Best lakes around Petersfield are characterized by a blend of historical significance and natural beauty, often set within heathland or village landscapes. The area features Petersfield Heath Pond, a notable 22-acre body of water surrounded by 69 acres of heathland, known for its Bronze Age barrows. This region offers various ponds and lake-like experiences, providing opportunities for walking and nature observation.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Popular around Petersfield
Shipwrights Way — Hike through the heart of the South Downs to the sea
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These trout fishing ponds at Meon Springs make for a nice scenic, tranquil break. Especially so, as there is a cracking little cafe here with views out over the ponds. I had a great little snack here and found the staff and fishermen to be very friendly. It made my day!
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This beautiful Norman Church of St. Mary’s that we see today was built between 1150 and 1200, but was preceded by a smaller one that is listed in Domesday Book of 1086. Whether or not it was a Saxon building is not certainly known but the manor of Mapledurham, of which Buriton was the centre, was Saxon.
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Forest Mere is an area of enchanting woodland with sweeping green trees and sandy trails set next to a tranquil lake. It's home to Champney's, a popular health spa. A public bridleway runs through the resort, offering a scenic lakeside cycling experience.
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A lovely stop with food stall. We just had a hot chocolate and cookie. The walk up the Southdowns Way in the direction of Winchester is lovely. We walked from Petersfield along the Southdowns Way and earlier in the year from Old Winchester Hill. Both lovely.
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The village of Buriton enjoys an idyllic setting at the foot of the downs, complete with a duck pond. Next to the pond is the Church of Saint Mary, a beautiful building dating back to the 12th Century. <https://southdownsdiscovery.com/destination-guides/buriton/>
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Snacks and drinks including some vegan and vegetarian options.
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Yes, several lakes around Petersfield are great for families. Buriton Church and Pond offers an idyllic village setting with a duck pond. Petersfield Heath Pond, though technically a pond, features a popular children's play area and accessible paths. Folly Pond and Forest Mere Lake are also noted as family-friendly spots within natural settings.
Petersfield Heath Pond offers a scenic circular Millennium Path, suitable for various abilities. For more extensive walks, Forest Mere Lake is surrounded by enchanting woodland with sandy trails, including a public bridleway. You can also find easy hiking routes that incorporate Petersfield Heath Lake, such as the 'Petersfield Heath Lake – Petersfield Heath loop' or 'Petersfield Town Centre – Petersfield Heath Lake loop'. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Petersfield guide.
Petersfield Heath Pond is a haven for wildfowl, including ducks, Egyptian geese, moorhens, coots, and swans, making it excellent for birdwatching. Folly Pond, part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is home to 17 dragonfly species and breeding birds like stonechat, wood warbler, and tree pipit.
Yes, Petersfield Heath Pond is surrounded by an ancient heathland featuring 21 Bronze Age barrows, one of the most complex Bronze Age burial sites in southern England. The pond itself was created in 1735. Additionally, next to Buriton Church and Pond stands the beautiful 12th-century Church of Saint Mary, adding to the historical charm of the area.
Petersfield Heath Pond features accessible paths, including the circular Millennium Path, which is suitable for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters, ensuring everyone can enjoy the scenery.
The lakes are picturesque year-round. Autumn offers wonderful reds, golds, and yellows reflected in the tranquil waters of places like Folly Pond. Summer allows for boating activities at Petersfield Heath Pond. The Millennium Path around Petersfield Heath Pond is suitable for walks in all seasons.
Yes, at Petersfield Heath Pond, you can hire rowing boats and pedalos during the summer months. Fishing is also permitted at Petersfield Heath Pond, with day tickets available from a water bailiff. Whitewool Pond at Meon Springs is known for trout fishing.
Many outdoor areas around Petersfield are dog-friendly. The Plump Duck café by Petersfield Heath Pond is dog-friendly, and the heathland surrounding the pond is popular for dog walks. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors.
Beyond walking, the Petersfield area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as those in the Road Cycling Routes around Petersfield guide, and running trails, detailed in the Running Trails around Petersfield guide. Forest Mere Lake has a public bridleway suitable for cycling.
Yes, by Petersfield Heath Pond, you'll find The Plump Duck café, offering snacks, beverages, and ice cream. It's also dog-friendly. At Meon Springs, which includes Whitewool Pond, there's a café with views over the ponds, offering snacks and drinks. Meon Springs also has a tap to refill water bottles.
For more details about Petersfield Heath Pond and the surrounding heath, you can visit the official Petersfield Town Council website: petersfield-tc.gov.uk/the-heath/ or the Visit Petersfield site: visitpetersfield.co.uk/the-heath/.
Folly Pond is located at the heart of Forest Mere, offering tranquil water views. It is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, characterized by woodland, heath, and bog, and is notable for its diverse ecosystem, including 17 species of dragonflies and various breeding birds.


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