Top 11 Lakes around Burgess Hill
Best lakes around Burgess Hill include a variety of water bodies, from reservoirs and historic garden lakes to nature reserve ponds and dedicated fishing complexes. The area features diverse natural landscapes, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. These water features contribute to the region's natural beauty and offer recreational spaces for visitors.
Best lakes around Burgess Hill
- The most popular lakes is Ardingly Reservoir, a lake that is also a Local Nature Reserve. Built in the 1970s, it serves as a wildlife haven and offers watersports activities.
- Another must-see spot is Dew Pond with Lone Tree, a man-made pond. This picturesque dew pond is typically found high on hills, offering views and a water source for livestock.
- Visitors also love Jill's Pond, a viewpoint and another example of a dew pond. This spot provides views of Lewes and is an artificially made body of water for livestock.
- Burgess Hill is known for reservoirs, nature reserve ponds, and dedicated fishing lakes. The area offers a variety of water bodies to see and explore, including those within country parks and historic gardens.
- The lakes around Burgess Hill are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 290 upvotes and 50 photos shared.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Ardingly Reservoir
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Dew Pond with Lone Tree
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Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes
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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: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden.
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Jill's Pond
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Dew ponds are artificially made bodies of water, typically at the top of hills that are well-draining, to make sure that there is water availability for livestock.
Interesting little spot with great views of Lewes.
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Slaugham Mill Pond
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Tips from the Community
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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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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Before it was possible to channel a water supply to farmland, dew ponds were dug as a way to collect rain water for the animals. Sometimes known as mist ponds or cloud ponds, they are usually high up on hills so are often accompanied by beautiful views.
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Also a Local Nature Reserve, Ardingly Reservoir was built in the 1970s. It is a wildlife haven with Ospreys even seen here. There are two bird hides on this eastern shore while the south eastern end is a hive of watersports activity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at lakes near Burgess Hill?
The lakes and nature reserves around Burgess Hill are rich in biodiversity. At Ardingly Reservoir, a Local Nature Reserve, you might spot Ospreys and various bird species from its hides. Ditchling Common Country Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for rare butterflies, moths, and stunning bluebell displays in spring. Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve is home to the protected Hazel Dormouse, diverse bird species, and abundant wildflowers.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes near Burgess Hill?
Yes, several lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. Ditchling Common Country Park features well-maintained walking and hiking trails. Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve has easy circular trails suitable for families. The walk around Ardingly Reservoir is also very popular. For more options, you can explore various routes in the Easy hikes around Burgess Hill guide.
Which lakes are suitable for families near Burgess Hill?
Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve offers easy circular trails and a fenced Dipping Pond, making it great for children's groups. Ditchling Common Country Park has picnic areas and trails for various fitness levels. Ardingly Reservoir is also considered family-friendly, and Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, though a short drive away, features a new play park alongside its magnificent gardens.
Can I go fishing at lakes near Burgess Hill?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the area. Wintons Fishery in Burgess Hill is a dedicated complex with three lakes (Mallard, Kingfisher, and Heron) well-stocked with specimen carp, catfish, and tench. Stevens Pond, also in Burgess Hill, is a smaller, picturesque fishing pond with carp, perch, roach, and rudd, though access requires a key and is limited to a certain number of anglers.
Are there any lakes with historical significance near Burgess Hill?
Yes, Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes are part of a historic Grade I listed garden, designed by 'Capability' Brown in the 18th century. Slaugham Mill Pond was formed in medieval times to power the local iron industry. Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens also boasts spectacular, historic Grade I listed gardens with a series of lakes.
What are 'dew ponds' and where can I find them?
Dew ponds are artificially made bodies of water, typically found high on hills, designed to collect rainwater for livestock. They are sometimes known as mist or cloud ponds. You can find picturesque examples like Dew Pond with Lone Tree and Jill's Pond, both offering beautiful views.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, Ardingly Reservoir is a hub for watersports activities. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous options, including road cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Burgess Hill guide and gravel biking trails in the Gravel biking around Burgess Hill guide.
Are the lakes near Burgess Hill dog-friendly?
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially for walks. For instance, the walk around Ardingly Reservoir is popular with dog walkers. Dew Pond with Lone Tree is also noted as dog-friendly, with dogs enjoying a dip in the water. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves or private gardens.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Burgess Hill?
Spring is particularly beautiful, especially at Ditchling Common Country Park for its bluebell displays and at Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes for daffodils, blue-flowered blooms, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Summer offers pleasant weather for walks and watersports. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, especially in wooded areas surrounding the lakes. Winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, though some amenities might have reduced hours.
Where can I find parking for these lake areas?
Parking is generally available at the larger sites. Ardingly Reservoir has a car park that makes access easy. Ditchling Common Country Park and Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve also have designated parking areas. For Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, there is visitor parking available on site. It's always advisable to check specific location websites for current parking information and potential fees.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the lakes for refreshments?
While specific cafes directly adjacent to every lake are not always available, many of the larger attractions and nearby towns offer refreshment options. Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens has amenities including a plant centre and potentially dining options. Burgess Hill itself and surrounding villages will have pubs and cafes within a short drive of most lake locations.
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