Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth Set midway between the Solent and Poole Harbour, Christchurch Harbour is a beautiful natural harbour, and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Bournemouth Water Leisure, part of South West Lakes Trust, manages a large portion of Christchurch Harbour, including lower reaches of the rivers Stour and Avon, on behalf of South West Water. Wildlife at Christchurch A Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Harbour is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including over 300 species of birds. You might even spot an otter or a seal! This is a scenic location for a tranquil walk, and a prime spot for birdwatching. Moorings at Christchurch Bournemouth Water Leisure manage a variety of moorings and fishing in the area, from bankside and pontoon moorings in the river to self-laid moorings in the Harbour. One of the most popular areas for boating on the south coast, this is an ideal location for small to medium-sized crafts. The Royalty Moorings extend down from the River Avon and Stour, and cover about two thirds of the Harbour. Find out more here. Harbour fishing at Christchurch The Harbour, Lower Avon, Stour and Claypool are some of the best locations for Sea Trout fishing in England. The area is well-renowned for specimen Mullet and it quality Bass fishing, with the added bonus of the occasional salmon. Large Pike can be found above and around Tuckton Bridge, and Carp up to 30lbs in weight can be caught along the towpath and bandstand area. Lower Stour and the Harbour is a sports fishery where all species are returned to the water. Find out more about salmon, sea trout, bass and mullet fishing here. Find out more about coarse fishing here. Royalty fishing at Christchurch The Royalty (Avon) Fishery is the UK’s premier mixed fishery with a long and distinguished history. The fishery is open to day ticket anglers during the Coarse fishing season and to a lesser extent the Salmon fishing season. This fishery is managed by Southern Fisheries Ltd. Find out more. Did you know? The harbour was formed approximately 7000 years ago when the sea level rose at the end of the last Ice Age. Previously, the area was inhabited by Stone Age hunters. Address: Christchurch Harbour, Christchurch, Dorset Contact: [email protected] 01202 581411 50.49864700 -4.04322830 1 /burrator 1. Burrator, Devon The jewel of Dartmoor, Burrator encompasses dramatic tors, open moorland, historic settlements and a Nature Reserve. Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Burrator Reservoir offers a unique day out for families, nature enthusiasts, historians and Dartmoor lovers alike.Read more 50.78231700 -1.91036720 2 /longham-lakes 2. Longham Lakes, Bournemouth Longham Lakes, located close to the idyllic town of Ferndown in Dorset, offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. Take a leisurely stroll around the two lakes and spot an abundance of wildlife which call Longham their home. Relax on the shorelines and take part in a spot of fishing; join one of the many community clubs which use the site, or simply make the most of the amazing photo opportunities at the lakes.Read more 51.15969980 -3.93920660 3 /wistlandpound 3. Wistlandpound Reservoir, Exmoor Wistlandpound Reservoir, located on the edge of Exmoor National Park, is a haven for wildlife and provides a beautiful and tranquil setting for a woodland walk or a day spent in the great outdoors.Read more 51.06901980 -3.47484130 4 /wimbleball-lake 4. Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor Wimbleball is a hub of colour and activity throughout all the seasons. Nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, there are plenty of ways to get active at Wimbleball. With an array of walking and cycling trails winding around the 530 acre site, and a fantastic range of watersports and other activities available, this is the perfect location to spend a day outdoors – whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging expedition.Read more 50.87411610 -4.43035220 5 /tamar 5. Tamar Lakes, Cornwall Surrounded by British countryside and nestled on the Cornwall and Devon border, Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes are steeped in industrial history and rich in flora and fauna. This is an idyllic to spot to set the imagination free, stretch your legs and enjoy the peace that comes from being near water.Read more 50.18795790 -5.21579130 6 /stithians 6. Stithians, Cornwall Stithians is the largest inland water in West Cornwall, with something for everyone to enjoy: from fishing to footpaths, wildlife to watersports, and café to camping, the lake is both a hub of activity and a peaceful escape.Read more 50.51373220 -4.49422470 7 /siblyback 7. Siblyback, Cornwall Surrounded by the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is a beautiful 5km round lake circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake, and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through woodlands.Read more 50.41952630 -5.00140250 8 /porth 8. Porth, Cornwall Nestled in a valley just outside of Newquay, Porth Reservoir is a beautiful destination for a family day out, a spot of birdwatching, or angling. A designated bird sanctuary and a paradise for birdwatchers, you might spot owls, woodpeckers and kingfishers flying around.Read more 50.62296180 -4.62083450 9 /crowdy 9. Crowdy, Cornwall Crowdy Reservoir lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on the northern tip of Bodmin Moor, designated for its fantastic habitats and associated wildlife. Located a few miles from Camelford, and near the North Cornwall coastal villages of Tintagel, Port Isaac and Boscastle, the reservoir is perfectly situated for a family day out.Read more 50.53094110 -4.58808000 10 /colliford 10. Colliford, Cornwall Colliford is Cornwall’s largest inland water, with a surface area of a whopping 900 acres – that’s about 682 football pitches! Located just off the A30, the lake is a couple of miles south of Jamaica Inn, the famous smugglers’ haunt immortalised by Daphne du Maurier.Read more 50.15040610 -5.13530600 11 /argal-and-college 11. Argal and College, Cornwall Located on the outskirts of Penryn in Cornwall, Argal and College reservoirs are a beautiful setting for a family day out.Read more 50.47216970 -3.86511980 12 /avon-dam 12. Avon Dam, Devon Avon Dam Reservoir is situated in beautiful open moorland on South Dartmoor – a wonderful location for some picturesque walks. To get to the reservoir, head to Shipley Bridge, where you will find car parking and toilet facilities with disabled access, provided by Dartmoor National Park.Read more 50.52301190 -3.85527240 13 /venford 13. Venford, Devon Venford Reservoir is a hidden jewel in the midst of the craggy hills of Dartmoor National Park. The coniferous woodland provides a sheltered area to explore the countryside; why not set out on a stroll, spot wildlife and take a picnic along?Read more 50.64630520 -3.69255640 14 /kennick-tottiford-trenchford 14. Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford, Devon Discover a haven of history and beauty at three reservoirs on the eastern fringe of Dartmoor National Park. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding farmland, forests and water on a woodland walk. Follow some lovely off-road paths and footbridges; Trenchford and Tottiford are linked by a network of trails, culminating in a rugged round lake walk at Tottiford.Read more 50.70366760 -4.03921630 15 /meldon 15. Meldon, Devon Meldon is situated on Dartmoor National Park, approximately 900 feet above sea level, with stunning views over the Okement Valley. Explore open moorland, dramatic tors and a Scheduled Monument: boasting a special combination of industrial heritage, wildlife and nature trails, Meldon is the perfect location to enjoy a unique day outdoors.Read more 50.46540830 -4.15093110 16 /lopwell 16. Lopwell Dam, Devon Lopwell Dam is a beautiful spot at any time of the year; the colours and views on display are simply breathtaking. Near Plymouth, the Local Nature Reserve is home to a varied range of wildlife, both in and out of the water. Delve into Lopwell’s long history (all the way back to the 13th century!), and learn about how this peaceful haven was once a busy river quay that served Plymouth and London, with a mineshaft used for mining lead and silver.Read more 50.64110040 -3.88844200 17 /fernworthy 17. Fernworthy, Devon Near the idyllic village of Chagford, Fernworthy Reservoir is an archaeological jewel in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Walk through meadows, woodland and moorland, and take in the fascinating cultural heritage of ancient stone cairns, Bronze Age hut circles and submerged clapper bridges, while enjoying beautiful lakeside views.Read more 50.68822070 -4.23099390 18 /roadford 18. Roadford Lake, Devon Roadford Lake sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, close to Launceston on the Cornwall border. One of the biggest and busiest inland waters in the South West, the lake is surrounded by a variety of natural habitats, including Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards.Read more