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Pack a Picnic! 10 Family-Friendly Parks with Lakes You’ll Love This Summer…

Posted by Kat Heath on 24 May 2025

With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan fun-filled days outdoors with the family. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a scenic walk, spot wildlife with the kids, or relax by a peaceful lake, nature offers something for everyone. To make your planning easier, I’ve put together a list of family-friendly parks and nature reserves that feature beautiful lakes and plenty of space for little ones to explore, play, and make lasting memories.

10 Family-Friendly Parks with Lakes You’ll Love This Summer (some close and further afield)

MORDEN HALL PARK (National Trust)
Morden Hall Road,
Morden
SM4 5JD
FREE
Refreshments & Toilet facilities on site.

A firm favourite with our family and locals alike, Morden Hall Park which is managed by National Trust is a lovely oasis of green within south London.
There are stunning Wetlands, where you can often spot various birds, the stunning Rose Garden, beautiful woodland all alongside the River Wandle where you can paddle or simply enjoy laying on a blanket watching the river flow by on a hot summers day.
A definite must!
For more information visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park

BEDDINGTON PARK
Church Road,
Wallington
SM6 7NN
FREE
Refreshments and toilet facilities on site
(Pavilion cafe)

Another favourite for many local families, Beddington Park is a popular spot when the weather gets hot!
Covering up to 58 hectares, there is something for the whole family including; woodland walks and wildlife, formal gardens, a newly refurbished play area as well as The River Wandle which runs through the park culminating in a lake in the Grange Garden. A great spot to paddle on a hot summers day!
For more information visit:
https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/parks-and-facilities-beddington-park-the-grange

HOGSMILL (and nature reserve)
Ewell (access from Ewell Village on corner of Chessington Road)
FREE
Refreshments and toilets available at The Secret Garden Cafe: Ewell Court
(Subject to opening times)

A beautiful piece of tranquility within suburbia, The Hogsmill area has been recently transformed into a nature reserve where various wildlife and birds such as Kingfishers can be seen!
A great spot for a picnic, a paddle or a relaxing stroll!
For more information visit:
https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/venues-sport-and-leisure-facilities/parks/local-nature-reserves/hogsmill-local-nature

CRYSTAL PALACE PARK
Thicket Road,
London
SE19 2GA
FREE
Refreshments & Toilet facilities on site.

A childhood favourite of mine, Crystal Palace park in south-east London, is a Grade 2 listed park with a rich history dating back to the 1850s being centred around the re-location of The Crystal Palace from central London which was the largest glass building of the time and housed various historical events.
The park is now home to the infamous dinosaur statues, woodland trails, vast playground areas as well as a boating and fishing lake! An all time favourite for many south Londoners.
For more information visit: https://www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org/

SOUTH NORWOOD COUNTRY PARK & LAKES
Elmers End Road,
BR3 4EH
FREE
No refreshment facilities currently

Nestled in the Surrey/Kent suburbs, South Norwood Lakes boasts 125 acres of wildflower meadows, wetland areas where various types of birds and wildlife can be spotted, as well as a vast lake.
Currently the visitor centre is undergoing refurbishment.
For more information visit: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-and-playgrounds/parks-and-playgrounds-directory/south-norwood-country-park

FRENSHAM GREAT PONDS
Bacon Lane
Farnham
GU10 2QB
FREE
Refreshments and toilet facilities on site

Frensham Common is a stunning area of Surrey heathland.
It is one of the largest open areas within the Weald and designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is protected as a Special Protection Area
Covering 922 acres Frensham Common is made up of dry and wet heath.
Within the common lies the Frensham Ponds which is very similar to a beach setting and a place where many enjoy the water within its scenic surroundings.
A great place for paddle on a hot day!
For more information visit: https://www.waverley.gov.uk/services/greenspaces-leisure-and-things-to-do/greenspaces-in-waverley/key-sites/frensham-great-pond

FRENSHAM LITTLE PONDS (National Trust)
Priory Lane,
Frensham
GU10 3BT
Free
Refreshment and toilet facilities available on site

Managed by National Trust, Frensham Little Ponds is a tranquil area of beauty and enjoyable for the whole family.
Frensham Little Pond is an important site which supporting various habitats including dry and wet heath, ponds, reedbeds as well as woodlands.
Enjoy the beautiful Little Pond Family walking trail where you can spot various wildlife alongside the stunning ponds.
The National Trust state swimming is not permitted due to the protection of the wildlife on and in the water.
For more information visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/frensham-little-pond/things-to-see-and-do-at-frensham-little-pond

VIRGINIA WATER LAKE
London Road,
GU25 4QF
FREE
Refreshments and toilet facilities available on site

Originally created as Royal pleasure ground, Virginia Water lies on the edge of Windsor Great Park.
The 2-mile-long lake is loved by families with great areas to walk and enjoy its scenic beauty.
The Leptis Magna Ruins consists of a beach style setting, where children can paddle, however swimming is not advised.
For more information visit: https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/explore/the-park/virginia-water/

EARLSWOOD LAKES/COMMON
Woodhatch Road,
Reigate
RH2 7QH
FREE
Refreshments and toilet facilities on site

This stunning area of Lakeland is located on the A2044 (opposite Connick Tree Care) just outside Reigate.
Often sited are many different species of wildlife such as roe deer and birds such as Kingfishers and herons.
There are stunning lakeside views and areas of woodland amongst the beautiful Earlswood common.
A beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon.
A favourite spot with my family and friends.
For more information visit: https://www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/info/20083/countryside/75/earlswood_common

BUCKLAND PARK
Park Lane Drive
Betchworth
RH3 7FE
Admission prices apply
Refreshments and toilet facilities available on site

This little gem remained a secret until recently! A unique space boasting 100 acres of tranquility with woodland trails, walking trails and a small sandy beach with a stunning lake this really is a special place to visit with your family on a hot day!
Pre booking is required to use beach area.
For more information visit: https://bucklandparklake.co.uk/

All information correct at time of writing.
Please observe recommendations and safety guidelines when visiting areas featured.

Enjoy!

Kat xx

 

Posted by:

Kat Heath

Kat Heath is a qualified beauty therapist and a mum of two boys, Harry and Elliott. Kat also has been a marketing ambassador and blogger for many on-line mummy sites as well as working as a therapist for Decleor, Clarins and Guinot within Selfridges, Peter Jones and John Lewis. Her passions are fashion, interiors, wellbeing and food!