Top 10 Lakes around Copythorne

Visitors frequently enjoy Round Pond, Lodge Heath, which is a great base for exploring the New Forest National Park with access to walking and cycle tracks. Another popular spot is Southampton Common, a large historic public park with lakes and open greens, teeming with wildlife. Eyeworth Pond, a peaceful man-made pond with nearby woodlands and Roman remains, is also a favorite.

Yes, the area is rich in nature reserves. Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, located near Southampton, features tranquil lakes and trails, abundant with diverse birdlife like sand martins, kingfishers, and great crested grebes. Further afield, Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve near Ringwood is a significant birdwatching haven with hides and accessible trails, attracting thousands of birds year-round.

For fishing enthusiasts, Orchard Lakes in New Milton is a premier destination with six lakes stocked with 12 different species, including large carp, bream, and tench, catering to all skill levels. Hucklesbrook Lake in Fordingbridge is primarily known for carp fishing and is controlled by the Christchurch Angling Club. Additionally, Lin Brook Carp Fishery near Ringwood offers specimen carp fishing in a well-maintained environment with good facilities.

Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. Eyeworth Pond is a peaceful spot for picnics and walks through woodlands. Southampton Common offers large open greens and ornamental lakes, perfect for family outings and observing wildlife. Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve also provides peaceful walks and educational opportunities about water wildlife.

Eyeworth Pond was created in the late 19th century to power a gunpowder mill, and nearby woodlands contain Roman remains. Southampton Common is a large historic public park, originally medieval grazing land, which became a formal public space in the 19th century and features notable sites like the Old Cemetery and the Cenotaph war memorial.

Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve offers 8km of surfaced trails, some of which are accessible, and mobility scooters are available for hire. East (Andrews) Park Alpine Garden & Pond features paved paths, making it suitable for wheelchair users.

Beyond visiting the lakes themselves, the New Forest area offers a wide array of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the St. Mary’s Church, Copthorne loop, or the Splitwind Pond loop. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the Lyndhurst High Street loop. Additionally, there are easy hikes available, including the Copythorne & Cadnam Common walk. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Copythorne, Road Cycling Routes around Copythorne, and Easy hikes around Copythorne guide pages.

Yes, many locations offer serene environments perfect for relaxation and picnics. Eyeworth Pond is a peaceful spot ideal for a picnic. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve provides spectacular views across Ibsley Water. Round Pond, Lodge Heath, situated on a picturesque woodland road, also offers pleasant surroundings.

Visitors appreciate the diverse aquatic environments, from nature reserves to fishing lakes and historic ponds. The area is valued for its opportunities for birdwatching, angling, and peaceful walks. The komoot community has shown its appreciation with 48 upvotes and 25 photos, highlighting the natural beauty and tranquility of these spots.

Eyeworth Pond is more like a lake and is a nice spot for a picnic. There are a small number of parking places if you wish to hike from there. It's a peaceful place off the main tourist trail, offering walks through woodlands with Roman remains. Remember to keep an eye out for the old black post box near the entrance to Fritham car park.

Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve is teeming with diverse wildlife and birdlife. You can spot sand martins, great crested grebes, kingfishers, snipe, great white egrets, little egrets, and grey herons. During spring, lapwings and oystercatchers roost on the lakes, and in summer, you might see clouds of brightly-coloured dragonflies and damselflies.

Orchard Lakes, a fishing destination, has an onsite cafe overlooking Match Lake. East (Andrews) Park Alpine Garden & Pond also features a cafe. For other locations, it's advisable to check local village amenities or bring your own refreshments for picnics.