Best lakes around Broxted are found in the surrounding area, as the village itself does not feature prominent lakes. The region offers a variety of water features, including historic estate ponds and forest lakes. These areas provide opportunities for walking and observing nature. The landscape around Broxted is characterized by ancient woodlands and meadows, with several ponds hosting diverse wildlife.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
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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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Need to pay for car entrance at the National Trust forest. Check opening times as they can stop letting cars in after a certain time.
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Bought a coffee from the National Trust cafe and sat near to the lake in Hatfield Forrest.
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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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Debden Park is a very small lake in Essex at an altitude of about 76 meters. The shoreline of Debden Park is approximately 2.331 Km round and Debden Park's depth is comparatively very shallow. Debden Park is a freshwater lake.
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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 most popular lakes in the area include Hatfield Forest Lake, which is part of an ancient royal hunting forest, and the Lakes Near Little Easton Church, which were once part of formal gardens. Visitors also enjoy Beggar's Hall Fishing Lake for its tranquil setting.
Yes, several lakes around Broxted are family-friendly. Hatfield Forest Lake offers diverse wildlife and a café, making it suitable for families. The Lakes Near Little Easton Church are also considered family-friendly, as is Beggar's Hall Fishing Lake and Debden Park Lake.
The lakes around Broxted offer a variety of natural features. Hatfield Forest Lake is set within an ancient royal hunting forest, featuring ancient trees, diverse fungi, rare insects, and birdlife. Nearby, Brookes Nature Reserve contains ponds within ancient woodland and meadows, home to common frogs, smooth newts, and protected great crested newts.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. The Lakes Near Little Easton Church are currently used as fishing lakes. Additionally, Beggar's Hall Fishing Lake is a scenic spot where you can observe fishermen. In the broader vicinity, Braxted Back Lake, Braxted Front Lake, and Braxted Reservoir are well-regarded angling destinations known for carp and other coarse fish.
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, you can explore various outdoor activities. For gravel biking, consider routes like the 'Flitch Way — East section' or 'Sweeping Country Lane' which can be found in the Gravel biking around Broxted guide. Running enthusiasts can find trails such as 'Pebbles Lane – Rowney Wood' or 'Coffee Stop' in the Running Trails around Broxted guide.
Yes, some lakes have historical significance. Hatfield Forest Lake is part of Hatfield Forest, which is considered one of the best-preserved medieval royal hunting forests globally, dating back to the Norman kings. The Lakes Near Little Easton Church were originally part of the formal gardens of Little Easton Manor.
Visitors particularly enjoy the ancient royal hunting forest setting of Hatfield Forest Lake. It's appreciated for its ancient trees, diverse wildlife including deer, and the presence of a café. Many find it a beautiful spot to relax by the water after a walk.
When visiting Hatfield Forest Lake, be aware that there is a car entrance fee for the National Trust forest. It's advisable to check opening times, as they may stop admitting cars after a certain hour. You can also enjoy a coffee from the National Trust café near the lake.
While specific trail difficulties aren't always detailed for each lake, places like Hatfield Forest Lake offer paths suitable for walking within the forest. For dedicated running trails, you can explore options in the Running Trails around Broxted guide, which includes routes like 'Running loop from Uttlesford' that are rated as easy.
Yes, you can find mountain biking opportunities. The MTB Trails around Broxted guide features routes like 'Fleur-de-Lys Pub – View of Fields Near Newport loop' which is rated as easy, and 'Flitch Way road crossing – Bannister Green Halt loop' for a moderate challenge. These routes offer a way to explore the wider area, potentially near some water features.
Debden Park Lake is a small freshwater lake located in Essex. It has a shoreline of approximately 2.331 km and is comparatively shallow. It's considered family-friendly and offers a peaceful natural setting.
While not a 'hidden gem' in the traditional sense, the ponds within Brookes Nature Reserve, managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, offer a unique experience. These ponds are nestled among ancient woodland and meadows and are home to common frogs, smooth newts, and protected great crested newts during their breeding season, providing a quiet spot for nature observation.


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