Best lakes around Histon are primarily located in the surrounding areas, as Histon itself features smaller waterways rather than large natural lakes. The adjacent village of Impington hosts Cawcutts Lake, a managed water body known for fishing and peaceful walks. Within Histon, local waterways like The Brook on The Green and brooks in Long Meadow and Croft Close Nature Reserve provide ecological and recreational value. These areas support diverse wildlife and offer opportunities for strolls and nature observation.
Last updated: June 14, 2026
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The Quarry Pool at Anglesey Abbey, also known as the Mill Pool, is a former coprolite pit and lime quarry, located south of Lode Mill. It was later developed with a grass ramp and terrace by Lord Fairhaven around 1935, during the renovation of Lode Mill. The pool is known for its reflections and has been a popular spot for wildlife sightings, including kingfishers
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An idyllic landscape between ponds and small lakes. A place to rest and enjoy.
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Parking is £2. There is a portaloo and a bin in the carpark. This hike was limited in what you could see, in August the trees and weeds blocked most of the view. For safety note that the pathway takes the narrow road that cars are entering and exiting. There are two crossings over the guided path where the buses are traveling at speed. The first part of the walk by the Ouse was lovely as was the last part on a field where you ton off by the weight limited bridge. I would imagine in winter the path would be a mush pit.
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The cycleway passes between a series of scenic lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries, now a nature reserve. The path is often flooded and unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring though.
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The tarmac cycle lane runs parallel to the bus-way, both providing an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. Cycle-parks at each major bus stop.
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The bus whizzes through the yellow grain landscape like oiled lightning. The intercity bus from Cambridge to St Ivy rolls over a special lane bus track and reaches an impressive speed. Today he transports the four of us to the "Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve", in the lake landscape we hike and do "birdwatching". “Fen Drayton Lakes was originally a flooded sand and gravel pit bordering river floodplains. Today the area is a magnet for a variety of wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. There is something to see (and hear) here all year round.” (https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fen-drayton-lakes/)
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Part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, Far Fen Lake is recognisable by the island near its eastern shore.
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On Stow cum Quy Fen is a small rectangular pond. It is likely this is a filled in pit from the 19th century when coprolite was quarried in the area. Then a valuable fertiliser, coprolite is apparently dinosaur dug. The area is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
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While Histon itself doesn't have large natural lakes, it features several significant water bodies. These include The Brook on The Green, which is part of nearly eight miles of waterways within the parish, and brooks running through Long Meadow and Croft Close Nature Reserve. These areas offer ecological value and opportunities for peaceful strolls and nature observation.
Yes, the most notable lake in the immediate vicinity is Cawcutts Lake in the adjacent village of Impington. It's known for accessible fishing opportunities and a permissive right of way around its perimeter, offering a peaceful spot for walks despite its proximity to major roads.
For nature observation, Far Fen Lake, part of the RSPB Nature Reserve, is a magnet for wildlife including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese. Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve also supports a variety of wildlife in its scenic lakes. Within Histon, Long Meadow and Croft Close Nature Reserve are excellent for spotting local flora and fauna, including water voles, kingfishers, frogs, and newts in their smaller water features.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Stow cum Quy Fen Pond is listed as family-friendly. Milton Country Park Lakes offer wide paths, benches, and shade, perfect for family walks. Additionally, Long Meadow and Croft Close Nature Reserve in Histon are suitable for family strolls and nature hunts.
You can find a variety of walking experiences. Cawcutts Lake offers peaceful perimeter walks. Long Meadow and Croft Close Nature Reserve provide natural spaces for strolls and dog walking. For longer routes, the Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve features scenic paths between lakes. Be aware that some paths, especially around Fen Drayton Lakes, can be flooded between autumn and spring, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Absolutely. The Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve features an amazing tarmac cycle lane that runs parallel to the bus-way, offering beautiful water views and an excellent link between Huntingdon and Cambridge. You can find more cycling routes in the MTB Trails around Histon and Gravel biking around Histon guides.
Yes, within Histon, Long Meadow and Croft Close Nature Reserve are managed by Histon & Impington Green Spaces. Long Meadow has a brook running alongside it, supporting diverse wildlife. Croft Close Nature Reserve includes a small pond area, home to frogs, newts, and other species. Both are excellent for nature observation.
The areas are generally enjoyable year-round. For wildlife spotting, Far Fen Lake and Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve offer something to see and hear all year. However, some paths, particularly around Fen Drayton Lakes, can be waterlogged or unpassable for road bikes between autumn and spring, and Croft Close Nature Reserve can be waterlogged in winter. Summer and spring offer lush greenery and active wildlife.
Many of the natural areas around Histon are suitable for dog walking. Long Meadow and Croft Close Nature Reserve are popular spots for dog walkers. Milton Country Park Lakes also explicitly mentions being perfect for walking dogs. Always ensure dogs are kept under control and follow local guidelines for nature reserves.
Cawcutts Lake in Impington is noted for being 'happily undisturbed,' making it a peaceful spot for walks. The brooks in Long Meadow and Croft Close Nature Reserve within Histon also offer quiet natural settings. Additionally, the View of the Lake highlight describes an idyllic landscape between ponds and small lakes, perfect for rest and enjoyment.
The komoot community highly appreciates Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, which is the most popular lake area with a cycleway. Users also love Far Fen Lake for its wildlife and Stow cum Quy Fen Pond for its unique character.
Yes, Stow cum Quy Fen Pond is a small rectangular pond believed to be a filled-in pit from 19th-century coprolite quarrying, a valuable fertilizer at the time. This area is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
For Far Fen Lake, there is parking available for £2, which includes a portaloo and a bin. For other locations like Long Meadow and Croft Close Nature Reserve in Histon, parking might be available in nearby village areas, but specific dedicated parking for these smaller local features is not always provided.
Yes, there are several running trails in the area. While not exclusively around lakes, many incorporate scenic natural elements. You can explore routes in the Running Trails around Histon guide, which includes options like the 'Impington Windmill – The Station House Café loop from Girton' and the 'Westwick to Histon Path loop from Histon'.


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