Top 13 Lakes around West Horsley
Best lakes around West Horsley are found within a semi-rural village in Surrey, England, characterized by its natural landscape featuring smaller, historically significant water bodies. The area includes historic ponds on the West Horsley Place estate, notable for their ecological and conservation efforts. Nearby, recreational fishing opportunities are available at Horsley Campsite Lake in East Horsley. These water features offer insights into the region's natural heritage and provide specific amenities for visitors.
Best lakes around West Horsley
- The most popular…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Friday Street Mill Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Silent Pool
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Coxes Lock and Mill Pond
Highlight • River
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coxes_Lock?wprov=sfla1
Tip by
Tilling Springs Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Riverside Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
The reserve is home to a number of plant, animal, and rare bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and warblers.
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around West Horsley.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
To a passerby, a mill pond like the one presented here might seem ordinary, but there is another point of view: For example, in the story world of Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), who became famous with the imaginative children's books he wrote, things look quite different: Here, such a mill pond is also the extremely exciting habitat of a water sprite family. His still popular book "Der kleine Wassermann" tells wonderful stories of the adventures experienced by the family's offspring. On an audio book CD, the water sprite mother sings her son to sleep for the winter: "Little water sprite, close your eyes and get some rest, I'll sit here for a while and watch you sleep. May your dreams guide you and touch you wonderfully, and when you wake up again, a new year will begin for you."
0
0
The tow path in the Basingstoke canal, from Woking to the junction with the Wey, it is paved and smooth. The tow path in the Wey Navigation canal is more bumpy, roots etc. Apt for a gravel bike, perhaps not so for a road bike.
0
0
The lakes are just as beautiful as the pleasant wooden path through the marshland. It's very quiet here, although you can hear the noise of the nearby highway. Nevertheless, you can find and enjoy the silence here - we were thrilled by this little paradise!
1
0
Indian cafe/shop very much present & seems worth trying. If you're into gin, there's also a distillery with bar (booking might be needed).
1
0
...many feel an eerie stillness looking out over the still water surrounded by the evergreen box trees. Legend has it that this is due to the fate of a woodcutter's daughter who was surprised by a nobleman on a horse as she bathed in the pool. Having failed to lure her to the bank, he rode his horse into the water and caused the girl to move out to deeper water where she drowned. When the woodcutter returned and found her body, he also found the nobleman's hat floating on the water. It bore the crest of none other than Prince John! Source: https://www.visitsurrey.com/listing/silent-pool/66361101/
0
0
Pretty pond with loads of white ducks who came to say hello through the fence. Pond is private and in accessible
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lakes and water features can I expect to find around West Horsley?
West Horsley is characterized by smaller, historically significant water bodies rather than large, expansive lakes. You'll find historic ponds, natural pools, and mill ponds. These include the medieval fishponds at West Horsley Place and recreational fishing opportunities at Horsley Campsite Lake.
Are there any historic water features to explore in the area?
Yes, the 400-acre West Horsley Place estate features numerous interesting hydrological features, including a tiered series of long-abandoned medieval fishponds set within ancient semi-natural woodland, and a centuries-old pond. These are part of ongoing conservation efforts to enhance biodiversity.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes near West Horsley?
Yes, the Horsley Campsite Lake in East Horsley offers coarse angling. It's primarily a pleasure carp fishing lake. Fishing at this venue requires visitors to be camping at the site and to purchase a day ticket.
Are there family-friendly lakes around West Horsley?
Several spots are considered family-friendly. Friday Street Mill Pond is a beautiful, relatively quiet spot with plenty of fish, and Silent Pool is a natural monument with nearby amenities that can appeal to families.
What are some popular spots for walking or hiking near the lakes?
Many of the lakes are popular for walks. Black Pond is a calm oasis popular with dog walkers, hikers, and cyclists. For more structured routes, you can explore easy hikes around West Horsley, such as the 'Staple Way — Surrey Hills' or the 'Fairy Door in Little Wix Wood loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Easy hikes around West Horsley guide.
Are there opportunities for cycling near the lakes?
Yes, the area offers various cycling routes. You can find road cycling options like the 'Leith Hill Climb – Ranmore Climb loop from Horsley' or explore gravel biking routes such as the 'Diana Fountain, Bushy Park – Coxes Mill Pond loop from Horsley'. More information is available in the Road Cycling Routes around West Horsley and Gravel biking around West Horsley guides.
What natural features or wildlife can I observe around the lakes?
The historic ponds at West Horsley Place are part of a long-term water management project aimed at enhancing ecosystem resilience and supporting biodiversity. At Friday Street Mill Pond, you can expect to see plenty of fish, and the area around Black Pond is a calm oasis with natural surroundings.
Are there any scenic viewpoints around the lakes?
Yes, Black Pond offers a seat with a view, providing a tranquil spot to enjoy the scenery. Coxes Lock and Mill Pond is also described as a beautiful spot to visit with scenic views.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Near Silent Pool, you'll find an excellent Indian restaurant and cookery school, which offers snack takeaways. There's also a gin distillery with a bar nearby (booking might be needed). The area around Friday Street Mill Pond also has local establishments, though some may have changing availability.
Are the lakes accessible for dog walkers?
Yes, Black Pond is particularly popular with dog walkers, offering a calm environment for both pets and their owners.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around West Horsley?
Visitors appreciate the tranquil and historic nature of the water features. Spots like Friday Street Mill Pond are loved for their beauty and relative quiet, while Silent Pool is admired for its natural beauty and the unique amenities nearby, such as the gin distillery and Indian restaurant.
Most popular routes around West Horsley
Most popular attractions around West Horsley
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around West Horsley? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
