Best lakes around Little Houghton, Northamptonshire, England, are primarily found in converted gravel pits and reservoirs near the River Nene. While the village itself features a large pond within Little Houghton House grounds, more expansive recreational lakes are located a few miles away. This area offers a mix of natural beauty and facilities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore various water bodies, from serene nature reserves to active watersports centers.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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This is vast and looks great as you get over the little bridge
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Cold Hiendley Reservoir was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century to supply water to the growing city of Wakefield. The dam had to be strengthened in 1990. This is a popular fishing reservoir with large carp. There is a nice trail around the edge and the Trans Pennine Trail follows the Barnsley Canal path past the dam.
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Definitely recommend a stop off! Lovely spot to have something to eat and relax for a minute!
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The most popular spots highlighted in this guide include Cold Hiendley Reservoir, known for its views and swans, and RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve, a significant wetland area for birdwatching. Dog Kennel Pond is also a popular, peaceful spot for walks.
Yes, several lakes and natural areas are family-friendly. Dog Kennel Pond is noted as a peaceful place for families to walk and relax. The RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve also offers a visitor center and cafe, making it suitable for families interested in wildlife.
At RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve, a 220-acre wetland, you can observe a variety of bird species including bitterns, lapwings, redshanks, avocets, golden plovers, tree sparrows, and willow tits. Cold Hiendley Reservoir is also a good spot to see swans.
Yes, there are facilities available. The RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve has a visitor center and cafe. Additionally, you can find the Lakeside Cafe, which offers food, snacks, and ice cream with seating overlooking the lake. The Manvers Boat House & Lake also features a cafe with outdoor seating.
The area around these lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the easy 'Dearne Ings Trig Point loop' or moderate routes from Darfield. For cycling, there are options like the 'Haw Park Woods – Barnsley Canal Towpath loop'. Mountain biking trails are also available, including routes around 'Swans at Elsecar Canal'. You can explore more options on the hiking, MTB, and cycling guide pages.
Yes, for walking, the RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve has bridleways and the Transpennine Trail runs through its wetlands, making it suitable for both walking and cycling. Cold Hiendley Reservoir is also popular for walking. Many routes incorporate these lakes, offering various distances and difficulties.
Visitors particularly enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views. Many appreciate the opportunities for wildlife observation, especially at the RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve. The presence of cafes and facilities like the Lakeside Cafe and Manvers Boat House & Lake also adds to the enjoyment, providing places to relax and refresh.
Cold Hiendley Reservoir is noted as a popular spot for fishing. While specific details for other locations are not provided, many reservoirs and converted gravel pits in the broader region often offer fishing opportunities.
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural or converted industrial sites, the village of Little Houghton (Northamptonshire) has historical significance, including Little Houghton House with its large pond. The RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve area, located in the Dearne Valley, was once known for its coal mining industry before being transformed into a nature paradise.
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with beautiful seasonal foliage. Summer is ideal for watersports and enjoying outdoor cafes. Winter can provide serene, less crowded experiences, especially for birdwatching at nature reserves like RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve.
While specific public transport routes to each lake are not detailed in the guide, larger attractions like RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve often have public transport links. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes connecting to the nearest towns or villages to your chosen lake.
The Manvers Boat House & Lake offers water sports equipment rental and runs various activities through its club. This suggests opportunities for watersports at this specific location.


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