Top 8 Lakes around Arundel
Best lakes around Arundel are located in West Sussex, England, a historic market town known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The region features a variety of lakes, including picturesque bodies of water overlooked by Arundel Castle and historic hammer ponds within the South Downs National Park. These aquatic environments provide habitats for diverse wildlife and offer settings for walks and nature observation.
Best lakes around Arundel
- The most popular lakes is Swanbourne Lake, a lake in a picturesque setting. It is overlooked by Arundel Castle and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and boat hire.
- Another must-see spot is Burton Mill Pond and Mill, an atmospheric hammer pond and holding pond. This site is part of a Local Nature Reserve, important for its wetland habitats and diverse wildlife.
- Visitors also love East Dean Village Green and Pond, a lake within a quaint settlement. This pond is a feature of a village steeped in history, nestled in the scenic Upper Lavant Valley.
- Arundel is known for natural lakes, historic hammer ponds, and man-made fishing ponds. These offer a variety of experiences, from tranquil walks to wildlife observation.
- The lakes around Arundel are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and over 30 photos shared.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
Burton Mill Pond and Mill
Highlight • Historical Site
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Swanbourne Lake
Highlight • Forest
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East Dean Village Green and Pond
Highlight • Lake
This quaint settlement, steeped in history with traces of Celtic fields and Roman artifacts, has a timeless charm. It features a pond on the village green and a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter.
Surprisingly, despite its small size, East Dean proudly hosts a football team, a local institution founded over 130 years ago, competing in the West Sussex league.
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Patching Pond
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It was stocked with carp in the 1960s by Donald Leney, and a number of these original fish are still present.
It is a well-known fishing spot with a mix of carp, including the historic Leney fish and more recent additions.
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Burton and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
24 separate species of dragonfly can be found here, including the rare hairy dragonfly. Bats, wildfowl and water lilies are also present.
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Tips from the Community
It is currently fenced off with goats grazing around it. The goats for sure are curious of visitors.
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A historic, man-made lake in West Sussex, mentioned in the Domesday Book. It was stocked with carp in the 1960s by Donald Leney, and a number of these original fish are still present. It is a well-known fishing spot with a mix of carp, including the historic Leney fish and more recent additions.
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12% climb out of East Dean with the reward of a great descent down to Goodwood
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Burton Mill Pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Originating in the late 16th century to fuel a forge, the pond has a historical past. By the late 18th century, it played a vital role as part of a water mill for grinding corn, with the imposing structure by the road now standing as the remnants of the old mill. It's part of a fabulous landscape as you cycle along the road bordering its northeastern shore.
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Nestled on the outskirts of Chichester, between the villages of Singleton and Upwaltham, the pretty village of East Dean lies in the scenic Upper Lavant Valley of the South Downs. This quaint settlement, steeped in history with traces of Celtic fields and Roman artifacts, has a timeless charm. It features a pond on the village green and a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter. Surprisingly, despite its small size, East Dean proudly hosts a football team, a local institution founded over 130 years ago, competing in the West Sussex league.
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A beautiful lake in a tranquil setting with benches and a gorgeous lodge tea room on site. Such a nice place to visit and to take some time out at.
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The current mill building dates from around 1780, although mills and forges have been exploiting the Downs spring water for at least 800 years. The mill's historic water-powered milling machine has been restored to working condition. Burton Mill is open to visitors on the Sunday of the National Mills Weekend in May and the National Heritage Weekend in September.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Arundel special for nature lovers?
The lakes around Arundel are rich in diverse habitats and wildlife. For example, Burton and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve is a 'melting pot of habitats' including bogs, woodlands, and heath, home to 24 species of dragonfly, bats, and wildfowl. Swanbourne Lake also boasts a variety of waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife in its clear waters.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Arundel?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Swanbourne Lake is particularly popular with young families due to its easy circular walk, opportunities to feed ducks and swans, and rowing boat hire available between March and October. East Dean Village Green and Pond also provides a pleasant setting within a quaint village.
Which lakes have historical significance in the Arundel area?
Many lakes in the Arundel area have a rich history. Burton Mill Pond, for instance, is an atmospheric hammer pond created in the late 16th century to power a forge and later a corn mill. The current mill building dates from around 1780. Patching Pond is also historic, even mentioned in the Domesday Book.
What kind of walking trails can I find around the lakes?
You'll find a variety of walking trails. Swanbourne Lake offers an easy circular route of just over a mile, suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with pushchairs. Public footpaths also extend into the 1,200 acres of open downland in Arundel Park for longer walks. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes in the area, including easy hikes like the Swanbourne Lake loop via Arundel Cathedral.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes near Arundel?
Yes, fishing is an option. Patching Pond is a well-known spot for anglers, particularly interested in its carp populations, including historic 'Leney fish' stocked in the 1960s.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Arundel?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but for activities like rowing boat hire at Swanbourne Lake, the season runs from March to October. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and active wildlife, while autumn provides stunning foliage. The area's natural beauty can be enjoyed in any season.
Are there any cycling routes that pass by the lakes?
Yes, there are cycling routes that incorporate the lakes. For example, the Burton Mill Pond and Mill – West Sussex Lanes loop from Upwaltham is a moderate gravel biking route that passes by Burton Mill Pond. You can find more cycling options in the Gravel biking around Arundel guide.
Where can I find refreshments or food near the lakes?
Near Swanbourne Lake, you'll find Swanbourne Lodge Tearooms, which offers a range of food and drink. In the village of East Dean, near East Dean Village Green and Pond, there is a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter.
Are there opportunities for birdwatching around Arundel's lakes?
Absolutely. The lakes are excellent for birdwatching. Swanbourne Lake is home to a variety of waterfowl. The Burton and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve is nationally important for its birdlife and diverse ecosystems, making it a prime spot for observing wildfowl and other species.
Is there parking available for visitors to the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, Swanbourne Lake has some free parking nearby, making it convenient for visitors to access the lake and its walking trails.
What unique features does Burton Mill Pond offer?
Burton Mill Pond is an atmospheric hammer pond and holding pond with a rich history, part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve. It's known for its diverse wetland habitats, rare plants, birdlife, and invertebrate populations. The historic water-powered milling machine at Burton Mill has also been restored to working condition.
Can I see Arundel Castle from any of the lakes?
Yes, Swanbourne Lake offers picturesque views, as it is overlooked by Arundel Castle. This provides a stunning backdrop to the lake's natural beauty and activities.
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