for watersports and has 8 miles of cross-country tracks suitable for cycling. You can find various cycling routes, including those around Alton Water, by exploring the Cycling around Little Bromley guide. For those who prefer walking, there are easy hikes available, such as those detailed in the Easy hikes around Little Bromley guide.
Absolutely. The Essex region is well-regarded for its fishing lakes. Oak Lakes Fisheries, for example, offers 40 acres with three lakes stocked with specimen carp, pike, and even large catfish. Lakeland Fishery provides a peaceful setting with three lakes abundant in British carp, while Bentley Fishery is known for its private carp fishing experience with over 80 handpicked specimen carp.
Alton Water is a good option for accessibility. Lemons Hill Bridge, Alton Water is noted as wheelchair accessible. Oak Lakes Fisheries also provides accessible swims and facilities like unisex toilets and showers, making it convenient for visitors with varying needs.
You can expect to see diverse natural landscapes. Alton Water, as the largest man-made reservoir in Suffolk, offers expansive water views. Many fishing lakes, like Oak Lakes Fisheries and Lakeland Fishery, are set in tranquil, tree-lined environments, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and kingfishers.
Yes, Alton Water Visitor Centre & Picnic Area has a cafe open daily and an outdoor picnic area. Additionally, the village of Tattingstone, near Alton Water, has a pub called the White Horse, which is a lovely place to stop.
Yes, Alton Water is particularly popular for cycling. There are 8 miles of cross-country tracks around the reservoir, and bike hire is available at the visitor centre. You can find more cycling routes in the area by checking the Cycling around Little Bromley guide.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil settings, diverse outdoor activities, and the natural beauty of the area. The komoot community has shared over 50 upvotes and 6 photos, highlighting the peaceful spots, vibrant countryside, and the opportunities for cycling and enjoying watersports at places like Alton Water.
Near Alton Water, Lemons Hill Bridge links two parts of Tattingstone village, which were split when the reservoir was created. The area has historical significance, with an 18th-century workhouse and parish church in the south, and a pub in the north. You can even find a red phone box housing audio recordings of people impacted by the reservoir's creation.
While specific dog policies vary by location, many country parks and outdoor areas in Essex are dog-friendly. It's always best to check the specific rules for each fishery or park you plan to visit, as some may require dogs to be on a lead or restrict access in certain areas.


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