The Best lakes around Long Man are situated in a region characterized by its diverse natural landscapes, including the South Downs National Park. This area features a mix of chalk cliffs, river valleys, and designated nature reserves. Visitors can explore various water bodies, from man-made reservoirs to natural oxbow lakes and winding waterways. The Long Man area offers opportunities to observe local wildlife and experience tranquil natural settings.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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Decent cafe for a coffee or refuel - tempting whaff of bacon butties...
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Flat quiet road linking Rickney with Herstmonceux along the scenic Pevensey Levels
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The route is mainly flat and low. A lovely, winding route across the Levels that doesn't see much traffic due to its narrowness.
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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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Hailsham's Common Pond is a beloved part of the town and underwent significant rejuvenation in the 1990s. Home to ducks, geese and swans, the pond is a lovely place to pause for a picnic or a snack stop and watch the world go by. The Cuckoo Trail, stretching north/south from Heathfield to Polegate, passes immediately by the pond.
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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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Visitors frequently enjoy Arlington Reservoir, a 120-acre man-made reservoir known for birdwatching and its status as a Local Nature Reserve. Another favorite is the Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse, a natural geological feature within a scenic river valley country park. The Winding Road Through Pevensey Levels SSSI, with its unique canals and ponds, also offers a serene experience.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Arlington Reservoir and the Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse are both listed as family-friendly. Additionally, Wilmington Woods Bluebell Walk offers a lovely woodland experience, particularly enchanting in warmer months when bluebells are in bloom, and is also suitable for families.
The lakes and water features in the Long Man area are rich in wildlife. At Arlington Reservoir, a designated Local Nature Reserve, you can spot various bird species like cormorants, swallows, mallards, coots, Canadian geese, and even black swans. The Pevensey Levels SSSI is also recognized for its unique natural features and diverse wildlife.
Absolutely. Arlington Reservoir is a prime location for birdwatching, featuring an Osprey bird hide on its northwest bank. It's home to many species, including cormorants, swallows, mallards, coots, Canadian geese, and black swans.
The Long Man area features a diverse range of natural water bodies. You'll find large man-made reservoirs like Arlington Reservoir, natural oxbow lakes such as the Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse, and unique landscapes with canals and ponds formed from historical drainage, like those found along the Winding Road Through Pevensey Levels SSSI. The region is characterized by its chalk cliffs and river valleys within the South Downs National Park.
The area around Long Man's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes on trails like the 'Long Man of Wilmington – High Street, Alfriston loop' or the 'Wilmington Yew – Long Man of Wilmington loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like 'Firle and Charleston loop' and 'St Andrew's Church, Alfriston – Alfriston Village loop'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes such as 'South Downs Way Crossroads – View Towards Jevington loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the respective guides: Easy hikes around Long Man, Cycling around Long Man, and Gravel biking around Long Man.
Yes, there are several walking opportunities. You can explore the trails around Arlington Reservoir, though be aware that cycling might not be permitted in all areas. The Wilmington Woods Bluebell Walk offers enchanting woodland trails, especially beautiful when bluebells are out. For a flat and serene experience, consider the Winding Road Through Pevensey Levels SSSI.
The Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse is notable for being a natural oxbow lake, a classic geographical feature. It's situated within a scenic river valley country park, set against rolling farmland and the iconic white chalk cliffs of the South Downs National Park, offering stunning views.
Yes, the Winding Road Through Pevensey Levels SSSI is described as a flat and serene area with canals and ponds, where you'll hardly see cars but might encounter drones and tandem bikes. It's considered a bit of a local secret, offering a tranquil experience away from crowds.
While specific seasonal advice for all lakes isn't provided, the Wilmington Woods Bluebell Walk is particularly enchanting in the warmer months when the bluebells transform the woodland trails. Generally, the South Downs National Park area is enjoyable during milder weather for outdoor activities.
Yes, Common Pond, Hailsham is a beloved part of the town, perfect for a picnic or a snack stop. It's home to ducks, geese, and swans, offering a lovely spot to watch the world go by. The Cuckoo Trail also passes directly by the pond.


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