Lakes around Horton offer diverse natural landscapes, primarily featuring nature reserves and fishing lakes. This area provides opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and angling. The lakes are often former gravel pits that have been transformed into thriving ecosystems. Visitors can find tranquil spots for relaxation and active areas for various outdoor pursuits.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
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Mockbeggar Lake within the Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is a beautiful and peaceful place. The Reserve abounds in birds and is a popular place with bird spotters. There are a number of hides here such as the Lapwing Hide. Great, managed paths allow good views of both Mockbeggar Lake and Ibsley Water. Enjoy!
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A small lake north of Ellingham Lake with easy to walk banks. On a dry day, it is perfectly possible to sit on the grass and enjoy. The buildings next to the lake are the Ellingham Water Ski and Wakeboard Club.
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Longham Lakes are a double lake separated by a narrow causeway. It's managed as a wildlife reserve and fishing lakes. There is a nice path around the area, perfect for an easy walk.
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Once an area of desolate gravel pits, the landscape here has been utterly transformed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, in partnership with two water companies. Now a series of thriving lakes with fishing, sailing, youth education and wildlife, there’s a lot going on here despite its general serenity. Summer is a lovely time of year to visit but in winter, the bird hides come into their own as many flighty folk overwinter here from colder countries further north. Lapwings, terns and oyster catchers throw Christmas parties here. There are public toilets at the north of Ivy Lake and several car parks.
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The lakes around Horton primarily feature diverse natural landscapes, often transformed from former gravel pits into thriving ecosystems. You'll find nature reserves, fishing lakes, and areas managed for wildlife, offering opportunities for observation, walking, and angling.
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. Longham Lakes offers an easy path for walks, and Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, including Mockbeggar Lake, provides managed paths and wildlife observation opportunities that families can enjoy. Ellingham Pound Lake also has easy-to-walk banks, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Absolutely. Fishing is a popular activity at many of the lakes. Longham Lakes and Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve are managed for fishing, among other activities. Hightown Lake is particularly known as a top carp venue, also home to bream, roach, and tench.
Yes, walking is a great way to explore the lakes. Longham Lakes has a nice path around the area for an easy walk. At Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, including Mockbeggar Lake, you'll find great, managed paths offering good views.
Yes, wildlife observation is a key feature. Longham Lakes is managed as a wildlife reserve. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is particularly rich in birds, with popular bird hides, especially in winter when many species overwinter there. Mockbeggar Lake within Blashford is a popular spot for birdwatchers, featuring hides like the Lapwing Hide.
At Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, you can find public toilets at the north of Ivy Lake and several car parks. Other lakes are primarily natural areas, so specific facilities may vary.
Beyond walking and fishing at the lakes, the area around Horton offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, cycling routes, and gravel biking paths. For more details, explore the Running Trails around Horton, Cycling around Horton, and Gravel biking around Horton guides.
Yes, there are several cycling routes in the vicinity of Horton's lakes. You can find options ranging from easy to moderate, such as the 'Horton Tower loop' or routes through the Moors Valley Forest Trails. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, check out the Cycling around Horton guide.
Yes, the area around Horton offers various running trails. You can find routes like the 'Moors Valley Cycle Path' loop or shorter loops from Verwood, with varying difficulty grades. For more information on these trails, refer to the Running Trails around Horton guide.
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from birdwatching and walking to angling. The transformation of former gravel pits into thriving ecosystems, like Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, is highly valued. The community has shared over 9 photos and given more than 25 upvotes, highlighting the area's appeal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Summer is a lovely time to visit for general outdoor activities and enjoying the scenery. However, if you're interested in birdwatching, winter is particularly rewarding, as the bird hides at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve come into their own with many migratory birds overwintering there.
Yes, Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is used for sailing. Additionally, Ellingham Pound Lake is home to the Ellingham Water Ski and Wakeboard Club, indicating opportunities for these activities.


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