Lakes around Pittington are primarily found within the broader County Durham area, offering diverse natural and recreational experiences. While Pittington is a village in County Durham, the surrounding region features several notable lakes and reservoirs. These bodies of water range from important wildlife habitats to areas designed for outdoor activities. The landscape provides opportunities for exploring both natural beauty and historical industrial sites.
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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Near Pittington, you can find a variety of lakes, from recreational spots like Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park, which is popular for model boating and picnics, to former industrial sites repurposed for public enjoyment. There are also significant natural habitats such as Brasside Pond, a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for wildfowl breeding, and reservoirs like Cow Green Reservoir, important for rare alpine plants.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park offers picnic spaces and benches. Hetton Lyons Lake, within Hetton Lyons Country Park, provides a cafe and water sports facilities. Bolam Lake Country Park, though slightly further afield, is also noted for its diverse habitats and wildlife, suitable for all ages.
For a serene experience, Grassholme Reservoir, located within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers a peaceful atmosphere and walks suitable for all ages and abilities. Hisehope Reservoir is also a pleasant place for hiking, with opportunities to connect to other nearby reservoirs.
Yes, Kirkharle Serpentine Lake, though in the broader region, is notable for its historical design. It was completed in 2010 based on rediscovered plans by the famous landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown, who was born there. The Grade II listed parkland features over 2,000 planted trees and an accessible 1km pathway.
The area around Pittington offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, such as those listed in the Easy hikes around Pittington guide, which includes routes like the Riverside Path loop from Brasside Ponds. There are also options for gravel biking and road cycling, with routes detailed in the Gravel biking around Pittington and Road Cycling Routes around Pittington guides.
Absolutely. Brasside Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an important breeding site for wildfowl. Cow Green Reservoir is recognized as an important habitat for rare alpine plants. Bolam Lake Country Park is home to various bird and animal species, including red squirrels, offering excellent wildlife watching opportunities.
Yes, Mount Pleasant Lake Wooden Dock offers several fishing jetties, providing peaceful spots to relax within the trees. Witton Castle also features fishing lakes, though specific details on permits should be checked locally.
Hetton Lyons Lake is the center of Hetton Lyons Country Park and features a cafe located in the Springboard Adventure centre. The park itself was once a colliery site, now repurposed for public enjoyment.
Yes, Low Newton Junction Nature Reserve includes a lake and offers superb views, including of Durham Cathedral from its top path. Brasside Pond is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, important for its wildfowl.
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from the unique recreational space at Model Boating Lake, Herrington Country Park with its lush scenery and picnic spots, to the tranquil fishing jetties at Mount Pleasant Lake Wooden Dock. The area's blend of natural beauty and repurposed industrial sites for public enjoyment is also highly valued by the komoot community.
Yes, Cow Green Reservoir in County Durham is a significant 3km long reservoir, completed in 1971. It's not only important for water supply but also for its surrounding area, which is an important habitat for rare alpine plants, making it interesting for nature enthusiasts.
Grassholme Reservoir offers a walk around its perimeter that is suitable for all ages and abilities, providing a serene and accessible circular route. Many of the country parks, such as Herrington Country Park and Hetton Lyons Country Park, also feature well-maintained paths around their respective lakes that are generally easy to navigate.


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