Best lakes around Theydon Garnon are found in the surrounding Epping Forest area and nearby villages, as Theydon Garnon itself is a small civil parish in the Epping Forest district of Essex, England. These accessible lakes contribute significantly to the recreational and natural appeal of the wider district. They offer diverse experiences, from peaceful contemplation and walks to various fishing opportunities. The area provides a natural landscape for outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Strawberry Hill Pond is located within Epping Forest and provides a peaceful retreat perfect for a rest and picnic following a forest walk. The pond is enveloped by conifers and sweet chestnut trees and has a very tranquil and pleasant feel to it. There's a little wooden bench next to the water where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere.
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run to the back of Strawberry Hill Ponds off the main path. Into some fun single trails towards the Green Ride.
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Tranquil oasis in the middle of Epping Forest. It can get busy at the weekends, but it's a really nice spot to stop and take a breather.
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You'll find the Boating Lake in Hainault Forest Country Park, a little slice of peaceful, green paradise away from the urban sprawl. The London LOOP trail goes past it, so if you're walking and fancy a chance at seeing the area from the water, why not stop and take a boat out? You can hire traditional rowing boats by the hour. If you're happy on land, the lake is a nice place to stop for a snack.
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A peaceful pond in the middle of the forest, originally a gravel extraction pit but now since reclaimed by nature.
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This is on the Epping Forest Centenary Walk - an easy day walk is from Chingford to Epping, with plenty of time to sit and admire this beautiful location along the way. Great in June/July with all the young wildlife around!
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The path around the lake is a foot path only, so please push your bike.
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For scenic walks and natural beauty, consider Connaught Water, known for its wildlife and proximity to Chingford. Strawberry Hill Pond offers a peaceful retreat enveloped by trees, perfect for a rest or picnic. Blackweir Pond, also known as the 'Lost Pond,' is considered one of Epping Forest's most picturesque and tranquil spots.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Connaught Water, Strawberry Hill Pond, and Blackweir Pond are all considered family-friendly within Epping Forest. Additionally, the Boating Lake at Hainault Forest Country Park offers rowing boat hires, which can be a fun family activity.
The area offers diverse fishing opportunities. For fly fishing, Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery in Epping provides spring-fed lakes with rainbow and brown trout. For carp fishing, A12 Cuton Lakes are a popular venue. Stollies Lake in Theydon Mount offers fishing for London Anglers Association members, and Theydon Green Pond in Epping is a coarse fishing lake that does not require a permit.
Permit requirements vary by location. For Stollies Lake, you need a London Anglers Association membership and an Environmental Agency Rod Licence. Theydon Green Pond, managed by the Conservators of Epping Forest, does not require a permit for coarse fishing. Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery operates on a catch/keep or release basis, and you can inquire about their specific rules and tackle hire directly.
Yes, you can. The Boating Lake at Hainault Forest Country Park allows visitors to hire traditional rowing boats by the hour. Highams Park Boating Lake is also a tranquil spot to relax by the water.
The Boating Lake at Hainault Forest Country Park is listed as dog-friendly. Many areas within Epping Forest are generally welcoming to dogs, but it's always advisable to check specific rules for each location, especially regarding lead requirements, to protect wildlife.
The lakes, particularly within Epping Forest, are rich in wildlife. Connaught Water is especially known for its diverse wildlife. You can often see various bird species, especially around Strawberry Hill Pond, and the open countryside around Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery also attracts a variety of wildlife.
Beyond the lakes, the area offers excellent opportunities for hiking and road cycling. You can find numerous routes, such as easy hikes like the Gernon Bushes Nature Reserve loop or more challenging ones like the Epping Thicks – Theydon Bois village loop. For road cycling, options range from easy loops around Epping to moderate routes like The Blue Egg cafe loop. Explore more options on the hiking and road cycling guides for Theydon Garnon.
Yes, many of the lakes offer easy walking paths. The path around Connaught Water is a popular and accessible footpath. Strawberry Hill Pond and Blackweir Pond also provide tranquil settings for leisurely strolls within Epping Forest.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for spotting young wildlife and enjoying picnics, with June/July being particularly good around Connaught Water. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and even in winter, the tranquil settings provide peaceful walks.
While Theydon Garnon itself is small, the wider Epping Forest area and nearby villages offer options. The Boating Lake at Hainault Forest Country Park is a nice place to stop for a snack. For more substantial options, you'll find cafes and pubs in nearby towns and villages like Epping and Theydon Bois, which are easily accessible from the lake areas.
Blackweir Pond, often called the 'Lost Pond,' is renowned for being one of Epping Forest's most picturesque and tranquil spots. It's a serene natural escape, perfect for quiet contemplation or fishing, and was originally a gravel extraction pit now reclaimed by nature.
Many of the popular lakes within Epping Forest, such as Connaught Water and Highams Park Boating Lake, have nearby parking facilities, making them relatively accessible for visitors. It's always a good idea to check specific parking details for your chosen destination before your visit.


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