Top 7 Lakes around Easton
Best lakes around Easton, Cambridgeshire, offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. This area in the UK features flat fenland topography with significant water bodies, including reservoirs and nature reserves. The region provides settings for outdoor activities, from watersports to wildlife observation. Its natural features include extensive shorelines, woodlands, and varied habitats.
Best lakes around Easton
- The most popular lakes is Grafham Water, a cycle_way that is the 8th largest reservoir in England. It is known for its beautiful…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Grafham Water
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Paxton Pits Nature Reserve
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Kingfishers and …
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Wildlife Lake Bird Hide
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View of Church Hill Bay
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Kingfisher Hide
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Tips from the Community
The cycle path along the top of the dam is wide and flat and gives great views across the reservoir. Reach it from the Visitor Centre at the northern end although access at the southern end is trickier as you have to squeeze through a narrow gap next to a locked gate by the main road.
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Off the main track to the left you take a narrow wooden walkway out to the hide which has great views over Heronry South Lake as well as Heronry North Lake.
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Good cafe usually busy but plenty of space for bikes and a playpark for youngsters. Great crazy golf course due to open May 2023.
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Bird hide overlooking the wildlife lake at Hichingbrooke Country Park. Look out for the likes of Cormorant, heron, tern, teal, wigeon, coot, moorhen, great crested grebe and great crested newt amongst many others. Don't forget your binoculars!
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The path round Grafham Water skirts very close to the shoreline on this side of the lake and affords fantastic views, such as this at Church Hill Bay.
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Grafham Water is a reservoir with a circumference of about 16 km (10 mi). It is the eighth largest reservoir in England by volume and the third largest by area. Just a few short miles from Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, Grafham Water, England's third largest reservoir can be found nestled in 1500 acres of beautiful countryside. Designated as a SSSI the western end features a 280 acre nature reserve and is home to ancient woodlands, reed beds and bird and amphibian species. There are big open spaces to take in the views and facilities include visitor centre and two cafes. Bike hire is also available and there is a trail around the water. It can get muddy at times.
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Grafham Water is a site of Special scientific Interest covering almost 2000 acres. Built in 1965, it is the 8th largest reservoir in England. The lake hosts a water sport centre and cafe. Making it a great place to take a break.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and natural areas around Easton, Cambridgeshire?
The most popular lake is Grafham Water, known for its beautiful reservoir scenes and a 9-mile loop route. Another highly regarded natural area is Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, which features diverse habitats including lakes, riverside, meadow, and woodland.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Easton?
Yes, several spots are family-friendly. Grafham Water offers a scenic route suitable for intermediate cyclists, and its surrounding area includes coffee shops. Paxton Pits Nature Reserve has a visitor centre with refreshments and facilities, and is great for wildlife spotting. The Wildlife Lake Bird Hide at Hichingbrooke Country Park is also a good option for families interested in birdwatching.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes around Easton?
At Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, you might spot kingfishers, nightingales, and overwintering wildfowl. The reserve is also home to wildflowers, dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies in spring and summer. The Wildlife Lake Bird Hide offers views of cormorants, herons, terns, teal, wigeon, coots, moorhens, great crested grebes, and great crested newts.
Are there cycling routes around the lakes near Easton?
Yes, there are numerous cycling opportunities. Grafham Water features a popular 9-mile loop route with mixed surfaces, suitable for intermediate cyclists. For more options, you can explore various road cycling, touring, and gravel biking routes around Easton, such as those found in the Road Cycling Routes around Easton, Cycling around Easton, and Gravel biking around Easton guides.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints of the lakes?
For fantastic views of Grafham Water, visit View of Church Hill Bay, where the path skirts close to the shoreline. Additionally, the Kingfisher Hide provides great views over Heronry South Lake and Heronry North Lake.
What are the trail conditions like at Grafham Water?
The 9-mile loop route around Grafham Water features a mixture of gravel, mud, and road surfaces. There are a few inclines on the northwest side. During hot weather, be aware that swarms of midges can be present in some parts of the track.
Are there facilities like cafes or bike rentals near the lakes?
Yes, near Grafham Water, you'll find Rutland Cycling and two coffee shops. Paxton Pits Nature Reserve also has a visitor centre offering refreshments and facilities.
What makes Paxton Pits Nature Reserve unique?
Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is unique for its myriad habitats, including beautiful lakes, riverside, meadow, reedbed, scrub, and woodland. This diversity supports a rich array of wildlife, making it a vibrant environment for nature observation.
What is the best way to experience Grafham Water by bike?
It is often recommended to cycle the Grafham Water loop anti-clockwise. This approach is naturally faster and helps ensure you don't accidentally miss an important section that is easily overlooked when going clockwise, which could lead to hitting the main road for 1.5 miles.
Are there any specific birdwatching spots around the lakes?
Yes, the Wildlife Lake Bird Hide at Hichingbrooke Country Park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities overlooking the wildlife lake. Another good spot is the Kingfisher Hide, which provides views over Heronry South and North Lakes.
What are some general tips for visiting the lakes around Easton?
When visiting Grafham Water, consider purchasing a parking pass if you plan regular visits, as it offers good value. Don't forget your binoculars for birdwatching at the hides, and be prepared for potential midges during hot weather on the trails.
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