Top 4 Lakes around Stratton

Not a lake. The water "behind" Up Cerne Manor is a specific formal water feature—a serpentine canal pond—as well as the River Cerne itself, which flows through the valley just behind the house. ​Here is the breakdown of what you see in that specific area: ​1. The Serpentine Canal ​Directly to the west (behind the main house structure), there is a long, formal canal. It is distinct for its "serpentine" or curved shape. This was a classic 18th-century landscaping technique designed to make formal water appear more natural and graceful while still functioning as a grand garden feature. ​2. The River Cerne ​The house is nestled in the valley floor, and the River Cerne flows immediately behind the grounds. It is a classic English chalk stream, known for its crystal-clear water and abundance of brown trout. The river was used historically to feed the manor's ponds and create the water meadows that characterize the landscape. ​3. The Water Meadows ​The flat land directly behind the manor consists of ancient water meadows. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these were highly engineered systems of "carriers" and "drains" used to divert river water across the grass to prevent frost and encourage early spring growth for sheep. Today, they appear as lush, damp pastures that provide a scenic backdrop to the house.

Lovely aspect whcih you can se in the great photo. Good spot when doing any number of walks in Puddletown forest and around. Harye's Cottace neatby - I think you have to book with he National Trust currently.

An important watering hole for wildlife and the resident Dartmoor ponies, Rushy Pond buzzes with dragonflies and damselflies, whilst the pond’s surface is often disturbed by a newt surfacing for air or a grass snake on the hunt. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage/things-to-see-and-do-at-hardys-cottage

fabulous landscaped gardens at all times of year, especially the autumn

If you look towards the coast while running along this path, you'll be able to see in the distance parts of Chesil Beach and the famous The Fleet, with St Catherine's Chapel crowning the hilltop above it all.

Minterne House was originally built in the 18th century, and the estate has been in the Digby family for several generations. The real highlight of Minterne is its exceptional gardens. Often referred to as one of England's finest and most romantic gardens, Minterne Gardens cover approximately 20 acres and feature a diverse range of landscapes, plantings, and water features. For opening times and prices: https://minterne.co.uk/

Nationally important Minterne Magna Gardens - famous for their Himalayan gardens. Dependent on the season, tea, coffe and cake on the terrace over looking capability brown inspired landscaped gardens

Rushy Pond is home to a wealth of wildlife including Grass Snakes, Palmate Newts and Dragonflies and Damselflies. On hot summer days, you may often find our resident ponies in the pond taking a cooling dip.