Lakes around Hove offer diverse natural and man-made water bodies. While the immediate area features a notable man-made lagoon and a wildlife pond, the broader region includes extensive floodplains and nature reserves. These areas provide opportunities for watersports, wildlife observation, and walking. The landscape combines open water with forests and marshlands, supporting varied ecosystems.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Kesselse Heide was a popular location for military exercises. It was used successively by the Belgian army (specifically the Achterbist region), during World War II by German soldiers, and in the post-war period by the Allies. Locals would sometimes "play" with the soldiers as children, participating in exercises such as quickly reassembling a weapon. However, from the early 1950s onward, the fun ended: the start of the Korean War and more frequent exercises led to stricter rules. Perhaps for the best, as the soldiers had access to heavy artillery. The heath contained several gun pits, part of the defense line around Nijlen. The famous "Horseshoe Pit" was one of them. This pit was originally circular and was (possibly) dug during the First World War to wash the soldiers' horses. Later, a small land bridge was added, making the island in the middle accessible. For many locals, it served as a beautiful swimming hole and a place for summer recreation.
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Nice story about rivalry between local youth from surrounding villages
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Come down from your attic and walk through the polder...
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Patience and calm are instructive...
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Due to the industrial past, there are a number of safety regulations in this area: THE SLUDGE OF THE PONDS STILL CONTAINS HEAVY METALS. Fish store these toxic substances in their bodies and are therefore certainly not edible. THE PATHS ARE PROVIDED WITH A COVERING LAYER SO THAT YOU DO NOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH POLLUTION. Apart from the paths, we cannot guarantee this. If you do come into contact with soil, it is important to wash your hands very well. Also clean your shoes or boots very thoroughly. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED, NOT EVEN ON A LEASH. It is dangerous for your four-legged friend to walk next to the paths because of pollution. Dogs also frighten the animals present (including waterfowl, beavers, otters).
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A paradise for water birds This former industrial area has grown into a true paradise for water birds. Many birds, such as the cormorant, find a breeding ground here. Do you want to admire them up close? Then take a seat in one of our two birdwatching huts and watch the birds without disturbing them.
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Very scenic, with great little villages in the background for variety for the eye.
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Around Hove, you'll find a mix of man-made water bodies and natural ponds. These include the significant Hove Lagoon, known for watersports, and tranquil wildlife ponds like St. Ann's Well Gardens Pond. Additionally, Falmer Pond is Brighton & Hove's only naturally occurring small lake, located in the South Downs.
Yes, Hove Lagoon is particularly family-friendly. It features Hove Lagoon Funland with carousels, bouncy castles, a trampoline park, and a kiddie train. There's also a fenced playground, splash park, and paddling pool. St. Ann's Well Gardens, home to St. Ann's Well Gardens Pond, also has a children's playground.
Hove Lagoon is a premier watersports center. You can engage in activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, wing surf foiling, windsurfing, sailing, powerboating, and jet skiing. The lagoon's shallow, regularly tested seawater makes it beginner-friendly. For more details, you can visit visitbrighton.com.
St. Ann's Well Gardens Pond is an excellent spot for nature lovers, home to water lilies and large fish within a park known for diverse native and exotic trees and conservation areas. Falmer Pond also offers a tranquil, rural setting for observing natural habitats.
Yes, both major lake areas offer amenities. Hove Lagoon has a popular cafΓ©, owned by musician Fatboy Slim, which has been a local institution since 1990. St. Ann's Well Gardens, where St. Ann's Well Gardens Pond is located, also features a garden cafe.
Yes, areas like Hove Lagoon are popular with dog walkers, offering grassland areas. St. Ann's Well Gardens is also generally dog-friendly, though specific rules may apply in certain areas. Always ensure dogs are kept under control and any waste is properly disposed of.
The lakes around Hove can be enjoyed year-round. The summer months are ideal for watersports at Hove Lagoon and enjoying the splash park. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walks and observing nature at St. Ann's Well Gardens Pond and Falmer Pond, with vibrant flora and fauna. Winter walks can also be peaceful, especially around the quieter ponds.
Yes, St. Ann's Well Gardens, home to its wildlife pond, is a historic park famous for its chalybeate spring, known as Saint Ann's Well, believed to have healing properties. Falmer Pond also has a history dating back almost 1,000 years.
For Hove Lagoon, there is usually parking available nearby along the seafront or in designated car parks. St. Ann's Well Gardens is located within Hove, and street parking or nearby public car parks would be the primary options. For Falmer Pond, being in a rural village, parking might be more limited to village street parking.
Yes, Hove is well-served by public transport. Hove Lagoon and St. Ann's Well Gardens Pond are both accessible via local bus routes. Falmer village, where Falmer Pond is located, also has bus connections and a train station, making it reachable by public transport from Brighton and Hove.
Yes, future developments for Hove Lagoon are part of the Hove Beach Park project. These plans aim to improve facilities, including a new cafΓ©/restaurant, public toilets, changing facilities, and a wheeled sports area.
While Hove Lagoon can be bustling with activity, St. Ann's Well Gardens Pond offers a tranquil escape within a peaceful park setting. For a truly rural and quiet experience, Falmer Pond, Brighton & Hove's only natural lake in the South Downs, provides a serene environment away from the city's hustle.


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