Best lakes around Driffield offer a variety of natural landscapes and recreational opportunities in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The market town is surrounded by waterways, including the Driffield Navigation, which connects to the River Hull. The area features diverse lake environments, from large freshwater meres to smaller fishing lakes and glamping sites. These bodies of water provide habitats for wildlife and serve as locations for outdoor activities.
Last updated: April 17, 2026
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
It’s a wide open space, with lake, wildfowl, children’s play area, bandstand and public toilets near the entrance by the church.
0
0
Great flowing surface track with a quality turns through the lakes.
1
0
Great cafe situated next to a lake. With outside seating on the decking (if you’re very lucky you might get to see otters) open from Wed-Sun 9:00- 16:00
1
0
Open: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm. A beautifully located café with wooden decking platform and glass allowing you to observe the wildlife, while drinking a great warming coffee or tea (on a crisp winters day) and delicious home make cake. A real gem!
0
0
Nice flowy route, good surface and fun corners
0
0
The Cotswold Water Park is the UK’s largest marl lake system. Covering an area of 40 square miles, it boasts more than 150 lakes set across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and West Oxfordshire. Many of the lakes and areas have been designated as nature reserves and are home to myriad wildlife. As the park covers a large area, it is free to enter. However, you do have to pay to enter the beach and activity centre. For more information, visit: https://www.waterpark.org/.
2
0
The lakes and waterways around Driffield offer a diverse range of experiences, from Yorkshire's largest freshwater lake, Hornsea Mere, to historical canals like the Driffield Navigation, and specialized fishing lakes. You'll find opportunities for birdwatching, watersports, tranquil walks, and even glamping with lakeside views.
For watersports, Hornsea Mere offers rowing, sailing, and boat trips. Dacre Lakeside Park is also a great option for windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Kingfisher Lakes provides kayaking opportunities in a peaceful setting.
Hornsea Mere is a prime location for birdwatching. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area, it hosts a diverse range of bird species, including migratory gadwall, reed warblers, little egrets, kingfishers, and water rails, especially around its extensive reedbeds.
Yes, the area is well-known for fishing. Star Carr Lakes offers two coarse lakes and a specialist carp lake, known for excellent catches. Oakland Waters is another family-run fishery with multiple lakes catering to various fishing preferences, including large carp and catfish. Fishing is also available at Hornsea Mere and Dacre Lakeside Park.
You can find lakeside paths at Hornsea Mere, including a 10km circular trail. The Driffield Navigation also offers varied landscapes for walkers. For more structured routes, you can explore various hiking trails, cycling routes, and running trails around the Driffield area, many of which pass by or near the lakes.
Absolutely. Dacre Lakeside Park is a family-friendly destination with a wide range of activities like adventure golf and bike hire. Abbey Grounds Park also features a lake, wildfowl, and a children's play area. Hornsea Mere offers boat trips suitable for families, and Kingfisher Lakes provides a peaceful retreat with kayaking.
Yes, the Driffield Navigation is historically significant for its role in trade, connecting Driffield to the River Hull and the Humber Estuary. Hornsea Mere also has historical importance, having been used by the Royal Naval Air Service during World War I.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for watersports, walking, and wildlife spotting, especially for migratory birds at Hornsea Mere. The glamping sites like Kingfisher Lakes are also popular during warmer months.
Yes, for example, the Dragonfly Café & Visitor Centre is beautifully located next to a lake, offering outside seating and views of wildlife. Many of the larger parks and towns nearby, such as Hornsea, also have cafes and pubs.
For a unique experience, Kingfisher Lakes offers luxury log cabins, yurts, and safari lodges, many with lakeside views and private hot tubs. Dacre Lakeside Park also provides various accommodation options, from camping pods to luxury lodges.
Most popular lake destinations and parks, such as Hornsea Mere, Dacre Lakeside Park, and the various fishing lakes, typically offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. It's always advisable to check specific location details before your visit.
The region boasts diverse natural features. At Hornsea Mere, you'll find extensive reedbeds and mature woodlands. Kingfisher Lakes is known for its mature willow trees and frequent sightings of herons and kingfishers. The Driffield Navigation offers a blend of natural river scenery and engineered canal sections.
Still not found your perfect lake around Driffield? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
Sign up for Free