Best lakes around Harmston are found in the wider Lincolnshire region, offering diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. While Harmston itself is a village with historical roots dating back to the Domesday Book, it serves as a gateway to various lakeside activities. The area surrounding Harmston features a mix of natural and man-made lakes, often associated with former gravel pits or historical waterways. These locations provide settings for outdoor pursuits and wildlife observation.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Harmston.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
great for some sheltered winter woodland and trail riding as the place is empty in the week in the duller colder months. summer is a no go on the bike as it gets very busy with lots of young ones around
0
0
The park can be busy, if it is use the playing field car park on the opposite side of Skellingthorpe Road
0
0
The site comprises Victorian landscaped gardens, a large reservoir, woodlands and grasslands. Many features, both natural and built, survive from the original landscaping of the 1860s.
0
0
West common is situated to the north and south of Carholme Road. It is an area of open land giving excellent views of the Cathedral and the historic hilltop.
0
0
The scrub area around Coot Lake provides cover and breeding areas for a number of different species of bird including the nightingale. As a result of this dogs are not allowed on this walk between April and July inclusive (except assistance dogs).
1
0
A lovely viewpoint overlooking Thorpe Lake at Whisby Nature Reserve. If you need a breather, there's a bench here to sit on and admire the view while undertaking a quick recovery!
1
0
Lincoln's West Common is a 100 hectare, green space with excellent views of Lincoln Cathedral. At the west limit of Lincoln, this grassy area is home to wildlife as well as a space for outdoor sports. Horses can be found grazing across this whole area, a site dating back to the 11th century and the High Medieval Era's common grazing rights. The area is a popular space for the horse's owners to ride and train the horses. Alongside this is other wildlife including a population of skylark.
1
0
While Harmston itself doesn't have prominent natural lakes, the surrounding Lincolnshire region offers a mix of natural and man-made lakes. These include historical waterways like Brayford Pool, park lakes such as Hartsholme Park, and former gravel pits now teeming with wildlife, like those found at Whisby Nature Park, including Coot Lake and Thorpe Lake.
Yes, several lakes in the area are great for families. Hartsholme Park features Victorian landscaped gardens, woodlands, and grasslands. Whisby Nature Park, home to Coot Lake and Thorpe Lake, has a Visitor Centre with a shop, café, exhibitions, and a playground. Brayford Pool also offers a lively atmosphere with food, drink, and entertainment options.
Brayford Pool is England's oldest inland harbour, originally used as a port by the Romans. Hartsholme Park features Victorian landscaped gardens with many original 1860s features still present. Harmston itself has historical roots dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086.
At Whisby Nature Park, the scrub around Coot Lake provides cover and breeding areas for various bird species, including the nightingale. West Common is a green space where you can find horses grazing and a population of skylarks. The wider Lincolnshire area, particularly at former gravel pits, is known for diverse wildlife.
Yes, the broader Lincolnshire county offers numerous lakes popular for fishing. Options include Bain Valley Fisheries, Fent Lakes, Caistor Lakes, Northmoor Fisheries, Messingham Sands Fishery, Westwood Lakes, Cleatham Trout Fishery (for fly fishing), and Lincoln Lane Lakes. Many of these are well-stocked with various fish species and offer facilities for anglers.
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, you can explore various outdoor activities. For cycling, there are numerous routes available, including road cycling and touring bicycle options. You can find detailed routes in guides like Road Cycling Routes around Harmston and Cycling around Harmston. Mountain biking trails are also available, as detailed in MTB Trails around Harmston.
At Whisby Nature Park, specifically around Coot Lake, dogs are not allowed on the walk between April and July inclusive, with the exception of assistance dogs. This restriction is in place to protect breeding bird species, such as the nightingale.
Near Brayford Pool, you'll find a great selection of places offering food, drink, and entertainment. Whisby Nature Park, which includes Coot Lake and Thorpe Lake, has a Visitor Centre with a café. For other lakes, local villages and towns in Lincolnshire will offer various dining options.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities, though some areas like Whisby Nature Park have dog restrictions between April and July due to bird breeding. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and even in colder months, places like Hartsholme Park can be pleasant for sheltered woodland walks.
Some fishing lakes in the wider Lincolnshire area, such as Lincoln Lane Lakes, offer fishing pegs accessible for wheelchair users. Cleatham Trout Fishery also provides accessible options for disabled anglers. For specific accessibility details at other locations, it's advisable to check directly with the venue.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the tranquil settings for walks, the historical significance of sites like Brayford Pool, and the wildlife observation opportunities at places like Whisby Nature Park. The komoot community has shared over 3 photos and given more than 20 upvotes to highlights in the area, indicating a positive experience.


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