Fleet Pond
Fleet Pond
4.5
About
Fleet Pond is the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire and the nature reserve has 54.6 hectares (141 acres) of varied habitats. The pond itself occupies approximately half of this area. The surrounding land features heathland, woodland, reedbed and marsh, and is home for many species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and wild flowers. Fleet Pond is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI.) The area is managed by the Hart District Council Countryside Ranger Service in partnership with the Fleet Pond Society which provides generous support to the Countryside Rangers as well as offering exciting volunteer opportunities for the local community. The Fleet Pond Restoration Project is run in partnership between Hart District Council, Fleet Pond Society, Natural England and the Environment Agency. To help restore Fleet Pond Nature Reserve to a healthier and more valuable amenity for wildlife and people. The sites main car park is situated just off of Cove Road (A3012) it is FREE to park here. There is a height restriction of 2.1m. Fleet Train Station car park can also be used and has quick access to the site. However this is charged Monday-Saturday. Fleet Pond also has a designated picnic area. Surfaced paths make access easy for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles. There is NO FISHING at Fleet Pond until the season opens on the 16th June. Please keep dogs under close control.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
254 reviews
Excellent
153
Very good
83
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
1
SuzieCWright
3 contributions
Jan 2020
Whether you want to walk the dog or just get away from the rat race, Fleet Pond gives you a complete reconnection with Nature with woodland, heathland, wetland and the pond itself. A truly beautiful and tranquil nature reserve in the midst or urban chaos.
If you want to go further, Fleet Pond has a fantastic group of volunteers who get together to help manage and nurture the reserve while having fun, meeting new friends and learning new skills. Do grab a picnic (and binoculars) and treat yourself to a beautiful, natural, free experience.
If you want to go further, Fleet Pond has a fantastic group of volunteers who get together to help manage and nurture the reserve while having fun, meeting new friends and learning new skills. Do grab a picnic (and binoculars) and treat yourself to a beautiful, natural, free experience.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RugbyDave50
Bagshot, UK380 contributions
Jan 2021
Free parking - hooray! Interesting bumpy road to take you there. May need seasickness pills!!!
But worth the effort.
This is a really well laid out stroll round a beautiful lake with loads of wildlife. Some very different plants and trees. surrounded by idyllic streams, bridges and wooden walkways.
Shame about the railway station and it's car park and the intrusive residential housing. Well worth an hour's stroll - enjoy!!
But worth the effort.
This is a really well laid out stroll round a beautiful lake with loads of wildlife. Some very different plants and trees. surrounded by idyllic streams, bridges and wooden walkways.
Shame about the railway station and it's car park and the intrusive residential housing. Well worth an hour's stroll - enjoy!!
Written January 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabanaca
14 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Fleet pond is the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire. That means that in the entire county of Hampshire, there is no larger expanse of water. Anywhere. Due to its incredible size, it is commonly referred to as 'one of God's greatest achievements', and ancient local folklore tells us that it is only due to a typo in an early edition of the OS maps that the body of water now called 'Fleet Pond' had its name accidentally swapped with the tiny puddle we now call the 'Pacific Ocean'.
The migration of the Loch Ness Monster to Fleet in its desire to up size from the rather cramped Loch Ness was rather overshadowed in the news by the recent expenses scandal, and so you should be aware if sunbathing on the expansive white unspoiled beaches of Sandy Bay that sightings are not uncommon. You should not be alarmed, however, as this creature is actually a herbivore.
An interesting day trip is to get the train around Fleet Pond. While the train deviates rather far from the pond, there are some great views at the beginning and end of the journey. Simply take the South West Train service to Woking, change and head to Portsmouth and Southsea. Change here, and heading towards Cardiff Central get off at Bath Spa. From here, simply head back towards London, changing at Reading for the train to Basingstoke where you take your final change back to Fleet.
For the brave few who attempt to walk around the only freshwater lake in Hampshire visible from space, remember this challenge is not to be taken lightly. The hike takes nearly 45 minutes, and most people attempt it only with the help of a dog. This is necessary due to the arduous nature of the journey, Fleet Pond being renowned for its extreme weather conditions, which can be anything from freezing cold snow to a scorching 30°C, with widely reported incidences of cloud, fog, and even scattered showers.
All in all, this is a magnificent place that can only be seen to be believed. The locals grow up in awe of the stories which circulate about this magnificent body of water, while strangers are often naive and later regret not taking heed of the ancient tales. With a little respect for this global treasure, however, you too will find yourself enraptured by its mesmerising aura and beauty.
10/10 will go again.
The migration of the Loch Ness Monster to Fleet in its desire to up size from the rather cramped Loch Ness was rather overshadowed in the news by the recent expenses scandal, and so you should be aware if sunbathing on the expansive white unspoiled beaches of Sandy Bay that sightings are not uncommon. You should not be alarmed, however, as this creature is actually a herbivore.
An interesting day trip is to get the train around Fleet Pond. While the train deviates rather far from the pond, there are some great views at the beginning and end of the journey. Simply take the South West Train service to Woking, change and head to Portsmouth and Southsea. Change here, and heading towards Cardiff Central get off at Bath Spa. From here, simply head back towards London, changing at Reading for the train to Basingstoke where you take your final change back to Fleet.
For the brave few who attempt to walk around the only freshwater lake in Hampshire visible from space, remember this challenge is not to be taken lightly. The hike takes nearly 45 minutes, and most people attempt it only with the help of a dog. This is necessary due to the arduous nature of the journey, Fleet Pond being renowned for its extreme weather conditions, which can be anything from freezing cold snow to a scorching 30°C, with widely reported incidences of cloud, fog, and even scattered showers.
All in all, this is a magnificent place that can only be seen to be believed. The locals grow up in awe of the stories which circulate about this magnificent body of water, while strangers are often naive and later regret not taking heed of the ancient tales. With a little respect for this global treasure, however, you too will find yourself enraptured by its mesmerising aura and beauty.
10/10 will go again.
Written July 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Viviko
Surrey104 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
The access to the car park crosses a bridge at a blind entrance which is only signposted from one direction. Not a good start.
There are potholes a plenty on the way down and no signs until you reach a solitary map where you have to work out colour coded route options. Keep things simple and stroll to the right of it, along the path towards the carved wood picnic seating area with an overview of multi-coloured cows.
Bring your dog, sturdy footwear and and empty bladder as beyond that, the wooded paths undulate and wind down to (not unexpectedly) a pond.
Voila!
You're done.
Head home for tea and cake or back to the picnic area ponder why you came ... but beware that nasty blind exit back onto the main road!
There are potholes a plenty on the way down and no signs until you reach a solitary map where you have to work out colour coded route options. Keep things simple and stroll to the right of it, along the path towards the carved wood picnic seating area with an overview of multi-coloured cows.
Bring your dog, sturdy footwear and and empty bladder as beyond that, the wooded paths undulate and wind down to (not unexpectedly) a pond.
Voila!
You're done.
Head home for tea and cake or back to the picnic area ponder why you came ... but beware that nasty blind exit back onto the main road!
Written August 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustinPetersen
London, UK112 contributions
Jun 2021
My friend invited me here to meet up, watch your sat nav carefully if you're arriving via the M3 or you'll the miss the turn for it.
Once you arrive, after a short walk through the woods, you'll be greeted by one heck of a view, I went "this isn't a pond - it's a bloomin lake" of which it is a pond, I'll let you search out why.
This place has free parking, the road is full of holes so don't go racing down the road and it'll take about 60 - 90 mins to walkaround - you can take different routes which are well mapped and signposted, there's even places you can setup for the day and during awesome sunny weather - this would be a great suggestion.
The train station literally sits next to it, and you can access it from the station car park. I don't jog, but I'd suggest it for joggers as it's flat, the ground isn't hard and we met lots of them!
Fleet centre is about a 10 minute drive from the pond and there's a pub nearby if you need refreshments after a long walk.
Once you arrive, after a short walk through the woods, you'll be greeted by one heck of a view, I went "this isn't a pond - it's a bloomin lake" of which it is a pond, I'll let you search out why.
This place has free parking, the road is full of holes so don't go racing down the road and it'll take about 60 - 90 mins to walkaround - you can take different routes which are well mapped and signposted, there's even places you can setup for the day and during awesome sunny weather - this would be a great suggestion.
The train station literally sits next to it, and you can access it from the station car park. I don't jog, but I'd suggest it for joggers as it's flat, the ground isn't hard and we met lots of them!
Fleet centre is about a 10 minute drive from the pond and there's a pub nearby if you need refreshments after a long walk.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debzb60
Greasby, UK286 contributions
Mar 2020
We have walked here quite a few times now as our daughter and husband live very close by, it’s a lovely place to walk and enjoy the nature, it’s very popular with joggers and dog walkers, it’s such a beautiful relaxing area, definitely recommend if in the area.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saju k
Fleet, UK9 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
First up all it is free! Good exercise of walking. Enjoyment of duck feeding! Fresh air beautiful landscapes. Fantastic for family trip. Hands off from the mobile and you will enjoy talking each other in a open place which guards by woods and birds !
Written October 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nesamoolian
125 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
Lovely place to walk with dogs and kids. Always wildlife to see and hear with different birds throughout the year.
Needs more bins, too many dog poo bags in the undergrowth.
Needs more bins, too many dog poo bags in the undergrowth.
Written October 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlendaK345
Glasgow, UK24 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
Truly lovely area. Lots of good paths and the pond itself is beautiful. There’s also the large field area adjoining. Do check the clear notices about military training though. Not a wonderful experience if you take your own dog/s as it’s frequented by large numbers of inconsiderate professional dog walkers who let dogs run loose in the car park and up to dogs on lead without checking, don’t supervise their packs well and often lack control. Do check for green blue algae August to October and keep your pets etc away from the pond then although the streams etc are fine.
Written September 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lodgielodge2
Fleet, UK58 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Gorgeous lake which is very well kept. The pathways are well maintained and ideal for buggys, bikes and runners. Lots of nice little seating areas around the pond and even a 'beach' area for the dogs and kids to enjoy
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long is the walk?
donnasteve461
Worthing, UK34 contributions
There is 3 different walks, ranging from 30mins following the coloured indicators
helentraveller1976
Hampshire, UK29 contributions
Where is the best place to park to reach Fleet Pond?
Sue B
London, UK21 contributions
You can park for free in car park - avoid if good weather or get there early. Table Crow have given you directions. When you park, can go around lake or over fields and another section of woods. Just be wary of cattle grazing but everyone well dog walkers will tell you where they are. Service station is currently closed.
can I swim here?
June W
Camberley, UK163 contributions
dont know but would not think so......
Fleet Pond - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Fleet Pond
- Hotels near Fleet Pond:
- (0.46 mi) Premier Inn Fleet hotel
- (3.11 mi) Aviator Hampshire
- (1.10 mi) Lismoyne Hotel
- (3.02 mi) SACO Aparthotel Farnborough
- (9.43 mi) May Fields Guest House
- Restaurants near Fleet Pond:
- (0.21 mi) Heron on The Lake
- (0.19 mi) The Greenhouse
- (0.19 mi) Ancell’s Fish & Chips
- (0.18 mi) New Era
- (0.42 mi) The Station
Fleet Pond Information
Excellent Reviews | 152 |
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Very Good Reviews | 83 |
Fleet Pond Photos | 87 |