Top 4 Lakes around Leaden Roding
Lakes around Leaden Roding, a village in Essex, England, offer diverse natural experiences. While the village itself is part of The Rodings group, the surrounding area features several notable bodies of water. Visitors can explore ancient forest lakes and dedicated fishing lakes. The landscape provides opportunities for tranquil walks and observing local wildlife.
Best lakes around Leaden Roding
- The most popular lakes is Hatfield Forest Lake, a lake located within an ancient royal hunting forest. This area is considered one of the best-preserved medieval forests globally, featuring ancient trees and diverse birdlife.
- Another must-see spot is Lakes Near Little Easton Church, family-friendly lakes. These ponds were once part of the formal gardens of Little Easton Manor and are currently used as fishing lakes.
- Visitors also love Pleshey Village, a settlement featuring a village pond. This quaint village is centered around its pond, offering a pleasant spot for a break.
- Leaden Roding is known for forest lakes and fishing lakes. The area offers a variety of experiences, from exploring ancient woodlands to tranquil fishing spots.
- The lakes around Leaden Roding are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 photos and over 25 upvotes.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Hatfield Forest Lake
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The forest boasts ancient trees, over 3,500 species of fungi, rare insects and a diverse array of birdlife. There's also a beautiful lake, café and river that meanders through.
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Lakes Near Little Easton Church
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Pleshey Village
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Beggar's Hall Fishing Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
The lake holds a poignant history as the site of the tragic Korean Air Cargo Flight crash in 1999, a sombre reminder amidst its serene surroundings.
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Hatfield Forest Lake
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Tips from the Community
These ponds were part of the formal gardens of Little Easton Manor. They are still part of the estate, currently used as fishing lakes. The pond at the road is called Horse Pond with the larger pond to the north called Great Pond.
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Need to pay for car entrance at the National Trust forest. Check opening times as they can stop letting cars in after a certain time.
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Bought a coffee from the National Trust cafe and sat near to the lake in Hatfield Forrest.
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This scenic fishing lake sits on the western edge of Hatfield Forest. You can enjoy the tranquil countryside setting from a bench while watching fishermen reel in their dinner. The lake holds a poignant history as the site of the tragic Korean Air Cargo Flight crash in 1999, a sombre reminder amidst its serene surroundings.
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Hatfield Forest is an ancient royal hunting forest, and considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval forests in the world. In the past, deer were kept in the forest for hunting. Today you'll find deer aplenty still, though no longer pursued for the same reason. The forest boasts ancient trees, over 3,500 species of fungi, rare insects and a diverse array of birdlife. There's also a beautiful lake, café and river that meanders through.
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Pretty Essex village centred around the village pond. A lovely spot to stop for a breather or refreshment.
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Quaint village, site of a former royal castle, now just the earthworks left (sadly mostly obscured from view and on private property).
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Hatfield Forest is a 403.2 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Essex, three miles east of Bishop's Stortford. It is also a National Nature Reserve and a Nature Conservation Review site. It is owned and managed by the National Trust. A medieval warren in the forest is a Scheduled Monument. Hatfield is the only remaining intact Royal Hunting Forest and dates from the time of the Norman kings. Other parts of the once extensive Forest of Essex include Epping Forest to the southwest, Hainault Forest to the south and Writtle Forest to the east. Hatfield Forest was established as a Royal hunting forest in the late eleventh century, following the introduction of fallow deer and Forest Laws were imposed on areas by the king. Deer hunting and chasing was a popular sport for Norman kings and lords and the word ‘forest’ strictly means place of deer rather than of trees. In the case of Hatfield the area under Forest Law consisted of woodlands with plains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of lakes found around Leaden Roding?
The area around Leaden Roding features a mix of ancient forest lakes and dedicated fishing lakes. You can explore natural settings like Hatfield Forest Lake, or visit various commercial fisheries for angling.
Are there any historically significant lakes or areas to visit?
Yes, Hatfield Forest Lake is located within Hatfield Forest, an ancient royal hunting forest considered one of the best-preserved medieval forests globally. It has a rich history dating back to Norman times, with a medieval warren that is a Scheduled Monument.
Which lakes are suitable for families with children?
Several lakes are family-friendly. Lakes Near Little Easton Church, once part of formal gardens, are now fishing lakes suitable for a family outing. Hatfield Forest Lake also offers extensive space for families to explore, with a café on-site. Redbridge Lakes, though a bit further afield, is known as a family-friendly fishing venue with good facilities.
Where can I go fishing near Leaden Roding?
There are several excellent fishing venues. Beggar's Hall Fishing Lake is a scenic spot on the western edge of Hatfield Forest. Other popular options include Marks Hall Fishery in White Roding, known for carp and catfish, and Langford Bridge Fishery near Chipping Ongar, which offers both lake and river fishing opportunities.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
Around Hatfield Forest Lake, you can spot deer, over 3,500 species of fungi, rare insects, and a diverse array of birdlife. The general area's lakes and surrounding woodlands support various local species, making them great for nature observation.
Are there walking or cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, you can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For example, explore routes like the 'Flitch Way road crossing' or 'Pleshey Rolling Hills' which are part of the wider network. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Leaden Roding, MTB Trails around Leaden Roding, and Road Cycling Routes around Leaden Roding guides.
Is there parking available at the main lake attractions?
For Hatfield Forest Lake, parking is available, though it is managed by the National Trust and may require a fee for car entrance. It's advisable to check their opening times as they can stop letting cars in after a certain time. Specific fishing lakes like Marks Hall Fishery and Redbridge Lakes also typically provide dedicated parking for visitors.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Leaden Roding?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for walks and outdoor activities. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, especially in areas like Hatfield Forest. Winter can be tranquil for crisp walks, though facilities might have reduced hours. Fishing seasons vary by venue, so check with individual fisheries.
Are there any cafes or refreshment options near the lakes?
Yes, Hatfield Forest Lake has an on-site café. Redbridge Lakes, a family-friendly fishing venue, also features a café. Additionally, the quaint Pleshey Village, centered around its village pond, offers a pleasant spot for a break and refreshments.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Leaden Roding?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural experiences, from exploring ancient woodlands at Hatfield Forest Lake to the tranquil fishing spots. The area is valued for its opportunities for peaceful walks, observing local wildlife, and its historical significance.
Are the lakes and surrounding areas accessible for people with limited mobility or pushchairs?
While specific accessibility details for each lake vary, Hatfield Forest, managed by the National Trust, generally aims to provide accessible routes, though some paths within the ancient forest may be uneven. Family-friendly fishing venues like Redbridge Lakes often have facilities designed for easier access. It's always best to check with individual sites for their specific accessibility provisions.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
Many outdoor areas in the UK, including parts of Hatfield Forest, are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be kept on leads to protect wildlife. For specific fishing lakes, policies on dogs can vary, so it's recommended to check with the individual fishery beforehand.
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