Best lakes around Harewood offer diverse natural and man-made water features, contributing to the region's varied landscape. The area encompasses significant reservoirs and natural ponds, providing habitats for local wildlife and opportunities for outdoor activities. Harewood is characterized by its blend of historic estates and accessible natural reserves, making its lakes popular destinations for nature observation and walks.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Some parts can get muddy if there’s been a lot of rain, one section by the cafe is very uneven. Mostly flat, beautiful views of the lake. Very popular with dog walkers and runners.
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Waterloo Lake covers 33 acres (13.3 hectres) and is a popular place for rowers, with a relative new rowing club that was first started in 2006. There is a walking trail that takes in a delightfully scenic 5 kilometre (approximately 3.1 miles) loop of the park and both Waterloo Lake and Upper Lake.
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Just need to be respectful of walkers and dogs You are allowed to ride on the Bridleway parts bUt not supposed to around pond
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worth a stop to see the swans and signets
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The track around the reservoir is for pedestrians only, no cycling !!
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For excellent nature observation, visit Paul's Pond, Breary Marsh Nature Reserve, which is considered the finest example of a wet valley alder wood in West Yorkshire. It's a great spot to see waterfowl and potentially kingfishers. The Lake at Harewood House is also a significant wildlife haven, home to otters, kingfishers, egrets, and various birds.
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Waterloo Lake offers a scenic 5-kilometer walking trail that is popular with families and dog walkers. Golden Acre Park features a lovely lake, cultivated flower beds, and facilities, making it a pleasant spot for a family outing. The Lake at Harewood House also provides peaceful walks and a wheelchair-accessible ferry service.
You can enjoy a scenic 5-kilometer walking trail around Waterloo Lake. Eccup Reservoir offers a track around its perimeter that is exclusively for pedestrians and is part of the West Yorkshire Cycle Route. The woodlands around the Lake at Harewood House also provide picturesque walks with towering trees and seasonal flowers.
Spring is vibrant with daffodils, bluebells, and rhododendrons around the Lake at Harewood House, which boasts over 100 varieties. Autumn offers stunning reflections of changing leaves in the tranquil waters. Generally, the lakes are beautiful year-round, but specific seasonal flora makes spring and autumn particularly appealing.
The Lake at Harewood House offers a free, wheelchair-accessible ferry service that provides magnificent views and connects different parts of the estate. While specific accessibility details for all trails vary, the ferry enhances access to the lakeside experience.
The track around Eccup Reservoir is for pedestrians only. However, this track is part of the West Yorkshire Cycle Route, and there are other tracks and bridleways that form a loop around the reservoir suitable for cycling. For more cycling options, explore the cycling routes around Harewood.
At Paul's Pond, Breary Marsh Nature Reserve, you can spot waterfowl and potentially kingfishers. Eccup Reservoir is known for Red Kites. The Lake at Harewood House is a haven for otters, foxes, badgers, kingfishers, egrets, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.
Yes, there are numerous running trails in the Harewood area. You can find various routes, including those around Harewood House and Eccup Reservoir, by checking the running trails around Harewood guide.
Eccup Reservoir is a man-made feature known for its Red Kite sightings and pedestrian-only track. Paul's Pond, Breary Marsh Nature Reserve is notable for being the finest example of a wet valley alder wood in West Yorkshire. The Lake at Harewood House features an extensive collection of over 100 rhododendron varieties and a historic landscape designed by Capability Brown.
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquil beauty and diverse wildlife. Many enjoy the scenic walks, the opportunity to spot rare birds like kingfishers and Red Kites, and the peaceful escape into nature. The well-maintained trails and family-friendly environments also contribute to a positive experience.
While the guide data doesn't specifically mention fishing at the local Harewood lakes, Harwood Lake in New York (a similarly named but distinct location) is known for fishing, stocked annually with brook and brown trout. For the Harewood area in Yorkshire, it's best to check local regulations and specific lake information regarding fishing permits and opportunities.


Still not found your perfect lake around Harewood? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.