Top 5 Lakes around Blyth
Best lakes around Blyth provide access to diverse aquatic environments along the Northumberland coast. This region features a range of lakes, from small local reserves to expansive country parks. The landscape includes coastal areas, developing woodlands, and open grasslands, offering varied outdoor experiences. These lakes serve as focal points for recreation and wildlife observation.
Best lakes around Blyth
- The most popular lakes is Langold Country Park Lake, a country park lake covering 300 acres of parkland and a Local Nature Reserve. It features woodlands, wildlife, butterfly meadows, play areas, and a cafe.
- Another must-see spot is Langold Lakes, a lake with cycling routes. It offers a mix of cycle path and single track around the lake, suitable for mountain biking.
- Visitors also love Idle Valley Nature Reserve, a nature reserve with a lake and trails. It features an 'Off-Road' gravel road accessible by car, providing access to the reserve's core.
- Blyth is known for small local reserves, country parks, and large man-made lakes. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from tranquil fishing spots to hubs for watersports and birdwatching.
- The lakes around Blyth are appreciated by the komoot community, with 33 upvotes and 32 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
Langold Country Park Lake
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Idle Valley Nature Reserve
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Hayfield Lakes
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Langold Country Park was originally planned as a country house and park in the 18th century. The idea was revived in 1818 and although the house was never completed. By the 1890s a lake had been excavated and a weir with a single arch bridge had been constructed. During the early 20th century the area was developed for mining and the park became a leisure facility for the Langold miners, principally for fishing. In 1946 the coal mining industry was nationalised and the National Coal Board expanded the leisure facilities in the park. A lido or swimming pool was rebuilt in the early 1950s and a bandstand was added. In 1968 the mine closed and the park was taken over by the local authority. Mining equipment was moved and children's playgrounds and refreshment facilities were added.
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Covering 300 acres of parkland and a Local Nature Reserve, the park links into Dyscarr Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest recognised as one of the best examples of a limestone ash-wych elm wood in Nottinghamshire. The park itself has woodlands, wildlife and butterfly meadows, grassy area, a lake, play areas, cafe and skate park, making it a great year-round day trip for all.
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A really nice tranquil place to stop off for a break in nice surroundings. The fishing lakes and surrounding lush countryside are simply gorgeous.
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Take five, lovely spot for a sit down with views of the birds on the Nature Reserve Lake and the sound of the babbling brook behind you
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"Off-Road" dusty (in summer) gravel road, accessible by car and wide enough to park on. Cuts across the middle of the Nature Reserve giving access to the heart of it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes are best for a short, relaxing walk directly in Blyth?
For a tranquil and short stroll right in Blyth, consider Meggie's Burn Reservoir. It's a charming, small body of water known for its calm atmosphere and lily pads, perfect for a peaceful moment or a bit of angling.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Blyth with playgrounds and picnic areas?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Langold Country Park Lake offers play areas and a cafe. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake features an accessible circular path, ideal for pushchairs, and is great for picnics. Killingworth Lake also provides a playground, picnic benches, and a surfaced, pushchair-friendly circular walk. Bolam Lake Country Park has well-maintained picnic spots and a visitor centre with a cafe.
Where can I go for watersports near Blyth?
Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake is a hub for watersports, offering windsurfing, canoeing, and coarse fishing. Further afield, Druridge Bay Country Park (Ladyburn Lake) is excellent for watersports, and Kielder Water & Forest Park, England's largest man-made lake, provides a vast array of watersport opportunities.
Which lakes offer accessible paths for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake has an accessible circular path suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Killingworth Lake also features a surfaced, pushchair-friendly circular walk. Additionally, Bolam Lake Country Park offers a 1-mile accessible circular path around the lake.
Are there good spots for birdwatching around the lakes near Blyth?
Absolutely. Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake is a haven for birdwatchers, attracting diverse birdlife including swans, gadwall, tufted ducks, wigeons, and cormorants. Druridge Bay Country Park (Ladyburn Lake) is also excellent for wildlife observation, especially wintering wildfowl like teal and goldeneye. The Idle Valley Nature Reserve is another prime location for observing nature and birds.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Blyth?
Beyond walking and watersports, you can find various outdoor activities. For cycling, Langold Lakes offers a mix of cycle paths and single tracks. You can explore gravel biking routes around Blyth, such as the easy 'Clumber Lake – Clumber Park Lake loop', or road cycling routes like the 'Drakeholes Tunnel – The Pantry Café loop'. There are also running trails, including a moderate 'Running loop from Harworth Bircotes'. For more details on routes, check out the gravel biking, road cycling, and running guides for the area.
Which lakes are best for a full day trip from Blyth?
For a full day trip, Druridge Bay Country Park (Ladyburn Lake) offers a 100-acre lake, three miles of beach, and extensive walking opportunities. Bolam Lake Country Park provides a tranquil setting with scenic trails, wildlife, and visitor facilities. For an extensive adventure, Kielder Water & Forest Park, though further, is England's largest forest and home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, offering vast activities and stunning natural beauty.
Are there any lakes with historical significance near Blyth?
Meggie's Burn Reservoir in Blyth historically served local collieries by providing fresh water. Langold Country Park Lake also has a rich history, originally planned as an 18th-century country house and later developed for mining leisure facilities.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake, you might spot swans, gadwall, tufted ducks, wigeons, and cormorants. Bolam Lake Country Park is home to red squirrels, roe deer, great spotted woodpeckers, and various waterfowl. Kielder Water & Forest Park boasts red squirrels, ospreys, wild goats, roe deer, salmon, otters, and water voles.
Are there cafes or shops available at any of the lake parks?
Yes, Langold Country Park Lake has a cafe. Bolam Lake Country Park features a visitor centre with a cafe and shop. Kielder Water & Forest Park also has various facilities, including cafes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Blyth?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered. Many enjoy the tranquil settings for relaxation, like Hayfield Lakes, or the peaceful views from spots like the Mildred Scott Memorial Bench With Lake View. The family-friendly amenities, accessible paths, and opportunities for birdwatching and watersports are also highly valued.
Can I find information about Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake and Druridge Bay Country Park online?
Yes, you can find more information about Queen Elizabeth II Country Park on the Northumberland County Council website: northumberland.gov.uk. For Druridge Bay, details are available on Visit Northumberland: visitnorthumberland.com, and information about the campsite can be found here: northumberland.gov.uk.
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