Best lakes around Thompson are characterized by unique geological formations and rich biodiversity. The area is notable for its post-glacial depressions known as pingos, which create distinctive pond landscapes. These sites support a wide array of plant and insect species, including numerous dragonflies and damselflies. The region offers opportunities for exploring these natural monuments and their surrounding habitats.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Take time to go off the trail to the bird hides and vantage points around the water. The route is best in spring before the nettles take over the path in summer!
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The pub in Thomson (The Chequers) on Griston Road is worth a visit...old with lots of character.
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Not so good spot for lunch, move on and find a better place
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Really nice easy walk good on a warm day with shelter from the forests
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Thompson Water and the common form an SSSI managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. It's a particularly important area for dragonflies and damselflies.
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The Pingo Trail is an 8 mile hike around Thompson Common which takes in the delights of the ice age pools known as pingos. As the ground froze, water underneath froze to create little hills. When the ice melted the earth dropped back down and created the pingos. They are usually found in places such as Greenland and Alaska so it is an interesting and unique place to visit.
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Thompson Common is an important habitat for wildlife, with dragonflies, damselflies, otters and pool frogs all in residence. The common is famous for its pingos, post glacial depressions that look like small ponds.
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The lakes in the Thompson area are particularly unique due to their post-glacial depressions known as pingos. These distinctive pond landscapes, such as those found at Thompson Water, are home to a rich biodiversity, including numerous species of plants, dragonflies, damselflies, and even otters and pool frogs.
Yes, several lakes and natural areas around Thompson are family-friendly. Thompson Water, Pingo Pond on the Pingo Trail, and Thompson Common Pingos and Ponds are all noted as suitable for families, offering opportunities to explore unique natural features and wildlife.
The lakes and commons around Thompson are rich in wildlife. At Thompson Water, you can find over 400 plant species, 19 species of breeding dragonflies and damselflies, 25 butterfly species, and more than 600 beetle species. Thompson Common Pingos and Ponds is also known for otters and pool frogs. At Langmere Lake, you might spot various bird species like coot, curlew, snipe, and teal.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Pingo Trail, which includes Pingo Pond on the Pingo Trail, is an 8-mile hike exploring the unique ice age pools. For more options, you can find various easy hikes in the area, including a 7.6 km loop around Thompson Water. Explore more hiking routes at Easy hikes around Thompson.
Pingos are unique post-glacial depressions formed by melting ice, creating distinctive pond landscapes. They are usually found in places like Greenland and Alaska, making their presence around Thompson quite special. You can observe these fascinating geological features at Thompson Water, Pingo Pond on the Pingo Trail, and Thompson Common Pingos and Ponds.
Yes, Thompson Water is noted as dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area with your canine companion.
Langmere Lake is known for its fluctuating water levels, which can change by several meters annually, sometimes even disappearing entirely. This phenomenon is linked to underground water levels that vary with the seasons. It's also a great spot for observing various bird species.
Yes, the Thompson area offers various cycling routes. You can find both mountain biking trails and road cycling routes. For mountain biking, explore options like the 'Thompson Water – Castle Acre Bailey Gate loop'. For road cycling, routes like 'Penny's Cafe loop from Wayland Wood' are available. More details can be found at MTB Trails around Thompson and Road Cycling Routes around Thompson.
East Wretham Heath Nature Reserve is the oldest Breckland nature reserve, purchased by Norfolk Wildlife Trust at the start of World War II. It's an important habitat for many rare plant and insect species, and you can observe scarce breeding birds such as woodlark, redstart, and stone curlews here.
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique geological features like the pingos and the rich biodiversity. The peaceful, natural environment, the opportunities for wildlife spotting (especially dragonflies, damselflies, and birds), and the easy walking trails through forests are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects of the area.
Yes, the Pingo Trail is an excellent way to explore these unique ice age pools. This 8-mile hike takes you around Thompson Common, allowing you to experience the distinctive landscape and learn about how these formations were created by melting ice.


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