Top 10 Lakes around Kent

For a wide range of water sports, Bewl Water is an excellent choice, offering sailing, windsurfing, rowing, sculling, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Leybourne Lakes Country Park also provides diverse options including stand-up paddleboarding, SUP Yoga, open water swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and scuba diving. If you're interested in sailing or open water swimming, Chipstead Lake is home to a sailing club and offers swimming through Tri Swim.

Yes, Leybourne Lakes Country Park is highly recommended for families, featuring a children's play area, various walking routes, and a calendar of events including holiday activities. Bewl Water also caters to families with its extensive paths for cycling and walking, and a floating obstacle course.

Dunorlan Park Lake offers a spacious and elegant environment for walks with magnificent views. For birdwatching and wildlife, Eastwell Lake is a prime location to spot herons, kingfishers, and migrating birds, with badgers, stoats, and roe deer in the surrounding area. Louisa Lake within Bedgebury Forest provides a peaceful spot for relaxation amidst natural surroundings.

Kent has several lakes primarily dedicated to fishing. Monk Lakes offers seven main lakes with a good mix of species including large catfish and carp. Claygate Lakes are professionally run and well-stocked with coarse fish. For trout fishing, Spring Hill Trout Lakes are stocked with Rainbow and Brown trout. Other popular spots include Strawberry Fields Carp Fishing Lakes, Shirkoak Fishing Lake, and Orchard Place Farm Fishing Lakes, which hold large specimen fish.

Yes, Bewl Water features 12.5 miles of scenic paths ideal for cycling. Many of the country parks, like Leybourne Lakes Country Park, also offer various walking and cycling routes. Louisa Lake is often encountered on the woodland bike trails within Bedgebury Forest.

Eastwell Lake is particularly significant for its wildlife, where herons, kingfishers, and migrating birds are commonly observed. The surrounding area is also home to badgers, stoats, and roe deer. Leybourne Lakes Country Park, with its wildflower meadows, wetlands, and hedgerows, provides diverse habitats for various wildlife species.

Eastwell Lake has a historical intrigue, as Queen Victoria is said to have skated on the lake when it was frozen. Chipstead Lake was formed from sand and gravel excavation in the 1950s and 60s, transforming industrial land into a recreational area.

Bewl Water provides facilities including a café. Leybourne Lakes Country Park also has a café on-site, making it convenient for visitors. Many of the larger country parks and recreational areas around lakes will typically offer basic amenities.

Bewl Water is known to be dog-friendly, with its extensive paths suitable for walks with pets. It's always advisable to check specific park rules for other locations, but many natural areas in Kent welcome dogs on leads.

The lakes in Kent can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports and enjoying the lush greenery, while autumn provides beautiful foliage for walks. Winter can offer tranquil, crisp walks, and some lakes like Bewl Water are open year-round.

Yes, Chipstead Lake offers open water swimming through Tri Swim, with various circuit options available. Leybourne Lakes Country Park also provides opportunities for open water swimming.