Top 6 Lakes around Ulgham
Best lakes around Ulgham are found within the nearby country parks, offering diverse natural landscapes. Ulgham, a small village in Northumberland, is surrounded by areas featuring freshwater lakes, woodlands, and coastal stretches. These locations provide opportunities for various outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Best lakes around Ulgham
- The most popular lakes is Druridge Bay Country Park, an other natural area that features a 25-acre freshwater lake, woodlands, and a 7-mile sandy coastline. This park is known for water sports…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Druridge Bay Country Park
Highlight • Natural
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Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake
Highlight • Forest
but a nice gentle stroll around a lake. easy going and just took it easy and rnjoyed the wildlife
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Hauxley Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
This picturesque sanctuary attracts a diverse range of birds, including tree sparrows and …
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Ladyburn Lake, Druridge Bay Country Park
Highlight • Beach
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Cresswell Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Free to park for 72 hours. theres a pub in the carpark that serves food. we didnt try it though but a nice gentle stroll around a lake. easy going and just took it easy and rnjoyed the wildlife
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A paradise for terns. Also herons, barn owls, black-headed gulls, ...
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even on a windy late March day theres dozens of species on the lake.
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This pond was formed due to subsidence caused by the collapse of old mining works, resulting in a unique brackish water habitat that connects to the sea. This ecological feature makes it an ideal feeding ground for wading birds, particularly during the spring and autumn migrations when rare species are frequently spotted. Notably, avocets nested here in 2011, marking the northernmost location in the UK where they have done so. The pond also serves as a roosting spot for a substantial number of waterfowl, including greylag and pink-footed geese in small numbers.
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Refreshment and toilet facilities at the Druridge Bay Country Park Visitor Center.
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Hauxley nature reserve has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the addition of the eco-friendly Wildlife Discovery Centre. This picturesque sanctuary attracts a diverse range of birds, including tree sparrows and coots. The reserve boasts stunning flowers like viper's bugloss and northern marsh orchids, attracting butterflies and dragonflies. Originally a coal mine, Hauxley was transformed by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Visitors can enjoy a circular walk, hides for bird watching, a wildlife sightings board, and a rubbing disc trail. The Lookout Café offers delicious refreshments with panoramic views. With volunteering opportunities and educational workshops, Hauxley nature reserve offers an immersive nature experience.
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Once the spoil tip for nearby coal mines, this area is now a nature reserve with a large artificial lake. It's a great place for a walk either as part of a longer loop or as a gentle stroll just around the lake. Popular with families and dog walkers.
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a nice little walh around the county park, be sure to hire some paddle boards if you want to experience the water
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes near Ulgham?
The lakes around Ulgham, particularly at Druridge Bay Country Park and Hauxley Nature Reserve, are rich in birdlife. You can spot species like bullfinch, kingfisher, gadwall, various swans, geese, and grebes, especially in winter. Hauxley is known for terns, herons, and diverse plant life attracting butterflies and dragonflies. Cresswell Pond is a significant feeding ground for wading birds during migration, with avocets and various waterfowl.
What water sports are available on the lakes near Ulgham?
Ladyburn Lake at Druridge Bay Country Park is a popular spot for kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, canoeing, and open water swimming. Permits are required for water sports from April to October. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake also offers windsurfing, canoeing, and organized open water swimming training and events during spring and summer.
Are there walking trails suitable for families around the lakes?
Yes, both Druridge Bay Country Park and Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake offer family-friendly walking options. Druridge Bay has an easy, flat 1.5-mile route around Ladyburn Lake suitable for pushchairs. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park features tarmac and cut grass paths, making it accessible for families. Hauxley Nature Reserve also has circular walking trails.
Are the lake areas accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
Yes, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake is particularly accessible, offering good access with tarmac paths and cut grass paths around the lake. It also features accessible fishing platforms. Druridge Bay Country Park has an easy, flat 1.5-mile route around Ladyburn Lake that is suitable for pushchairs.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Ulgham?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports and enjoying the warmer weather. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and winter is excellent for birdwatching, especially for migratory waterfowl at locations like Druridge Bay Country Park, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake, and Cresswell Pond.
Are there cafes or facilities available at the lake parks?
Yes, Druridge Bay Country Park has a visitor center, cafe, and toilets. Hauxley Nature Reserve features The Lookout Café, offering refreshments with panoramic views. Ladyburn Lake, Druridge Bay Country Park also has refreshment and toilet facilities at its visitor center.
Is there parking available at the lake destinations?
Yes, parking is generally available at the main country parks. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake offers free parking for up to 72 hours. Druridge Bay Country Park also has ample parking facilities.
Do the lakes around Ulgham have any historical significance?
Many of the lake areas, such as Druridge Bay Country Park and Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake, were developed on remediated land that once had opencast coaling operations or were colliery spoil heaps. The lakes themselves were often created in the 1970s as part of these restoration efforts. Cresswell Pond was formed due to subsidence from old mining works.
What kind of hiking trails are available near the lakes?
You can find various hiking trails near the lakes. For example, there are easy to moderate routes like the 'Creswell Pele Tower – Walled Garden, Cresswell Hall loop from Cresswell' which is 6.14 km. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Ulgham guide or the Easy hikes around Ulgham guide.
Can I go cycling near the lakes?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Druridge Bay Country Park offers a cycle way along its 7-mile sandy coastline. You can find mountain biking trails such as the 'Gravel Path – Druridge Bay Country Park loop from East Chevington' (49.38 km) in the MTB Trails around Ulgham guide.
Are the lakes and surrounding areas dog-friendly?
Yes, many of the lake areas are dog-friendly. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake is popular with dog walkers, offering plenty of space for a gentle stroll. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially in nature reserve areas where wildlife is abundant.
What makes Hauxley Nature Reserve special?
Hauxley Nature Reserve is a natural monument known for its diverse bird species, including terns, herons, and coots. It features an eco-friendly Wildlife Discovery Centre, circular walking trails, and bird hides. The reserve, originally a coal mine, has been transformed into a sanctuary with stunning flowers and a variety of wildlife.
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