Lakes around Murton, a former mining village in County Durham, offer various natural and recreational water features. The area is characterized by its post-industrial landscape, which has been redeveloped into green spaces and nature reserves. These locations provide opportunities for outdoor activities centered around water, often set within picturesque surroundings. The region's lakes contribute to its natural landscape, providing habitats for wildlife and spaces for public enjoyment.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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The Model Boating Lake in Herrington Country Park is a charming feature of the park that offers a unique recreational space for model boating enthusiasts. The lake is surrounded by lush scenery and has plenty of picnic spaces and benches.
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Hetton Lyons Country Park is a pretty park centred around a water sports lake. It has a cafe based in the Springboard Adventure centre. It was once the site of a coal mine, operating for almost 130 years. The colliery closed in 1950.
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There’s quite a few of these fishing jetties within the trees. Beautiful little spots to sit and chill when there isn’t people fishing.
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Hidden away next to the prison, two large ponds created by flooding old clay pits. Important wildfowl breeding spot.
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Brasside Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Two large ponds, the result of flooding of old clay pits. Important breeding site for wildfowl.
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Park at the small car park accessed by Frankland Lane which runs adjacent to HMP Frankland. Taking the top path, you get superb views of Durham Cathedral and there is also a vantage point over the East Coast Mainline (train). This is accessed by a set of steps adjacent to the lake which is approximately half way along the top path.
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The lakes around Murton offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy model boating at Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park, water sports at Hetton Lyons Lake, and fishing at locations like Mount Pleasant Lake Wooden Dock or Watergate Fishing Lake, which is known for carp and coarse fishing.
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park offers picnic spaces and scenic surroundings. Hetton Lyons Lake, part of Hetton Lyons Country Park, has a cafe and water sports. Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve and Brasside Pond are also suitable for families to explore nature.
For fishing, Mount Pleasant Lake Wooden Dock provides jetties for anglers. Additionally, Watergate Fishing Lake in Murton, County Durham, is a dedicated carp and coarse fishing venue with 10 custom-made platforms, known for its double-figure carp, roach, bream, and tench.
The lakes are home to various wildlife. Brasside Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an important breeding site for wildfowl. Other natural areas like Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve also provide habitats for local flora and fauna.
Yes, there are several walking and hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes around Murton, including trails near natural reserves. For more details on routes, check out the Easy hikes around Murton guide.
Absolutely. The area offers cycling routes that pass by some of the lakes and natural features. You can explore various options, including easy to moderate routes, by visiting the Cycling around Murton guide.
Yes, Hetton Lyons Lake, located within Hetton Lyons Country Park, features a cafe based in the Springboard Adventure centre, offering refreshments for visitors.
Many of Murton's green spaces and lakes are repurposed industrial sites. For example, Hetton Lyons Lake was once the site of a coal mine that operated for almost 130 years before closing in 1950, now transformed into a country park.
For scenic views, Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve offers superb views of Durham Cathedral from its top path. Mount Pleasant Lake Wooden Dock also provides beautiful little spots to sit and relax amidst the trees.
Yes, the Murton area provides several running trails that incorporate scenic natural features, including ponds and green spaces. You can find detailed routes and difficulty levels in the Running Trails around Murton guide.
Brasside Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It consists of two large ponds formed from flooded old clay pits, making it an important breeding ground for wildfowl and a significant natural monument in the area.
Yes, the Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park is a charming feature dedicated to model boating enthusiasts. It's surrounded by lush scenery and offers plenty of picnic spaces.


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