Best lakes around White Roothing are found in a small village in Essex, England, known for its rural charm and historic buildings. The area features a mix of natural and ornamental lakes, providing diverse recreational opportunities. These lakes are often set within peaceful, natural landscapes, offering a tranquil escape. The region's geography includes ancient forests and historic estates, contributing to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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A great way to view the lake and even feed the ducks from the pellet machine. Great for families and walkers.
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These ponds were part of the formal gardens of Little Easton Manor. They are still part of the estate, currently used as fishing lakes. The pond at the road is called Horse Pond with the larger pond to the north called Great Pond.
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This scenic fishing lake sits on the western edge of Hatfield Forest. You can enjoy the tranquil countryside setting from a bench while watching fishermen reel in their dinner. The lake holds a poignant history as the site of the tragic Korean Air Cargo Flight crash in 1999, a sombre reminder amidst its serene surroundings.
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Hatfield Forest is an ancient royal hunting forest, and considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval forests in the world. In the past, deer were kept in the forest for hunting. Today you'll find deer aplenty still, though no longer pursued for the same reason. The forest boasts ancient trees, over 3,500 species of fungi, rare insects and a diverse array of birdlife. There's also a beautiful lake, café and river that meanders through.
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Pretty Essex village centred around the village pond. A lovely spot to stop for a breather or refreshment.
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Quaint village, site of a former royal castle, now just the earthworks left (sadly mostly obscured from view and on private property).
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Hatfield Forest is a 403.2 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Essex, three miles east of Bishop's Stortford. It is also a National Nature Reserve and a Nature Conservation Review site. It is owned and managed by the National Trust. A medieval warren in the forest is a Scheduled Monument. Hatfield is the only remaining intact Royal Hunting Forest and dates from the time of the Norman kings. Other parts of the once extensive Forest of Essex include Epping Forest to the southwest, Hainault Forest to the south and Writtle Forest to the east. Hatfield Forest was established as a Royal hunting forest in the late eleventh century, following the introduction of fallow deer and Forest Laws were imposed on areas by the king. Deer hunting and chasing was a popular sport for Norman kings and lords and the word ‘forest’ strictly means place of deer rather than of trees. In the case of Hatfield the area under Forest Law consisted of woodlands with plains.
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The area offers a mix of natural and ornamental lakes. For instance, Hatfield Forest Lake is nestled within an ancient royal hunting forest, boasting ancient trees, diverse wildlife including deer, over 3,500 species of fungi, and rare insects. The ornamental lakes at Markshall Estate, fed by Robins Brook, are home to freshwater mussels, roach, and carp, surrounded by wildflowers in spring and plants like dogwood and Himalayan birch providing autumn and winter color.
Yes, several lakes are associated with historical significance. Pleshey Village, with its village pond, is the site of a former royal castle. Hatfield Forest Lake is part of Hatfield Forest, a preserved medieval royal hunting forest and a National Nature Reserve. The lakes at Markshall Estate are rumored to have been dug by Roundhead troops in 1648, and the ponds at Lakes Near Little Easton Church were once part of the formal gardens of Little Easton Manor.
White Roothing is well-known for its fishing opportunities. The Lakes Near Little Easton Church, including Horse Pond and Great Pond, are actively used as fishing lakes. Additionally, Beggar's Hall Fishing Lake, located on the western edge of Hatfield Forest, provides a tranquil setting for anglers. Marks Hall Fishery in White Roding is a prominent angling destination, well-stocked with carp (up to 35 pounds) and catfish (up to 68 pounds), as well as roach, perch, eels, and tench.
Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. Hatfield Forest Lake offers extensive grounds for exploration, wildlife spotting, and a cafe. Pleshey Village provides a quaint setting with its village pond. At Lake Bridge, you can view the lake and feed the ducks. The Markshall Estate, while not directly in White Roothing, offers ornamental lakes where visitors can stroll, observe wildlife, and feed carp, alongside extensive gardens and woodland walks.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring is ideal for seeing wildflowers like snowdrops, daffodils, and cowslips around the lakes at Markshall Estate. Autumn and winter offer vibrant colors and scents along the Birkett Long Millennium Walk at Markshall Estate. Hatfield Forest is beautiful year-round, with diverse wildlife and ancient trees to enjoy in any season.
Absolutely. Hatfield Forest Lake is a popular spot for walks, with various trails through the ancient forest. The Markshall Estate also offers serene strolls around its ornamental lakes and through its extensive gardens and woodlands. For more structured hiking routes, you can explore the easy hikes around White Roothing, which include loops around Hatfield Forest Lake.
Yes, the region offers opportunities for cycling. While specific routes directly around the lakes might vary, you can find various cycling options in the broader area. For mountain biking, check out the MTB Trails around White Roothing. For general cycling, there are cycling routes around White Roothing that can take you through the scenic countryside near the lakes.
Yes, Hatfield Forest Lake has a cafe on-site, providing refreshments for visitors. The Markshall Estate also has facilities for visitors, including places to eat. The surrounding villages near White Roothing often have traditional pubs and cafes.
Marks Hall Fishery in White Roding is highly regarded by anglers due to its diverse and substantial fish stock. It's approximately 3 to 5 acres and is well-stocked with common and mirror carp, some reaching up to 35 pounds, and large catfish, with some reportedly weighing up to 68 pounds. It also has roach, perch, eels, and tench. The fishery offers both day tickets and annual memberships and includes a disabled swim, making it accessible to many.
The lakes at Markshall Estate are ornamental, rumored to have been dug by Roundhead troops in 1648, and are fed by Robins Brook. They are home to freshwater mussels, roach, and carp, which visitors can feed. The surrounding area includes a nuttery with Cob Nut trees and is vibrant with wildflowers in spring. The Birkett Long Millennium Walk along the upper lake is designed to offer color and scent throughout the autumn and winter months, featuring plants like dogwood and Himalayan birch.
Hatfield Forest Lake and its surrounding forest are rich in wildlife. You can expect to find deer, over 3,500 species of fungi, rare insects, and a diverse array of birdlife. The forest is considered one of the best-preserved medieval forests in the world, providing a protected habitat for these species.


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