Hidden away in Longham, you could live here for years and never know these are here. Two peaceful lakes to walk around and escape the craziness of everyday life for an hour or so. You can also go fishing here

Curiously these are not natural lakes, but man made. In fact these lakes may one day be the source of water for all locals if there is ever an issue with the local river water supply. If this ever happens these lakes (or really reservoirs) are ready to be of service!
Constructed in 1994 in what was previously a quarry, they lakes now contain 1 million cubic metres of water and involved the planting of about 3500 trees. There are now around 180 different species of birds that can be found at the lakes.

Check out their websites as they have been known to hold great educational events for children, that can make a fun and different day out.

Depending on you ability the walk around the two lakes can take anything from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, but there is the option to just walk around one or the other. and cut through the walk way in the middle – be warned though this middle section can get muddy!
The combined length of the walk around both lakes is around 1.5 miles.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. Due to the size of the pathways and dogs and walkers it is not suited for cyclists.

Fun Fact: Whilst the quarry was being dug into to create the lakes artefacts dating back to the Bronze age were found!

Getting There: Ringwood Road, Ferndown, BH22 9AB

Parking: If have a permit for the Longham Lake Car Park – £25 per year, you can park here. However if you do not have a permit there is a layby along Ringwood road after the kings arms, but before the lake, there is a pathway at the end of the layby on your left. Follow this through to a kissing gate.
Or perhaps have a drink or bite to eat at the Kings arms and use their car park with a path way at the back left corner that leads to the lakes as well via a stile.

Cost: Free

Website: Longham Lakes, Bournemouth | South West Lakes Trust (swlakestrust.org.uk)