Best lakes around Nunnington are primarily found in the surrounding North Yorkshire area, as Nunnington village itself features the River Rye rather than prominent natural lakes. The River Rye meanders through the village, offering tranquil settings and riverside walks, particularly around Nunnington Hall. For those seeking larger water bodies, the region offers a variety of picturesque lakes and reservoirs within a short distance. These natural features contribute to the scenic landscape and provide opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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You can also get a different view of the reservoir if you approach along the footpath from east of Pond Head Farm .
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Two ornamental ponds in the grounds of Castle Howard, shown on a 1774 estate map as a fish-pond. The ponds are divided in two by a bank on which Obelisk Bridge stands and are fed from Preserve Pond to the west. If you look east, you can see Dairies and Keepers Cottages.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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This is a lovely fishing lake right next to Birkdale Farm. It certainly offers a sense of peace and solitude here, in the lovely setting of the surrounding woodlands and hills. There is a boating hut on the bank, plenty of easy spaces for a picnic and space for parking nearby. If you would like to fish, one can hire fishing rods from the farm.
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The actual access to the reservoir is prohibited (a locked gate), so this is the closest and best you can get to. It's lovely place to stay at - very peaceful. Because it's inaccessible to the public, it also seems wild and serene. A great place to look at.
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This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed, not to mention the swans. On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!
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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to walk to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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Nunnington village itself is primarily characterized by the River Rye, which meanders through the area. While there are no prominent natural lakes within the village, the River Rye offers tranquil settings and riverside walks, particularly around Nunnington Hall.
Yes, several lakes near Nunnington are suitable for families. Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods is a lovely spot for walks. Additionally, the area around the Boathouse Café on the Great Lake offers picnic tables and an adventure playground for children.
For a picturesque experience with well-managed paths, visit Lower Fish Pond. It features beautiful blue waters on sunny days and little piers on its banks, making it ideal for leisurely strolls.
Yes, Birkdale Farm features a lovely fishing lake. It offers a sense of peace and solitude amidst woodlands, with a boating hut and spaces for picnics. Fishing rods can be hired from the farm.
Beyond the lakes themselves, you can expect to see diverse natural features. For example, Higher Fish Pond is nestled within Yearsley Woods, offering a forest environment. The View of Oulston Reservoir provides a wild and serene perspective of the water from a distance.
The area around Nunnington's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes, such as the Nunnington Hall and Caulkley Bank loop. Road cycling routes like the Nunnington Hall loop to the Vale of Pickering are also popular, as are running trails like the Cawton and Stonegrave loop.
Yes, the View of Oulston Reservoir offers a peaceful and wild perspective of the water from a distance. While direct access to the reservoir is prohibited, this viewpoint provides a serene place to observe it.
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty. Many enjoy the picturesque settings, such as the amazingly blue waters of Lower Fish Pond on a sunny day, and the peaceful solitude found at places like Birkdale Farm.
Yes, the Boathouse Café, located right on the bank of the Great Lake, offers stunning views, picnic tables, and a place to relax. Additionally, Birkdale Farm provides easy spaces for a picnic near its fishing lake.
When visiting Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods, it's important to note that while maps may show two ponds, only one remains. The other has been drained and is now marshland. The remaining pond is a lovely spot for walks.
The River Rye, which flows through Nunnington, offers opportunities for tranquil riverside strolls. You can enjoy walks along its banks, including a circular walk from Nunnington Hall that follows a scenic section of the river.


Still not found your perfect lake around Nunnington? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.