Best lakes around Brantham offer diverse natural and man-made water bodies for various outdoor pursuits. The area, though a small village, is situated near significant water attractions in Suffolk. These include large reservoirs and dedicated fishing lakes, providing opportunities for watersports, walking, cycling, and wildlife observation. The landscape features tranquil settings within the Suffolk countryside, making it suitable for both active and leisurely exploration.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
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Lemons Hill Bridge carries the road across the northern end of Alton water reservoir. It links the two parts of Tattingstone village.
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Dedham Therapy Farm is a tranquil retreat in the Suffolk countryside, offering therapeutic activities and programs to promote mental health and well-being. Whilst you cannot actually enter the farm without appointment, you can still stroll by and enjoy the animal interactions.
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The best view of the upper part of Alton Water. A wide, fast descent to the bridge from either direction with a short climb out.
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The road is a dead end but the lakeside view is very nice. Worth it if you want somewhere scenic to stop although not always very tranquil in the summer with the watersports centre, neighbouring campsite and playground.
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the welcome cafe had great flapjacks for refuelling
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Completed in 1987, Alton Water is a hive of outdoor activity from watersports, cycling, walking, running, birdwatching and fishing. There is a cafe and toilets at the watersports centre plus camping if you would like to extend your visit.
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Lemons Hill Bridge crosses Alton Water and links the two parts of Tattingstone which were split when the reservoir was created. A great number of buildings were lost. In the north is the village pub, the White Horse, a lovely place to stop, while in the south is an 18th century workhouse and the parish church. If you are running through the village keep an eye out for the red phone box which is home to a collection of audio recordings of people who were impacted by the flooding of the area to make way for Alton Water.
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Completed in 1987, Alton Water is a hive of outdoor activity from watersports, cycling, walking, birdwatching and fishing. There is a cafe and toilets at the watersports centre plus camping if you would like to extend your visit.
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The lakes around Brantham offer a wide range of activities. At Alton Water, you can enjoy various watersports, cycle an eight-mile cross-country track, go walking, or observe nature. Fishing is also popular, with dedicated facilities like the Brantham Angling Club lake and opportunities at Alton Water. For nature enthusiasts, places like Bobbits Lane Nature Reserve provide excellent wildlife spotting.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Alton Water is particularly family-friendly, offering activities like cycling, walking, and watersports. The Alton Water Visitor Centre & Picnic Area provides amenities like a cafe and picnic spots, with bike hire available for exploring the reservoir's tracks. Bobbits Lane Nature Reserve is also suitable for families interested in nature walks and wildlife.
Alton Water is an excellent spot for cycling, featuring an eight-mile cross-country track around the reservoir. You can even hire bikes at the Alton Water Visitor Centre & Picnic Area. For more extensive cycling adventures, explore the various routes available in the area, such as those detailed in the Cycling around Brantham guide.
The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Bobbits Lane Nature Reserve, a 40-acre local nature reserve, you might spot otters, water voles, kingfishers, and egrets among other plants and animals. Alton Water also offers opportunities for nature walks and birdwatching.
Yes, there are numerous walking trails. Alton Water has extensive walking paths around its 400-acre reservoir, including an eight-mile track. Bobbits Lane Nature Reserve also offers pleasant nature walks. For more detailed hiking options, you can consult the Hiking around Brantham guide, which includes routes like the 'Stour & Orwell Walk: Brantham Loop'.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. The Brantham Angling Club offers a dedicated stream-fed lake, well-stocked with various fish including Roach, Rudd, Perch, Carp, Bream, and Tench. This lake is open for fishing from June 16th to March 15th. Alton Water also provides fishing opportunities.
Alton Water offers a range of facilities, particularly at the Alton Water Visitor Centre & Picnic Area. Here you'll find a cafe, an outdoor picnic area, and bike hire services to explore the 8 miles of tracks around the reservoir. There's also an Aqua Park for additional recreational fun.
Yes, Lemons Hill Bridge, Alton Water is noted as being wheelchair accessible, providing access to parts of the Alton Water area. It's advisable to check specific trail conditions for full accessibility before visiting.
The lakes around Brantham can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports, cycling, and picnics, while autumn provides beautiful scenery for walks. For fishing at the Brantham Angling Club lake, the season runs from June 16th to March 15th.
Beyond Alton Water, the Brantham Angling Club operates a dedicated fishing lake. Additionally, the broader Suffolk area, though not directly in Brantham, features scenic spots like The Barham Lakes, which include Brook Pool, Leia Lagoon, Blake Quarry, and Bailey's Creek, known for their natural beauty.
Yes, the Alton Water Visitor Centre & Picnic Area has a cafe that is open all week. Additionally, the village of Tattingstone, split by Alton Water, has a pub, the White Horse, which is a lovely place to stop.
Lemons Hill Bridge is significant as it carries the road across the northern end of Alton Water, Suffolk's largest man-made reservoir. It links the two parts of Tattingstone village that were separated when the reservoir was created. The area around the bridge is part of the 400-acre water body, offering scenic views and access to various watersports and cycling tracks.


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