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United Kingdom
England
South West England
Dorset

Horton

Top 5 Lakes around Horton

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.

Best lakes around Horton

  • The most popular lakes is Longham Lakes, a wildlife reserve and fishing lakes. It is managed for wildlife and fishing, featuring a path around the area suitable for an easy walk.
  • Another must-see spot is Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, a nature reserve. This area comprises a series of lakes used for fishing, sailing, and wildlife observation, with bird hides being popular in winter.
  • Visitors also love Hightown Lake, a fishing lake. It is a notable carp venue, also home to bream, roach, and tench, with depths up to 13 feet.
  • Horton is known for nature reserves, fishing lakes, and family-friendly lake areas. These locations offer a variety of experiences, from birdwatching to walking and angling.
  • The lakes around Horton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 25 upvotes and 9 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 27, 2026

Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

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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Longham Lakes

Highlight • Natural

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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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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Ellingham Pound Lake

Highlight • Lake

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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Tips from the Community

Wandering Cloud
March 14, 2024, Mockbeggar Lake, Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve

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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51m
July 7, 2023, Longham Lakes

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural landscapes can I expect around the lakes in Horton?

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.

Are there family-friendly lakes around Horton?

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.

Are the lakes around Horton suitable for fishing?

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.

Can I go walking around the lakes in Horton?

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.

Are there opportunities for wildlife observation near Horton's lakes?

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.

What facilities are available at the lakes around Horton?

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.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Horton?

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.

Are there cycling routes available near the lakes in Horton?

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.

Can I find running trails close to the lakes in Horton?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Horton?

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.

When is the best time to visit the lakes around Horton?

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.

Are there any lakes suitable for water sports like sailing or water skiing?

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.

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

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