Northumberland’s lakes and reservoirs

Idyllic locations

Clear waters, idyllic views, waterside walking routes and intriguing wildlife can all be expected at Northumberland’s lakes and reservoirs. Challenge yourself to watersports, explore cycling routes and traverse picturesque trails in our waterside locations.

Beauty spots and country parks

From breath-taking Derwent Reservoir in the North Pennines, to picturesque lakes in our Country Parks including Druridge Bay Country Park, Bolam Lake Country Park and Kielder Water and Forest, we have spots perfect for picnics, watersports , wildlife watching, bird spotting and adventures.

North Pennines

Prepare to be blown away by the intense views of the North Pennines, one of the most remote and unspoilt places in England. This landscape of tumbling waterfalls and vast heather moors, where peatlands meld with ancient hay meadows, holds the double accolade of being a designated National Landscape and Britain’s first UNESCO European and Global Geopark.

Bolam Lake Country Park

Bolam Lake Country Park is situated in the heart of the beautiful Northumberland countryside surrounded by historic landscapes and dramatic views.

Druridge Bay Country Park

Druridge Bay Country Park includes three miles of beautiful beach and sand dunes, as well as a 100 acre lake surrounded by woods and meadows. The variety in the landscape and pleasant coastal environment ensures you of an enjoyable visit.

Redesdale

Meadows flushed with fauna, an enchanting forest, trickling streams and a tranquil valley characterise Redesdale, which is tucked away in Northumberland National Park and covers almost a quarter of it.

Sun setting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Ashington

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Country Park, Local Nature Reserve

Sitting unexpectedly in Northumberland’s industrial town of Ashington, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park offers a stunning area

Lakeside locations

Seek out lakeside destinations in our remote villages boasting cobbled streets, stonefront cottages, flower-filled entryways and hidden gem beauty spots across the region. Whether you choose to explore some of the lakes along Northumberland’s coast, or in the heart of the countryside.

Bellingham

Bellingham is a historic market town and with its village charm, riverside setting and spectacular countryside, it will be a retreat to remember. B&Bs, traditional pubs and stone cottages can be found in the village, with waterfalls, trails and cycling routes just waiting to be explored.

Blanchland

Beneath a woodland cloak in a fairytale setting amongst the fells, sits the storybook, small village of Blanchland. Built from the stones of Blanchland Abbey in 1165, it seemingly hasn’t changed since, and murmurings of its fascinating history echo in the moors.

Falstone

Surrounded by stunning woodlands, local and traditional village activities, and home to a 1.5 acre play park, Falstone is fun for all ages.

Kielder Village

Rustic, remote and practically hidden, Kielder is encompassed within the woodland of Kielder Water & Forest Park. With its low-slung stone cottages, it is an idyllic springboard for a number of activities that the surrounding forest has to offer.

Waterside adventures and activities

Pack up your rod and go fishing on our clear lakes, or dig deeper and explore the water up close with our fantastic watersports, from paddleboarding at Druridge Bay Country Park, to fully accessible activities and watersports for everyone with Calvert Kielder.

Looking for adventure

Fishing

From smaller streams to rivers and coasts, Northumberland is home to incredible game, river and coarse fishing spots. Enthusiasts can make the most out of our multiple venues and plan an unforgettable fishing trip here.

Find out more

Water sports

Dive with grey seals, stand up paddle board into the sunset, and row along rivers with Northumberland water sports. The incredible Northumberland coastline, lakes and rivers let you explore off-shore, and we have excellent providers offering equipment rental and lesson bookings.

Find out more

Featured location

Kielder Water & Forest Park

Kielder Water & Forest Park homes the largest man-made lake in the UK, where nature hides line the water’s edge, stunning walking routes are interlinked and incredible wildlife can be admired. Feel the thrill of watersports, visit Kielder Castle and cycle along the lake’s banks in Northumberland.

Find out more

Make it personal

With endless experiences, it’s impossible to see and do everything Northumberland has to offer. Create a personal profile and we’ll tailor the site to show you the best and most relevant content for you.

Get Started