Best lakes around Seaford, East Sussex, are situated in a region known for its coastal scenery and proximity to the South Downs National Park. This area features a mix of natural and man-made aquatic environments, providing diverse opportunities for outdoor activities. The landscape includes rolling farmland, chalk cliffs, and woodlands, contributing to varied natural settings. These locations offer tranquil escapes and points of interest for visitors exploring the region.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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Popular around Seaford
Next to the Trig Point is this dew pond with a stunning view. A dew pond is a manmade pool built to provide a water supply for animals where there isn't a natural source. Also called Cloud Ponds or Mist Ponds, they are often at the top of hills and date from the 18th and 19th century.
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Decent cafe for a coffee or refuel - tempting whaff of bacon butties...
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Set amongst 120 acres (49 ha) of green landscape, Arlington Reservoir is a designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest which is home to many different animal species. The best place to watch the wildlife is from the Osprey bird hide on the northwest bank. Look out for cormorants, swallows, mallards, coots, Canada geese, and black swans. Popular with birdwatchers and fishermen, the reservoir also serves water to around 2.1 million people in East Sussex.
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A scenic river valley country park set in rolling farmland alongside grass topped white chalk cliffs in the South Downs National Park. It’s most famous for the iconic Seven Sisters (Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Brow, Flat Brow, Bailey’s Hill and Went Hill) and for the ox-bow lake on the River Ouse, which could have come out of a geography school book!
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The village of Arlington boasts a charming medieval church, a race track and a reservoir. However, it is the walks in the nearby Wilmington Woods that will enchant walkers the most. This is particularly true in the warmer months, when bluebells magically transform the woodland trails.
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A scenic medieval lake at the side of the Abbot’s Wood Abbot’s Amble Trail, with a few picnic benches.
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The Seaford area features a variety of aquatic environments, including reservoirs like Arlington Reservoir, oxbow lakes such as Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse, and historical dew ponds like the Dew Pond With View of Eastbourne. These offer diverse settings for outdoor activities.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Arlington Reservoir, Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse, and Abbots Wood Lake are all categorized as family-friendly, offering pleasant environments for outings.
Arlington Reservoir is a designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. The Osprey bird hide on the northwest bank is particularly recommended for observing various species like cormorants, swallows, and black swans.
The lakes are set within a landscape of rolling farmland, chalk cliffs, and woodlands. For example, Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse is nestled in a scenic river valley country park alongside grass-topped white chalk cliffs in the South Downs National Park. Arlington Reservoir is surrounded by 120 acres of green landscape.
Yes, the lakes around Seaford offer opportunities for easy lake walks. For instance, Abbots Wood Lake is located alongside the Abbot’s Wood Abbot’s Amble Trail, which includes picnic benches. The general area is well-suited for exploring on foot.
Beyond walking, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find options for gravel biking, cycling, and mountain biking. For example, there are routes like the 'Friston Forest at Exceat – Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse loop' for cycling, and 'Firle Beacon Friston Forest MTB trails loop' for mountain biking. You can explore more routes in the Gravel biking around Seaford, Cycling around Seaford, and MTB Trails around Seaford guides.
A dew pond is a man-made pool, often found at the top of hills, built to provide a water supply for animals where natural sources are scarce. They typically date from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can visit the Dew Pond With View of Eastbourne, which also offers stunning views.
While Arlington Reservoir is popular for walking and birdwatching, visitor tips suggest that cycling directly around the reservoir may not be permitted. It's best to check local signage for current regulations.
The Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse is a notable geographical formation, often described as something out of a geography textbook. It's part of a scenic river valley country park, set against grass-topped white chalk cliffs within the South Downs National Park.
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural or historical in their function (like dew ponds), the nearby village of Arlington, close to Arlington Reservoir, boasts a charming medieval church. The dew ponds themselves, such as the Dew Pond With View of Eastbourne, are also historical features dating back centuries.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil escapes and diverse natural settings. Many enjoy the opportunities for birdwatching at places like Arlington Reservoir, the scenic views from spots like the Dew Pond With View of Eastbourne, and the pleasant walks offered by locations such as Abbots Wood Lake. The komoot community has shared numerous photos and upvoted these locations, highlighting their appeal.


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