Best lakes around Farnham, a historic market town in Surrey, are set within picturesque countryside. The area features diverse water bodies, from large ponds with sandy beaches to tranquil fishing lakes and smaller woodland ponds. This region offers a range of natural beauty and outdoor activities for visitors. The landscape is characterized by heathland, woodland, and open spaces, providing varied environments around its water features.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Farnham.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Generally quiet lanes around this area with sandy paths to jump on and off.
0
0
Nice peaceful spot, although there are no facilities or coffee shops in the immediate vicinity.
0
0
Great place for dog walking or running pretty good paths
0
0
Generally pretty quiet, so great to include on local rides.
1
0
Frensham Little Pond is more tranquil and offers a greater variety of walks and scenery than its nearby neighbour the Frensham Great Pond. Although the circular walk around the Little Pond can become a little busy at weekends there are plenty of other quieter paths to explore!
1
0
Swimming is not permitted at Frensham Little Pond, but this still makes a lovely spot to pause for a while. You can see straight across to the reed beds on the eastern shore. The beach is set in a backdrop of pine trees. A lovely place to hang out on a hot summer's day.
0
0
Bricksbury Hill is a summit located in the Farnham area of Surrey. The area surrounding it is made up of numerous sandy mounds and open woodlands, with a number of small ponds dotted around too. This specific spot offers some beautiful scenery across one of the larger ponds in the area, which has some lovely clean water with a beach-like feel. Unfortunately, you're not able to swim here, but you can still pull up a picnic blanket and relax in the sunshine.
1
0
For families, Frensham Little Pond and Frensham Great Pond are excellent choices. Frensham Great Pond offers a sandy beach and designated swimming areas, ideal for children, along with a cafe and toilets. While swimming is not permitted at Frensham Little Pond, its circular walk is under 3km, making it suitable for families, and it's great for pond dipping and observing dragonflies.
Yes, the lakes offer various walking opportunities. Around Frensham Little Pond, you'll find numerous footpaths, including a circular walk under 3km. Frensham Great Pond is surrounded by extensive woodland tracks and bridle paths. For more extensive hiking, consider exploring the nearby hiking routes around Farnham, which include trails like the 'Medieval Waverley (SCC) Trail' and 'Farnham Castle & Claypit Wood loop'.
Frensham Little Pond is a tranquil haven for wildlife, ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. You can spot species like reed bunting, sedge warbler, great crested grebe, nightjars, and woodlarks. The banks are rich with yellow iris and purple loose-strife. Stockbridge Pond is also known for its clear water and diverse wildlife, including swans, ducks, and fish, offering a quiet spot to enjoy nature.
Rushmoor Fishing Lakes are primarily dedicated to anglers. This day-ticket fishery is stocked with a variety of fish species, including chub, roach, tench, bream, perch, and specimen carp, making it an excellent destination for both specimen and pleasure anglers.
Frensham Great Pond is well-known for its beautiful sandy beach, which is popular for sunbathing and relaxation. While swimming is permitted in designated areas at Frensham Great Pond, Frensham Little Pond Beach also offers a lovely spot to pause and enjoy the scenery, though swimming is not allowed there to protect the habitat.
Both Frensham Great Pond and Frensham Little Pond have on-site parking available. For public transport, it's advisable to check local bus routes connecting from Farnham town centre to the Frensham area. Specific details on permits or additional parking for other lakes would require checking local council websites.
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, particularly for walks. For instance, Bricksbury Hill Pond is noted as a great place for dog walking. However, specific restrictions may apply in certain sensitive wildlife areas or designated swimming zones, so always look for local signage.
Yes, Frensham Great Pond has a cafe and toilets on-site. Near Frensham Little Pond, you can find Tern Café, which offers refreshments with views across the pond.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but summer is particularly popular for activities like swimming and sunbathing at Frensham Great Pond. Early arrival is recommended during busy summer days. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the changing foliage. Winter provides a quieter, more tranquil experience.
Beyond walking, the area around Farnham's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can find extensive MTB trails, including routes near Stockbridge Pond, and road cycling routes. Alice Holt Forest, while not a primary lake destination, offers walking and cycling trails within its woodland setting.
While specific details on wheelchair accessibility for all lakes are limited, areas like Frensham Great Pond and Frensham Little Pond have paths that are generally flat, especially the circular walk around the Little Pond. However, some areas may have sandy or rooty sections. It's best to check specific conditions upon arrival or contact the site management for detailed accessibility information.


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