Top 20 Lakes in Kent

Kent offers several excellent lakes for water sports. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest features a 10 km family paved trail perfect for cycling. For a wider range of water activities, St Andrew's Lakes in Rochester provides an Aqua Park, open swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Leybourne Lakes Country Park in Aylesford is another hub for scuba diving, dinghy sailing, SUP, windsurfing, kayaking, and open water swimming. Mote Park in Maidstone also offers paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and boat hire.

Yes, Kent has several historical sites featuring beautiful lakes. Scotney Castle and Gardens is a notable example, with the ruins of a medieval, moated manor house situated on an island within a small lake. Another significant historical site is Leeds Castle, often described as the 'loveliest castle in the world,' which is surrounded by water and boasts a rich history as a Norman stronghold and royal residence.

For nature lovers, Oare Marshes Nature Reserve is an internationally important wildlife habitat known for diverse birdwatching opportunities, including migrating and overwintering birds. Eastwell Lake is rich in wildlife, where you can often spot herons, kingfishers, and even badgers or roe deer. Leybourne Lakes Country Park also features diverse habitats like wildflower meadows and wetlands, offering excellent wildlife watching.

Many lakes in Kent are family-friendly. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest offers a 10 km family paved cycling trail with adventure playgrounds. St Andrew's Lakes has a large Aqua Park and sandy beach for swimming. Leybourne Lakes Country Park includes a children's play area, and Mote Park also provides play areas, a BMX track, and Segway tours. Leeds Castle is also a great family destination with its historical appeal and expansive grounds.

Kent is well-regarded for its fishing lakes. Monk Lakes in Maidstone is a large day ticket fishery with seven main lakes and a river, offering a mix of fish species including carp up to 45lb. Claygate Lakes in Marden provides a relaxing environment for anglers, stocked with various coarse fish. Shirkoak Fishing Lake in Woodchurch is favored by carp and pleasure anglers, while Spring Hill Trout Lakes in Penbury are stocked with Rainbow and Brown trout.

You can find various walking and hiking trails near Kent's lakes. For easy walks, consider the Leybourne Lakes Country Park loop. Dunorlan Park Lake offers pleasant walks through its spacious and elegant design with magnificent views. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest has miles of trails, including a 10 km paved family trail. For more options, explore the Easy hikes in Kent guide.

While specific designated wild swimming spots can vary, St Andrew's Lakes is known for its bright blue, clean waters and offers open swimming from a sandy beach. Leybourne Lakes Country Park also facilitates open water swimming sessions. Always check local regulations and safety guidelines before attempting any open water swimming.

Many of Kent's country parks and natural reserves with lakes are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be kept on leads in certain areas to protect wildlife. Leybourne Lakes Country Park and Mote Park are generally welcoming to dogs. It's always best to check specific park rules before visiting, especially regarding areas like nature reserves or designated swimming zones.

Amenities vary by location. Larger parks like Mote Park and Leybourne Lakes Country Park often feature cafes, children's play areas, and public toilets. St Andrew's Lakes offers a Wellness Centre with a sauna and hot tubs, along with rentals for water sports equipment. Many sites, especially those with visitor centers, will have parking facilities. For specific details, it's advisable to check the individual lake's website.

Cycling is a popular activity around many of Kent's lakes. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is an excellent choice, offering three cycling trails and a 10 km family paved trail, with bike rentals available on-site. Mote Park also provides cycling routes and a BMX track. For more extensive cycling adventures, you can explore routes in the Cycling in Kent guide or the Road Cycling Routes in Kent guide.

For a peaceful escape, Faversham Lakes provide a serene environment to immerse yourself in nature. Eastwell Lake is also known for its rich wildlife and tranquil setting. Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, while excellent for birdwatching, also offers a sense of desolate beauty and quiet observation.