Best lakes around South Heighton, a village in East Sussex, offers a variety of aquatic attractions, primarily focused on managed fishing waters and tranquil lakeside settings. While large natural lakes are not a prominent feature, the area provides recreational opportunities for angling and nature appreciation. The region is characterized by its proximity to the South Downs National Park, offering a blend of managed waters and natural landscapes. These locations provide options for those seeking outdoor activities and peaceful retreats.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Peaceful and surprisingly scenic cut through that offers a different side of Lewes.
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Decent cafe for a coffee or refuel - tempting whaff of bacon butties...
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Built in 1860 and fed by a spring, Pells Pool is the oldest freshwater lido in the country that is still operating.
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Set amongst 120 acres (49 ha) of green landscape, Arlington Reservoir is a designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest which is home to many different animal species. The best place to watch the wildlife is from the Osprey bird hide on the northwest bank. Look out for cormorants, swallows, mallards, coots, Canada geese, and black swans. Popular with birdwatchers and fishermen, the reservoir also serves water to around 2.1 million people in East Sussex.
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A scenic river valley country park set in rolling farmland alongside grass topped white chalk cliffs in the South Downs National Park. It’s most famous for the iconic Seven Sisters (Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Brow, Flat Brow, Bailey’s Hill and Went Hill) and for the ox-bow lake on the River Ouse, which could have come out of a geography school book!
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Stand up on your bike to see this natural pool over the wall on your left!
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The village of Arlington boasts a charming medieval church, a race track and a reservoir. However, it is the walks in the nearby Wilmington Woods that will enchant walkers the most. This is particularly true in the warmer months, when bluebells magically transform the woodland trails.
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A fantastic example of the dew ponds that are scattered across the South Downs. Dew ponds are artificially made bodies of water, typically at the top of hills that are well-draining, to make sure that there is water availability for livestock. Interesting little spot with great views of Lewes.
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South Heighton features a mix of managed fishing ponds, historical lidos, and natural oxbow lakes. The area is particularly known for its professionally managed coarse fisheries, such as those within Three Ponds Holiday Park, and the diverse Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse.
The primary fishing locations are within Three Ponds Holiday Park, which includes Oak Pond, Kingfisher Pond, and Heron Pond. Another highly regarded spot is The Old River, a three-quarter-mile coarse fishery managed by the Seaford Angling Club, known for its diverse and abundant fish population.
Yes, Arlington Reservoir is a designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. You can observe various species like cormorants, swallows, mallards, and even black swans, especially from the Osprey bird hide on its northwest bank.
Three Ponds Holiday Park offers a peaceful retreat with lakeside walks and a children's play area, making it attractive for families. Additionally, highlights like Arlington Reservoir, Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse, and Jill's Pond are categorized as family-friendly.
Yes, Pells Pool in Lewes is a notable historical site. Built in 1860 and fed by a spring, it is the oldest freshwater lido in the country that is still operating.
Oak Pond is well-stocked with a variety of coarse fish, including common carp, crucian carp, tench (some reaching double figures), roach, pike, and perch. It's known for providing opportunities to catch larger specimens.
Yes, the area offers various walking opportunities. Three Ponds Holiday Park provides lakeside walks and direct access to the South Downs. For more structured routes, you can explore easy hikes around South Heighton, such as the Ouse Valley loop, which can be found in the Easy hikes around South Heighton guide.
Jill's Pond is a fantastic example of a dew pond, which are artificially made bodies of water typically found on hilltops to provide water for livestock. It offers interesting views of Lewes.
Beyond fishing and lakeside strolls, the proximity to the South Downs allows for walking and cycling. You can find various running trails, such as the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve loop, in the Running Trails around South Heighton guide, or explore gravel biking routes like the Firle Beacon summit loop in the Gravel biking around South Heighton guide.
Yes, the Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse is located within a scenic river valley country park where visitors can enjoy views of the iconic Seven Sisters, alongside the distinctive oxbow lake itself.
Heron Pond within Three Ponds Holiday Park is known for having a larger head of carp compared to Oak Pond, offering a different challenge for carp anglers. The Old River also boasts carp up to 20lb.
The warmer months are particularly enchanting, especially when bluebells transform the woodland trails near places like Wilmington Woods Bluebell Walk. However, the managed fishing ponds and nature reserves offer enjoyable experiences year-round for fishing, birdwatching, and tranquil walks.


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