Top 5 Lakes around Collier Street
Best lakes around Collier Street offers access to diverse natural and historical landscapes. The area features extensive forests with dedicated trails, historical estates with landscaped gardens, and significant natural monuments. Visitors can explore a mix of man-made and natural water bodies integrated into these settings. This region provides opportunities for outdoor activities within a historically rich environment.
Best lakes around Collier Street
- The most popular lakes is Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, a forest that features a 10 km…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
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Scotney Castle and Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
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Furnace Pond
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The complex is dominated by the manor house on the hill and the ruin further down in the valley. The ruin was "created" from a functioning house several hundred years old by the owners of the manor house in order to obtain a romantic view. The two buildings are embedded in a beautiful garden. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle
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This garden, which is not so well known internationally, gave us so much joy! Incredible flowers, and that in April. The "new" house can be visited, the old one is just a very picturesque ruin. Entry per adult £17, NT members excluded. Parking was free today, the guidebook said £4 (?) Café extremely friendly and really good cake.
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Managed by Forestry England, the National Pinetum is home to over 12000 specimens of trees and is a great place to visit for anyone interested in conservation. The adjacent forest is full of tracks and trails for cycling, walking, running and a tree top adventure, Go Ape. Take a moment out from your ride and breathe it all in. There is also a visitors centre with toilets and a cafe on site.
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Water from this pond once pond once powered one of the largest iron works in the Weald employing over 200 men. In 1614 its owner, John Brown, was granted the monopoly of making iron and brass guns for the navy.
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A very romantic ruined castle in a lake.
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The old castle ruins are very picturesque in an artificial lake.
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With evergreen conifers and miles of trails, Bedgebury Forest is a great place to take your bike! There are three cycling trails which you can follow to make sure you don't get lost amongst the 12,000 trees. You'll also find a cafe serving locally sourced food which opens from 8.30am. Entrance is free, although car parking is £13 (all the more reason to come by bike!). You can rent bikes on-site. For more information, visit: https://www.forestryengland.uk/bedgebury
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This is also full of adventure playgrounds on the family trail so you can stop with kids and let them play along the route
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore around Collier Street?
The area around Collier Street offers a diverse range of lakes, from those integrated into extensive forests like Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, to historical estates featuring moated manor houses such as Scotney Castle and Gardens, and natural ponds with significant industrial heritage like Furnace Pond.
Are there family-friendly lakes with activities for children?
Yes, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is highly recommended for families, featuring a 10 km paved family trail and adventure playgrounds along the route. Scotney Castle and Gardens and Furnace Pond are also listed as family-friendly, offering historical exploration and natural beauty.
What historical sites are associated with the lakes in this region?
You can visit Scotney Castle and Gardens, which features a medieval moated manor house on an island within a small lake, alongside the ruins of Scotney Old Castle. Additionally, Furnace Pond is a natural monument that once powered one of the largest iron works in the Weald, employing over 200 men in the 17th century.
Can I go cycling around the lakes near Collier Street?
Absolutely! Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is an excellent spot for cycling, offering a 10 km paved family trail and three dedicated cycling trails. You can even rent bikes on-site. For more extensive road cycling, explore routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Collier Street guide.
Are there hiking or running trails near these lakes?
Yes, the area provides numerous options for hiking and running. You can find various trails in the Hiking around Collier Street guide and the Running Trails around Collier Street guide. These guides offer routes of varying distances and difficulties, allowing you to explore the natural beauty surrounding the lakes.
What facilities are available at the lakes?
At Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, you'll find a cafe serving locally sourced food, bike rentals, and adventure playgrounds. Scotney Castle and Gardens also has a cafe and facilities for visitors. Parking is generally available at these locations, though charges may apply.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Collier Street?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The extensive forests and diverse tree collections at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest are highly rated, as are the picturesque gardens and medieval castle at Scotney Castle and Gardens. The unique industrial history of Furnace Pond also draws interest.
Is there an entrance fee for any of the lake attractions?
Entry to Scotney Castle and Gardens costs approximately £17 per adult, though National Trust members are exempt. Parking at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is £13, but entrance to the forest itself is free.
Are there any hidden gem lakes or less-known spots?
Furnace Pond, while a natural monument, might be considered a hidden gem for those interested in local industrial history. It offers a glimpse into the region's past as a significant ironworks site.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Collier Street?
The gardens at Scotney Castle and Gardens are particularly spectacular in spring with rhododendrons, azaleas, and wisteria, and in autumn for their vibrant colors. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, with its evergreen conifers, offers beautiful scenery year-round, making it suitable for visits in any season.
Most popular attractions around Collier Street
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