Top 9 Lakes around Ringmer
Best lakes around Ringmer are primarily ecological and flood management water bodies, reflecting the village's historical connection to water. While large natural lakes are not a feature, the area includes a series of developed ponds and an ongoing wetlands project. These initiatives play a critical role in environmental management, flood protection, and enhancing local biodiversity. The landscape around Ringmer, a village in East Sussex, England, offers various water features for exploration.
Best lakes around Ringmer
- The most popular lakes is Dew Pond with Lone Tree, a dew pond that was historically dug to collect rainwater for animals. It is often found high on hills and offers beautiful views.
- Another must-see spot is Arlington Reservoir, a reservoir set within 120 acres of green landscape. This designated Local Nature Reserve is home to many different animal species and is a popular place for birdwatching.
- Visitors also love Jill's Pond, a dew pond. These artificially made bodies of water are typically found on hilltops to provide water for livestock and offer great views of the surrounding area.
- Ringmer is known for its ponds, reservoirs, and developing wetlands. These water bodies offer diverse natural settings to explore.
- The lakes around Ringmer are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and 39 photos shared.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
Dew Pond with Lone Tree
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Buxted Park Manor House
Highlight • Settlement
Much of the grassland has been left unimproved, providing a rare habitat for many species. The grounds are home to a large herd of deer, as well as a number of exotic birds at the artificial lake.
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Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes
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The design of the park and the expansion of the house were initiated by John Holroyd at the end of the 19th century. He and his wife spent a fortune to design the property according to their ideas. The park and garden were further designed according to the original plans by subsequent owners. Finally, the National Trust acquired the site and now looks after it.
The current opening times and further information can be found here: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden.
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Arlington Reservoir
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Jill's Pond
Highlight • Viewpoint
Dew ponds are artificially made bodies of water, typically at the top of hills that are well-draining, to make sure that there is water availability for livestock.
Interesting little spot with great views of Lewes.
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Tips from the Community
A very beautiful park with many old trees and beautiful plantings. The lakes form the center of the park. Old redwoods and sequoias are found here.
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Four lakes form the heart of the garden and at the end of the line of sight the Gothic castle rises on a hill. While you can explore all the paths in the garden and the adjacent parkland, the house is privately owned and cannot be visited. The design of the park and the expansion of the house were initiated by John Holroyd at the end of the 19th century. He and his wife spent a fortune to design the property according to their ideas. The park and garden were further designed according to the original plans by subsequent owners. Finally, the National Trust acquired the site and now looks after it. The current opening times and further information can be found here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden.
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A 206-acre (85 ha) Site of Special Scientific Interest, Buxted Park makes for a splendid amble. The deer park originates from 1199 and the Grade II-listed manor house at its centre has since been turned into a hotel. Much of the grassland has been left unimproved, providing a rare habitat for many species. The grounds are home to a large herd of deer, as well as a number of exotic birds at the artificial lake.
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This is a wonderful little rest stop if your hiking or a quick breather stop if your out running. This isolated pond is a veritable haven for the local wildlife and domestic animals. It is also a great photo stop too.
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Before it was possible to channel a water supply to farmland, dew ponds were dug as a way to collect rain water for the animals. Sometimes known as mist ponds or cloud ponds, they are usually high up on hills so are often accompanied by beautiful views.
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dogs love to dip into water here, sometimes cattle are around
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Decent cafe for a coffee or refuel - tempting whaff of bacon butties...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water bodies can I expect to find around Ringmer?
Ringmer primarily features developed ponds and an ongoing wetlands project, crucial for ecological and flood management. While not large natural lakes, these initiatives enhance local biodiversity. You'll also find historical dew ponds and reservoirs in the wider area, such as Arlington Reservoir.
What are some notable water features for nature observation near Ringmer?
The Arlington Reservoir is a designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to many animal species and popular for birdwatching. The developing Ringmer Wetlands project also aims to offer significant biodiversity benefits.
Are there any historical water features in the Ringmer area?
Yes, you can find historical dew ponds like Dew Pond with Lone Tree and Jill's Pond. These were traditionally dug high on hills to collect rainwater for livestock and often offer beautiful views. Buxted Park Manor House also features an artificial lake within its historic deer park.
What kind of wildlife can I see around the water bodies near Ringmer?
At Arlington Reservoir, you can spot cormorants, swallows, mallards, coots, Canadian geese, and black swans, especially from the Osprey bird hide. The Ringmer Wetlands project is also designed to enhance local biodiversity, attracting various species.
Are there walking trails around the water bodies near Ringmer?
Yes, there are several walking routes in the vicinity. For example, you can explore trails around Arlington Reservoir or enjoy walks that incorporate dew ponds. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the area on the Hiking around Ringmer guide.
Can I go cycling near the water bodies around Ringmer?
Absolutely. The area around Ringmer offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Potato Lane – River Ouse Cycle Path loop' or the 'Gote Lane (Ringer Back Road) – River Ouse Cycle Path loop'. Explore more options in the Cycling around Ringmer guide.
Are there family-friendly walks around the water features?
Many of the water bodies and surrounding areas, including Arlington Reservoir and Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes, are considered family-friendly. The easy walking routes listed in the Hiking around Ringmer guide, such as those around Barcombe Mills, are also suitable for families.
Are the trails around Ringmer's water bodies dog-friendly?
Yes, several locations are dog-friendly. For instance, Dew Pond with Lone Tree is noted as a place where dogs love to dip into the water. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves.
What is special about <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/145196" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes</a>?
These four lakes form the heart of a beautifully landscaped garden, originally designed by 'Capability' Brown. The park features ancient trees, diverse plantings, and offers picturesque reflections of trees, shrubs, and waterfalls. It's a National Trust property, so check their website for current opening times and visitor information.
When is the best time to visit the water bodies around Ringmer?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and early summer offer beautiful displays of daffodils, bluebells, rhododendrons, and azaleas, particularly at places like Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes. Autumn brings vibrant foliage. For birdwatching at Arlington Reservoir, different seasons may offer sightings of migratory birds.
Is there parking available for walks near Ringmer's water bodies?
While specific parking locations are not detailed here, areas like Arlington Reservoir and Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes typically have visitor parking. For other trails, parking may be available in nearby villages or designated car parks. Always check local information before your visit.
What are the difficulty levels of walking routes near Ringmer's water bodies?
Walking routes in the area range from easy to moderate. For example, some loops around Barcombe Mills are rated as 'easy', while others like 'Malling Down & Lewes Downs loop via Chapel Hill' are 'moderate'. You can find detailed difficulty ratings in the Hiking around Ringmer guide.
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