Best lakes around Wivelsfield are found in this East Sussex village, which is home to various water bodies. More House Farm Fishery features multiple lakes primarily for angling, including Kingfisher Lake and Oaks Lake. The area also offers reservoirs and historical dew ponds, providing diverse natural settings. These locations cater to different interests, from fishing to walking and wildlife observation.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
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A very beautiful park with many old trees and beautiful plantings. The lakes form the center of the park. Old redwoods and sequoias are found here.
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The perimeter path around the reservoir is very muddy in places currently due to the amount of rain. Welly boots needed in some places.
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Four lakes form the heart of the garden and at the end of the line of sight the Gothic castle rises on a hill. While you can explore all the paths in the garden and the adjacent parkland, the house is privately owned and cannot be visited. The design of the park and the expansion of the house were initiated by John Holroyd at the end of the 19th century. He and his wife spent a fortune to design the property according to their ideas. The park and garden were further designed according to the original plans by subsequent owners. Finally, the National Trust acquired the site and now looks after it. The current opening times and further information can be found here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden.
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An extremely peaceful spot, with a nice woodland walk as you walk towards the pond
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It's always pleasant to come across a pond or lake along the route. On the shores of Sheffield Mill Pond, you can take a brief pause to enjoy the surrounding nature and rest for a while.
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The tranquil Ardingly reservoir can be found 3 miles north of Haywards Heath. It is home to a number of bird species which can be identified with panels situated within bird hides around the reservoir. Walk the Kingfisher Nature Trail around the eastern shores and for the more adventurous, the Ardingly Activity Centre provides sailing, canoeing and windsurfing opportunities. Unfortunately most if not all access to the waterside is restricted to anglers.
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This is a wonderful little rest stop if your hiking or a quick breather stop if your out running. This isolated pond is a veritable haven for the local wildlife and domestic animals. It is also a great photo stop too.
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Visitors often enjoy Ardingly Reservoir, known as a Local Nature Reserve with wildlife and watersports. Another popular spot is Dew Pond with Lone Tree, offering picturesque views. Sheffield Mill Pond is also appreciated for its peaceful natural setting.
Yes, there are several walking routes. For instance, the walk around Ardingly Reservoir is very popular. You can find various hiking trails in the area, including easy routes like the 'Boggy Section – Fairy Wood loop' or 'Fairy Wood – Bluebell Wood and Pond loop'. Explore more options on the Hiking around Wivelsfield guide.
Absolutely. Wivelsfield is home to More House Farm Fishery, a popular day-ticket fishery with multiple lakes primarily geared towards angling. Lakes like Kingfisher Lake, Canal Lake, Sidewinder Lake, Oaks Lake, and Dogwood Lake offer opportunities for both match and specimen carp fishing. You can also find Horsted Keynes Fishponds, which are part of an angling club.
The area offers diverse natural settings. At Ardingly Reservoir, you can observe a wildlife haven, including Ospreys, from bird hides. Historical dew ponds, like the Dew Pond with Lone Tree, are often located on hills, providing beautiful views. Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes feature picturesque reflections of trees, shrubs, and waterfalls.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Ardingly Reservoir is considered family-friendly, and its car park makes access easy. The Dew Pond with Lone Tree and Sheffield Mill Pond also offer pleasant, family-friendly spots to enjoy nature. Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes are part of a larger garden that families can explore.
Dew ponds are man-made features historically dug to collect rainwater for animals, often found high on hills. You can visit the picturesque Dew Pond with Lone Tree near Wivelsfield, which offers accompanying beautiful views. Dogs are also known to enjoy dipping into the water here.
Many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For example, the walk around Ardingly Reservoir is popular with dog walkers. The Dew Pond with Lone Tree is also noted as dog-friendly, with dogs enjoying the water.
The south-eastern end of Ardingly Reservoir is a hub for watersports activities. While specific sports aren't detailed here, it's known to be an active spot for various water-based recreation.
Yes, Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes are part of a historic landscaped garden designed by 'Capability' Brown. The site features four lakes, beautiful plantings, and a Gothic castle in the distance. The National Trust now manages the site. Additionally, dew ponds, like the Dew Pond with Lone Tree, are historical man-made features.
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy cycling and gravel biking. There are various cycling routes, from easy to difficult, such as the 'Dirt path near Burgess Hill – Rik's Bikes loop'. For gravel biking, options include the 'Ditchling Beacon Climb – Firle Beacon summit loop'. You can find more details on the Cycling around Wivelsfield guide and the Gravel biking around Wivelsfield guide.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and early summer at places like Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes offer magical displays of daffodils, bluebells, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Summer is great for berry picking around Ardingly Reservoir, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter walks can also be peaceful, though specific seasonal tips for all lakes are limited.
While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to each lake are not detailed, the village of Wivelsfield and nearby areas like Wivelsfield Green offer options for cafes, restaurants, pubs, and accommodation. It's advisable to check local listings for current establishments.


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