Best lakes around Maidwell are found within the wider Northamptonshire area, a region characterized by rural landscapes and historical significance. The local geography features agricultural land and managed water bodies, many of which were originally constructed as reservoirs. These lakes contribute to the natural environment, offering habitats for wildlife and recreational opportunities. The area provides a tranquil setting for outdoor activities centered around these water features.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Pitsford Dam is an expansive reservoir surrounded by countryside. It was completed in the 1950s and serves as a vital water supply for the region. There are walking and cycling paths surrounding the lake and lots of beautiful landscaps and wildlife.
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Ravensthorpe reservoir and weir was built in 1890 to supply water to Northampton. Today you can wander around the beautiful water source and enjoy bird-watching, fishing, or just an opportunity to get some fresh air.
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Idyllic spot for a picnic as well as a regular hang-out spot for some of our feathered friends such as geese and swans, and some rarer species such as the ring-necked duck and common crane.
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Built to supply water to the nearby Grand Union Canal, Welford and Sulby Reservoirs are wonderfully scenic. Keep your eyes peeled for carp beneath the surface. A loop of Welford Reservoir is an easy walk from nearby Welford, where there are also peaceful walking options along the canal.
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There is a cafe, public toilets and bike shop providing bike hire at the top of the main carpark, with open grassed areas (perfect for picnics) leading down to a childrens play area and then the main walking/cycle path around the water. To the left of the grass beside the other footpath is an accessible garden with raised beds.
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Many lakes in the Maidwell area offer excellent family-friendly activities. For instance, Pitsford Water features open grassed areas, a children's play area, and an accessible garden. Pitsford Water at Brixworth Country Park provides cycling, walking, and a visitor centre with educational trails. Sywell Country Park, with its 67-acre lake, also offers a range of outdoor activities beyond fishing, making it suitable for families. Hollowell Reservoir is another picturesque location ideal for families seeking an escape into nature, with bird watching and scenic walks.
Yes, the lakes around Maidwell offer numerous opportunities for walking and cycling. Pitsford Water has a main walking/cycle path around the water. Hollowell Reservoir is known for its scenic walks, and a loop around Welford Reservoir is an easy walk from nearby Welford. For more detailed routes, you can explore guides like Easy hikes around Maidwell or Cycling around Maidwell, which include trails near these lakes.
The Maidwell area is renowned for its fishing lakes and reservoirs. Wold Farm Fishing is a significant destination with three match lakes (Moat, Oaks, Wold) and a specimen carp and catfish lake. Green Farm Fishery in Weedon Lois is popular for match, pleasure, and specimen anglers. Sywell Country Park's lake is recognized as one of the country's leading tench fisheries, and Castle Ashby Fishery offers three well-stocked lakes (Grendon Pond, Scotland Pond, Brickyard Pond) for various fish species.
Amenities vary by location. Pitsford Water provides a cafe, public toilets, and bike hire. Pitsford Water at Brixworth Country Park has a visitor centre and a restaurant. Wold Farm Fishing includes an onsite toilet, disabled access, and hardcore tracks around the Wold Lake. Sywell Country Park offers additional recreational activities and facilities as part of the park.
Yes, some lakes in the area are designed with accessibility in mind. Pitsford Water features an accessible garden with raised beds and a main walking/cycle path. Wold Farm Fishing's Moat Lake and Oaks Lake both offer multiple disabled pegs for anglers, and Wold Lake has disabled access and hardcore tracks.
Yes, several lakes have refreshment options nearby. Pitsford Water has a cafe, and Pitsford Water at Brixworth Country Park includes a restaurant. While not directly on the lake, the villages surrounding many of these reservoirs and fisheries often have local pubs and cafes where visitors can find refreshments.
The lakes and reservoirs are rich in wildlife. Hollowell Reservoir serves as a nature reserve, making it an ideal spot for bird watching. The Lakeside Picnic and Birdwatching Spot is a regular hangout for geese, swans, and rarer species like the ring-necked duck and common crane. Anglers at Welford and Sulby Reservoirs might spot carp, and Ravensthorpe Reservoir Weir is also a good spot for bird-watching.
While many lakes offer various water activities, it is generally not permitted to swim in reservoirs like Pitsford Water or Hollowell Reservoir due to safety and water quality regulations. For example, it is explicitly stated that it is not possible to swim at Brixworth Country Park. Always check local signage and official guidelines before attempting any water activities.
Fishing at many of the lakes requires a permit or day ticket. For example, fishing at Sywell Country Park is available for season ticket holders, and members of the Tenchfishers group receive a discount. For walking, generally, no specific permits are required for public access paths around the reservoirs, but it's always good practice to check for any specific rules or restrictions, especially for private fisheries or nature reserves.
Many lakes offer beautiful scenic views. Welford and Sulby Reservoirs are wonderfully scenic. Hollowell Reservoir is a picturesque location in the Northamptonshire countryside, offering tranquil views. The Lakeside Picnic and Birdwatching Spot is an idyllic location for enjoying the natural surroundings.
Sywell Country Park is located nearby Maidwell and features a 67-acre lake. It offers a range of recreational activities beyond fishing, making it a popular outdoor destination. For detailed information on public transport options and specific amenities, it's best to check the official North Northamptonshire Council website: northnorthants.gov.uk.
Yes, the wider area around Maidwell offers mountain biking opportunities. While not directly on every lake's shore, you can find trails that incorporate views of the water bodies. For example, the MTB Trails around Maidwell guide includes routes like 'View of Pitsford Water – View of Pitsford Reservoir loop from Creaton' which offer scenic rides.


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