Best lakes around Ticehurst are situated in East Sussex, England, offering a landscape with several notable lakes and water bodies. The area features diverse attractions, including large reservoirs and historic mill ponds. These locations provide opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration of natural and historical sites.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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"Spring has arrived – and the sun has melted the ice on the mill pond. Its rays reach to the bottom of the pond – and tickle awake the little water sprite, who has been hibernating with his mermaid parents. And what's the first thing a curious little water sprite does? Spring cleaning with his mother? Repairing the broken roof of the water sprite's house? Wrong! Of course, the little water sprite's first priority is to meet his old friend, Cyprinus the carp... The little water sprite isn't quite as cheeky here as in the 1955 original – but Daniel Napp's little spring story has been enchantingly illustrated. A magical, endearing, and ageless reading experience for children ages 4 and up." The Stiftung Lesen (Reading Foundation) reviews a four-volume sequel to the popular "The Little Water Sprite" by Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), which guides children through the seasons in this children's book series.
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The complex is dominated by the manor house on the hill and the ruin further down in the valley. The ruin was "created" from a functioning house several hundred years old by the owners of the manor house in order to obtain a romantic view. The two buildings are embedded in a beautiful garden. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle
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At the back exit of Bateman's and therefore worth visiting even if you are not visiting the park and the house. We walked a very long way around the grounds - the only benches were here 😳
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This garden, which is not so well known internationally, gave us so much joy! Incredible flowers, and that in April. The "new" house can be visited, the old one is just a very picturesque ruin. Entry per adult £17, NT members excluded. Parking was free today, the guidebook said £4 (?) Café extremely friendly and really good cake.
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The mill pond sits in front of Park Watermill. The present mill was built in around 1750 but there has been a mill here since the 13th century. The mill is part of the Bateman's estate. Once home to Rudyard Kipling and now in the care of the National Trust.
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Parking is £7 per car for a full day. No other options for shorter periods. Cafe, toilets, bike hire, laser tag and water sport activities on site. Plenty of space to park on weekends. Great views of the reservoir and access to walking trails.
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Managed by Forestry England, the National Pinetum is home to over 12000 specimens of trees and is a great place to visit for anyone interested in conservation. The adjacent forest is full of tracks and trails for cycling, walking, running and a tree top adventure, Go Ape. Take a moment out from your ride and breathe it all in. There is also a visitors centre with toilets and a cafe on site.
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The mill pond sits in front of Park Watermill. The present mill was built in around 1750 but there has been a mill here since the 13th century. The mill is part of the Bateman's estate. Once home to Rudyard Kipling and now in the care of the National Trust.
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Several lakes near Ticehurst offer great experiences for families. Bewl Water is ideal with its adventure playgrounds, bike hire, and water bus. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest features a 10 km paved family trail and adventure playgrounds. Scotney Castle and Gardens offers historical exploration and beautiful gardens, while Dunorlan Park Lake has a boating lake and natural play area.
Yes, the region is rich in history. Scotney Castle and Gardens features a medieval moated manor house and a 'new' castle, both managed by the National Trust. Park Watermill Pond is part of the historic Bateman's estate, once home to Rudyard Kipling, with a mill dating back to the 13th century. Ightham Mote, a spectacular 14th-century moated manor house, is also within reach.
The lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling, walking, and running on trails around Bewl Water and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. Dunorlan Park Lake offers boat hire. For more structured activities, explore the hiking trails, road cycling routes, and running trails available in the Ticehurst area.
Bewl Water is excellent for both, offering trails for walking and cycling, including a full 12-mile circuit. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest also provides miles of trails, including a 10 km paved family trail suitable for cycling. Dunorlan Park offers pleasant walks with views across its lake.
Yes, several lakes provide convenient amenities. Bewl Water has a cafe, bike hire, and children's play area. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest also features a cafe serving locally sourced food. Dunorlan Park Lake includes a cafe, boat hire, car parks, and toilets.
The lakes, particularly Bewl Water, are home to a large variety of wildlife, especially birds and aquatic species, due to their status as clean water lakes. The surrounding forests and gardens, like those at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest and Scotney Castle and Gardens, also support diverse flora and fauna.
The lakes offer beauty throughout the year. Spring brings vibrant colors from rhododendrons, azaleas, and kalmia at places like Scotney Castle and Gardens. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities like cycling and boating. Autumn provides spectacular foliage, particularly in the wooded areas surrounding the lakes. Even winter offers serene walks, especially around Bewl Water.
Yes, several lakes are integrated into beautiful estates. Scotney Castle and Gardens features a lake within its famous Picturesque-style gardens. Park Watermill Pond is located within the historic Bateman's estate. Pashley Manor Gardens, renowned as one of England's finest, also includes large ponds among its attractions. Ightham Mote, though further afield, is a moated manor house with extensive gardens and water features.
Yes, bike rental is available at Bewl Water, making it convenient to explore its 12-mile circuit. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest also offers on-site bike rentals for its extensive forest trails.
Bewl Water is the largest body of inland water in the South East of England, offering 800 acres within a country park. It's popular for its extensive trails for walking and cycling, adventure playgrounds, bike hire, a water bus, and a cafe. It's a versatile destination for family days out and enjoying scenic views.
Absolutely. Bewl Water offers numerous scenic viewpoints around its vast expanse. Dunorlan Park Lake provides magnificent views across the lake to the Weald. The picturesque setting of Scotney Castle and Gardens, with its moated manor house ruins on an island, is also highly photogenic, especially during spring and autumn.
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and diverse activities. They appreciate the extensive trails for walking and cycling, the historical charm of sites like Scotney Castle, and the family-friendly facilities at places like Bewl Water and Bedgebury National Pinetum. The blend of natural landscapes, historical significance, and recreational opportunities makes the area highly enjoyable.


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