Best lakes around Heyshott are found within the scenic South Downs National Park, offering diverse natural water bodies. Heyshott, a village in West Sussex, is characterized by its rolling hills and accessible natural spaces, including Marsh Pond, a local asset known for its wildlife. The area provides opportunities for easy lake walks near Heyshott, with several water bodies directly in or adjacent to Heyshott, West Sussex, making it suitable for family friendly lakes Heyshott visits.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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12% climb out of East Dean with the reward of a great descent down to Goodwood
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Burton Mill Pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Originating in the late 16th century to fuel a forge, the pond has a historical past. By the late 18th century, it played a vital role as part of a water mill for grinding corn, with the imposing structure by the road now standing as the remnants of the old mill. It's part of a fabulous landscape as you cycle along the road bordering its northeastern shore.
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Nestled on the outskirts of Chichester, between the villages of Singleton and Upwaltham, the pretty village of East Dean lies in the scenic Upper Lavant Valley of the South Downs. This quaint settlement, steeped in history with traces of Celtic fields and Roman artifacts, has a timeless charm. It features a pond on the village green and a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter. Surprisingly, despite its small size, East Dean proudly hosts a football team, a local institution founded over 130 years ago, competing in the West Sussex league.
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South pond is a historic and scenic pond in Midhurst, West Sussex, England. It is fed by two streams that were once the boundaries of Saxon settlements, and it forms the division between the oldest part of Midhurst and West Lavington. The pond was created in the mid-1100s by one of the medieval lords of Midhurst, who dammed the streams to make a breeding pool for fish. The pond has been used for various purposes over the centuries, such as milling, fulling, leather production, and entertainment. The pond is now a nature reserve and a popular spot for walking, fishing, and birdwatching. It is part of the South Downs National Park and has a rich biodiversity of plants and animals. The pond is also home to the South Pond Group, a voluntary community group that works to care for and improve the pond and its surroundings. The group organizes regular events, activities, and projects to engage the public and enhance the pond’s beauty and value.
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The current mill building dates from around 1780, although mills and forges have been exploiting the Downs spring water for at least 800 years. The mill's historic water-powered milling machine has been restored to working condition. Burton Mill is open to visitors on the Sunday of the National Mills Weekend in May and the National Heritage Weekend in September.
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Burton Mill Pond is a beautiful place to visit. It is an atmospheric hammer pond and holding pond in the South Downs National Park, near Petworth, West Sussex. The pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and the Burton Park Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which are nationally important for their wetland habitats, rare plants, birdlife, and invertebrate populations.
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Scenic viewpoint with a bench next to a dew pond overlooking the Sussex countryside towards the east. The construction of dew ponds began in the South Downs during the 11th century, when traditional water sources such as streams and wells were not readily available. They provide a vital source of water for grazing livestock, particularly during the summer months when streams and other water sources may dry up.
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Burton Mill Pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Enjoy the moment of calm as you pedal along the road skirting its north eastern shore. The pond was created in the late 16th century to power a forge. In the late 18th century the pond was part of a water mill for grinding corn. The large house by the road is the old mill.
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The Heyshott area, nestled in the South Downs National Park, features a variety of water bodies including historic hammer ponds, natural dew ponds, and charming village ponds. These range from the atmospheric Burton Mill Pond, a former forge power source, to serene village ponds like Marsh Pond, known for its wildlife.
Yes, several lakes around Heyshott are ideal for families. Burton Mill Pond and Mill is part of a Local Nature Reserve and offers a chance to see a restored historic mill. Marsh Pond in Heyshott village is also considered a great spot for children to learn about nature and fishing. Additionally, East Dean Village Green and Pond provides a tranquil setting within a historic village.
Marsh Pond in Heyshott village is a vibrant ecosystem, home to frogs, fish, dragonflies, various birds, grass snakes, and bats, making it excellent for wildlife enthusiasts. The Burton and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve is also a melting pot of habitats, known for 24 species of dragonflies, including the rare hairy dragonfly, as well as bats, wildfowl, and water lilies.
Fishing is a popular activity at Marsh Pond in Heyshott, which contains carp, rudd, and roach. However, fishing at Marsh Pond is available for members only. South Pond, Midhurst is also a popular spot for fishing.
Absolutely. Burton Mill Pond and Mill is a significant historical site, originally created in the late 16th century to power a forge, and its mill building dates back to around 1780. South Pond, Midhurst, created in the mid-1100s, also has a rich history of various uses over the centuries.
Many lakes offer scenic views. Marsh Pond provides fine views, especially looking south towards the village and the Downs, with autumn sunrises noted for their reflections. For expansive vistas, visit the View of Sussex Countryside from Dew Pond, which offers a scenic viewpoint with a bench overlooking the Sussex countryside.
Yes, the area offers numerous walking opportunities. You can find various hiking routes around Heyshott, including moderate to difficult trails that pass by or near these lakes. For detailed routes and options, explore the Hiking around Heyshott guide.
Beyond hiking, the Heyshott area is popular for cycling and running. You can find a range of road cycling routes, some of which pass by lakes like Burton Mill Pond. Check out the Road Cycling Routes around Heyshott guide and the Running Trails around Heyshott guide for more options.
Many of the village ponds, such as Marsh Pond in Heyshott and East Dean Village Green and Pond, offer easy, tranquil settings for leisurely strolls. These areas are generally accessible and provide a gentle introduction to the region's natural beauty.
The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and active wildlife, while autumn provides stunning reflections and silhouettes, particularly at Marsh Pond. Dew ponds, like the View of Sussex Countryside from Dew Pond, are crucial water sources for livestock, especially in dry periods, making them interesting to observe in warmer months.
Yes, some lake locations are close to amenities. For instance, South Pond, Midhurst is just a couple of minutes away from coffee shops. East Dean Village Green and Pond is a central feature of East Dean village, which has a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter.


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