Top 3 Lakes around Bawburgh
Lakes around Bawburgh are primarily known for their extensive fishing complex, featuring over 80 acres of water across multiple lakes and a section of the River Yare. This area offers diverse aquatic environments, from tranquil, less-fished pits to larger, historically significant waters. The landscape is characterized by a mix of natural broads and former gravel pits, providing varied opportunities for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Bawburgh
- The most popular lakes is Whitlingham Great Broad, a lake that is one…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Thorpe Marshes Nature Reserve
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Close to the River Yare, the area …
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Whitlingham Great Broad
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Whitlingham Country Park
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University of East Anglia Broad
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River Yare at Whitlingham Great Broad
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Tips from the Community
A broad is the local name for a body of water. This one was created from a former gravel pit in conjunction with the landscaping of the universities grounds. It's pretty and a haven for wildlife, but its steep sides reduce the wetland habitat that would normally surround a lake of this size.
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It’s a fantastic place for a leisurely walk or a paddle in a canoe, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities.
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If you’re an angler, the River Yare is renowned for its excellent fishing spots. Popular among both locals and visitors, the river is teeming with species like bream, roach, and perch. Ensure you have a valid fishing licence and consider hiring a local guide to find the best spots.
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One of the Broads' greatest rivers, a stroll along the Yare and its connecting channels and broads is always delightful. This section, alongside Whitlingham Great Broad, offers serenity just a short hop from Norwich's city centre. Interestingly, the Yare and the River Wensum meet just to the west of the broad, yet despite the Wensum being longer and wider up to that point, it's the Yare's name that continues onwards towards the North Sea at Gorleston.
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Whitlingham Country Park is where the majesty of the Broads meets the buzz of the city. Just a short walk from Norwich's centre, the serene trails here are adored by locals and visitors alike. There's a cafe, an adventure centre and trails that explore the park's woodlands and meadows.
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You can't see that much of the marshes from the road but the woods are very pleasant.
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Thorpe Marshes is a diverse habitat situated in Norwich, offering walkers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The marshes feature reed beds, wet meadows, and open water, which provide a home for a diverse range of bird species such as kingfishers, herons, and terns.
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Located on the edge of Norwich, Thorpe Marshes is a wonderful mixture of habitats in a nature reserve managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Close to the River Yare, the area is covered in wildflower marshes and dykes. You may spot dragonfly, damselfly and butterfly here, as well as many waterbirds. Chinese water deer, and smaller Muntjac deer have also taken up residence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Bawburgh?
The most popular lakes include Whitlingham Great Broad, known for water sports and its scenic cycle path, and University of East Anglia Broad, a pretty area and haven for wildlife created from a former gravel pit.
Are the lakes around Bawburgh suitable for fishing?
Yes, the Bawburgh Lakes complex is primarily known for its excellent fishing opportunities. It features over 80 acres of water across multiple lakes, offering diverse environments for anglers targeting carp, tench, pike, bream, roach, and other species.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Bawburgh's lakes?
The landscape is characterized by a mix of natural broads and former gravel pits. You'll find varied aquatic environments, from tranquil, less-fished pits to larger, historically significant waters. Many lakes feature overhanging trees, reed beds, and lily pads, providing habitats for diverse wildlife.
What water sports are available on the lakes?
Whitlingham Great Broad is a popular spot for water sports like wild swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, offering a refreshing way to enjoy the water.
Are there walking trails near the lakes around Bawburgh?
Yes, there are several walking opportunities. For instance, you can find easy to moderate hiking trails nearby, such as the 'Bluebell Woods – Yare Valley Marshes loop from University of East Anglia' (6.2 km, easy) or the 'Urban Jungle Café loop from Costessey' (8.9 km, moderate). You can explore more options in the Hiking around Bawburgh guide.
Can I cycle around the lakes in Bawburgh?
Absolutely. The Whitlingham Great Broad Cycleway offers a circular path with a good compact surface and fantastic views over the water. For more extensive cycling, you can find gravel biking routes like the 'Marriott's Way – River Tud Bridge loop from Taverham' (16.3 km, easy) in the Gravel biking around Bawburgh guide.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes?
Many of the lakes and their surrounding areas are family-friendly. Whitlingham Great Broad and University of East Anglia Broad are both noted as family-friendly destinations, offering space for activities and nature observation.
Which lakes are known for specific types of fishing?
Bawburgh Lake is renowned as a prolific Tench fishery and holds challenging Carp. Lodge Lake previously held the British record for Bream and has rapidly growing Carp. Works Lake is ideal for carp and tench, while Lenny's offers prolific tench fishing and quality carp. Seamons is good for tench and roach, and Finger Pool is excellent for pleasure anglers targeting tench, carp, and silver fish.
Are there any smaller, more intimate lakes for a quiet experience?
Yes, Lenny's (formerly Colney 2) is a small but rich water offering challenging but rewarding carp fishing and prolific tench fishing in an intimate, traditional setting. Seamons is a splendid small pool, and Finger Pool is a lovely, tree-lined pool, less than an acre in size, perfect for a quiet day.
What amenities are available near the lakes?
Near Whitlingham Great Broad Cycleway, you can find a cafe called Flint Barn at the south-west corner. For other areas, it's advisable to check local listings for pubs and cafes in nearby villages.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Bawburgh?
Visitors appreciate the diverse aquatic environments, from tranquil fishing spots to areas suitable for water sports. The scenic views, opportunities for wildlife observation, and the well-maintained cycle paths like the one around Whitlingham Broad are frequently highlighted.
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