Best lakes around Grimstone offer diverse natural landscapes, characterized by woodlands and hills. This area features several ponds and a reservoir, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The natural setting around Grimstone is appreciated for its peaceful environment and scenic views.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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You can also get a different view of the reservoir if you approach along the footpath from east of Pond Head Farm .
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Two ornamental ponds in the grounds of Castle Howard, shown on a 1774 estate map as a fish-pond. The ponds are divided in two by a bank on which Obelisk Bridge stands and are fed from Preserve Pond to the west. If you look east, you can see Dairies and Keepers Cottages.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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This is a lovely fishing lake right next to Birkdale Farm. It certainly offers a sense of peace and solitude here, in the lovely setting of the surrounding woodlands and hills. There is a boating hut on the bank, plenty of easy spaces for a picnic and space for parking nearby. If you would like to fish, one can hire fishing rods from the farm.
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The actual access to the reservoir is prohibited (a locked gate), so this is the closest and best you can get to. It's lovely place to stay at - very peaceful. Because it's inaccessible to the public, it also seems wild and serene. A great place to look at.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed, not to mention the swans. On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to walk to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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The Grimstone area features a variety of natural and man-made water bodies, including picturesque ponds and a serene reservoir. You can explore smaller, accessible ponds like Lower Fish Pond, as well as larger, more secluded spots such as Oulston Reservoir.
Yes, several lakes around Grimstone are suitable for families. Lower Fish Pond offers well-managed paths perfect for walks. Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods is another lovely spot for a family walk. Additionally, the Boathouse Café, located by a great lake, has picnic tables and an adventure playground for children.
The lakes around Grimstone are set within diverse natural landscapes, characterized by woodlands and hills. You'll find picturesque settings with well-managed tracks and paths, serene waters, and peaceful environments. For example, Lower Fish Pond is known for its beautiful blue waters on sunny days, and Higher Fish Pond is nestled within Yearsley Woods.
Absolutely. The area offers various hiking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Lower Fish Pond and Ampleforth Abbey loop' or the 'View of Oulston Reservoir – Brandsby Hedgerow Path loop'. For more details and route options, visit our dedicated guide to Hiking around Grimstone.
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. For instance, the 'The Scar and The Avenue Loop' is rated as easy. Another option is the 'Higher Fish Pond and Lower Fish Pond loop from Yearsley Woods Car Park'. You can explore more easy routes in our guide to Easy hikes around Grimstone.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. There are routes such as the 'St Michael's Church, Coxwold – The Vale of York loop' that pass through the scenic area. For a comprehensive list of cycling tours, check out our guide to Cycling around Grimstone.
Yes, you can find the Boathouse Café situated right on the bank of a great lake, offering stunning views and a place to relax. It also provides picnic tables.
Visitors frequently appreciate the peaceful environment and scenic views. Highlights like Lower Fish Pond are praised for their picturesque beauty and well-managed paths. The wild and serene atmosphere of places like Oulston Reservoir is also highly valued for its tranquility.
Yes, Birkdale Farm has a lovely fishing lake right next to it. It offers a sense of peace and solitude, and you can even hire fishing rods from the farm itself.
For a more secluded experience, the View of Oulston Reservoir is appreciated for its wild and tranquil atmosphere. Access to the reservoir itself is restricted, contributing to its serene and untouched feel from a distance.
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the area's natural beauty, especially the vibrant colors of the water at Lower Fish Pond on a sunny day, suggests that spring and summer offer particularly pleasant conditions for walks and enjoying the scenery.


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