Top 13 Lakes around Swanley
Best lakes around Swanley are located within Kent, England, providing recreational opportunities and natural beauty. The area features prominent lakes within local parks and nearby country parks. These water bodies offer settings for wildlife observation and various outdoor activities. The region is characterized by its blend of managed parkland and natural landscapes.
Best lakes around Swanley
- The most popular lakes is Keston Ponds, a natural pond originally built to provide water to Holwood House. It is now a relaxed setting popular with fishers.
- Another must-see spot is Danson Park and Danson House, a historical park featuring a lake, English gardens, and an old house. Visitors can expect a picturesque landscape with lawns and a stream.
- Visitors also love Keston Common Fishponds and Heathland, a natural area with ponds and heathland. This location is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve.
- Swanley is known for its park lakes, natural ponds, and landscaped garden lakes. The area offers a variety of water bodies to see and explore.
- The lakes around Swanley are appreciated by the komoot community, with 11 upvotes and 26 photos shared.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
The Tarn
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Keston Ponds
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Keston Common Fishponds and Heathland
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Long Pond, North Park
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Danson Lake
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Tips from the Community
Big lake with lots of places to sit, there’s also a cafe nearby too.
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I ride past The Tarn whilst on a couple of my regular routes to and from favourite trails and woods - there’s a no cycling sign so I never went in until today - it’s amazing. Typically there was a couple of e bikes buzzing around but if you’re passing it’s well worth looking in. The Tarn is one of Royal Greenwich's Green Flag award winning sites. The Tarn is a beautiful wildfowl and bird sanctuary set within a charming landscaped garden, a well kept secret hidden away just off Court Road in Eltham. Many of it's original features have been retained from the 1930s, as it was originally on the grounds of Eltham Palace. There's a picnic area to sit and watch the wildlife. This unique site was purchased in 1934 when it was turned into a public park, it features a distictive green coloured lake, caused by the algae that grows on it, which makes it so popular with the many species of birds it hosts. The site was purchased in 1934 and turned into a public park and features a picnic area
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Large scenic lake with a boating area and fishing spots. Woodland trails to the bottom edge.
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I grew up in Eltham, we regularly played in North Park; there was a water fountain by the duck pond - which has since been removed, as has the adjacent hut that we’d sit in when it rained. Other wildlife frequent the pond, not just ducks, terrapins, frogs, toads and all manner of water birds. I’m not sure when this North Park duck pond has been re-christened ‘Long Pond’ .. but there’s now a pub named after it in Westmount Road… which used to be a video rental place.
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Built to provide water to Holwood House, later became popular as a bathing spot in Victorian times, and now popular with fishers.
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Take route slowly first and check for logs placed to deter motorbikes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Swanley?
Around Swanley, you'll discover a variety of lakes, from natural ponds like Keston Ponds, originally built for Holwood House, to landscaped garden lakes such as The Tarn, known for its wildfowl. There are also historical park lakes like those at Danson Park, offering picturesque landscapes and English gardens.
Are there family-friendly lakes to visit near Swanley?
Yes, several lakes around Swanley are great for families. Swanley Park features a 3-acre boating lake where you can hire pedalos, kayaks, and rowing boats. The park also has over 15 attractions, including a splash pool, play area, and miniature railway. Keston Ponds and Danson Park are also noted as family-friendly destinations.
Where can I go for a walk around lakes near Swanley?
For lakeside walks, consider Lullingstone Country Park, which has several marked trails like the White Woodland Walk and the Black Lullingstone Loop, exploring ancient woodlands and water bodies. Keston Common Fishponds and Heathland also offers natural areas for walking. You can find more walking routes in the area by checking out the easy hikes around Swanley guide.
What kind of wildlife can I spot around the lakes?
The lakes around Swanley are rich in wildlife. At Swanley Park Lake, you can observe various wildfowl. Lullingstone Country Park's lakes and ponds attract diverse species, including kingfishers, herons, grass snakes, dragonflies, and damselflies. The Tarn is specifically noted as a wildfowl and bird sanctuary.
Are there any historical sites near the lakes?
Yes, Danson Park and Danson House is a historical park featuring an old house and English gardens. Nearby Lullingstone Country Park, while not in Swanley itself, is close by and offers access to historical sites like Lullingstone Roman Villa and Lullingstone Castle, which can be explored via its walking trails.
Can I go cycling near the lakes in Swanley?
Absolutely. The region around Swanley offers various cycling opportunities. You can explore routes like the 'Darent Valley Loop from Swanley' or 'The Lamb Inn – Swanley and Lavender loop from Swanley'. For more options, refer to the cycling around Swanley guide or the road cycling routes around Swanley guide.
What is special about Keston Common Fishponds and Heathland?
Keston Common Fishponds and Heathland is a significant natural area. It is registered as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has Ancient Scheduled Monument status. It has also been designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), making it a valuable spot for nature enthusiasts.
Is there a lake with a bird sanctuary near Swanley?
Yes, The Tarn in Eltham is a beautiful wildfowl and bird sanctuary set within a charming landscaped garden. It features a distinctive green-colored lake, popular with many bird species, and offers a picnic area for visitors.
Are there any lakes suitable for fishing?
Keston Ponds is a natural pond that has become popular with fishers, offering a relaxed setting for this activity.
What facilities are available at Lullingstone Country Park?
Lullingstone Country Park provides a visitor centre with a café, toilets, and a shop. It also has an education centre for groups, making it a well-equipped destination for a day out near its lakes and trails.
What makes Danson Park a popular destination?
Danson Park and Danson House is loved for its picturesque landscape, featuring a lake, English gardens, lawns with a stream, and an old house. It offers a beautiful setting for relaxation and exploration.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Swanley?
While specific seasonal advice isn't always available for every lake, spring and summer are generally ideal. Lullingstone Country Park's chalk grasslands, for example, burst with orchids and wildflowers during these seasons, enhancing the natural beauty around its water bodies.
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