Petersfield Lake: Address, Phone Number, Petersfield Lake Reviews: 4.5/5
Petersfield Lake
Petersfield Lake
4.5
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Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
60 within 3 miles
The Natural Food Deli
223
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Healthy
Lemongrass
398
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Malabon
221
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Bangladeshi • Vegetarian Friendly
The Plump Duck
112
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • British
The Townhouse
213
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Wine Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Fez
548
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Turkish
Cafe Mezzo
93
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • British
Josie's
158
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • British
Upstairs at The Folly Wine Bar and Restaurant
159
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • International • European • British
La Piazzetta
467
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Attractions
15 within 6 miles
Petersfield Physic Garden
173
0.5 miGardens
Petersfield Museum
21
0.5 miArt Galleries • History Museums
The Petersfield Bookshop
10
0.7 miAntique Shops
West Sussex Falconry
186
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Butser Ancient Farm
239
Historic Sites
Uppark House and Garden
565
Historic Sites • Gardens
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
383
Parks
Paint Pots and Parties
13
2.7 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Harting Down
29
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
Ballards Brewery
3
Breweries
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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
253 reviews
Excellent
165
Very good
80
Average
8
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Paul T
Waterlooville, UK362 contributions
We recently took our Grandsons to the lake, who had an enjoyable afternoon. My only negative comment would be that during our visit I saw three cat size rats in and around the banks of the lake. Personally with so many children running around the lake there were far to many rat traps on view, I understand this is an ideal location for rats the council should do more to get rid of them before someone gets bitten.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ellie1145
Horndean, UK1,194 contributions
With all the worry about Coronavirus it was wonderful to walk round the lake on this, a beautiful March day.
The lake is absolutely stunning at the moment and extensive work is being done to improve it even further. Diggers are dredging and removing the silt, trees and shrubs have been cut back giving great views across the lake and plenty of safe areas to feed the ducks have been formed.
There is a brand new walkway to the south of the lake which is not yet open but which looks amazing. Can’t wait for it to open.
On the other side of the lake there are several paths onto the Heath, and plenty for children to explore and run safely. Our little grandson loves it here.
One of his particular joys is finding the hidden rocks which some wonderful people leave for children to find. What a fantastic idea. It’s magical to watch him look for them, especially if he is lucky enough to find one.
There are boats to hire (later in the season) hundreds of assorted ducks, geese, swans and moorhens. Today the swans were gliding around with their feathers raised, they made a beautiful and regal sight.
The only downside is the huge number of dogs, many of them running wild. Our grandson has a fear of dogs and is petrified when a huge unruly dog bounds up to him. Pity dog owners can’t be more caring. Don’t tell us ‘he’s won’t hurt a fly!’ There is absolutely no way people can guarantee that, and it’s only polite to keep them under control when you see a child is obviously frightened.
The other bug bear is dog owners who allow their beloved dogs to foul the paths and grass and don’t pick up their faeces. It’s absolutely disgusting.
There is a cafe with outdoor seating as well as a covered area, ideal for a drink, ice cream, cake or even soup.
There are toilets next to the cafe which are pretty clean.
Car parking is to the east in a large car park.
The lake is absolutely stunning at the moment and extensive work is being done to improve it even further. Diggers are dredging and removing the silt, trees and shrubs have been cut back giving great views across the lake and plenty of safe areas to feed the ducks have been formed.
There is a brand new walkway to the south of the lake which is not yet open but which looks amazing. Can’t wait for it to open.
On the other side of the lake there are several paths onto the Heath, and plenty for children to explore and run safely. Our little grandson loves it here.
One of his particular joys is finding the hidden rocks which some wonderful people leave for children to find. What a fantastic idea. It’s magical to watch him look for them, especially if he is lucky enough to find one.
There are boats to hire (later in the season) hundreds of assorted ducks, geese, swans and moorhens. Today the swans were gliding around with their feathers raised, they made a beautiful and regal sight.
The only downside is the huge number of dogs, many of them running wild. Our grandson has a fear of dogs and is petrified when a huge unruly dog bounds up to him. Pity dog owners can’t be more caring. Don’t tell us ‘he’s won’t hurt a fly!’ There is absolutely no way people can guarantee that, and it’s only polite to keep them under control when you see a child is obviously frightened.
The other bug bear is dog owners who allow their beloved dogs to foul the paths and grass and don’t pick up their faeces. It’s absolutely disgusting.
There is a cafe with outdoor seating as well as a covered area, ideal for a drink, ice cream, cake or even soup.
There are toilets next to the cafe which are pretty clean.
Car parking is to the east in a large car park.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK23,075 contributions
It is many a year since I visited the Lake, so I was pleased when a group of friends suggested a circuit before moving into the town for lunch. Views are stunning, with the expanse of the Lake itself and the distant views of the Hampshire Hills. Waterfowl in variety with some unusual feathered residents add to the enjoyment. A circuit is over a mile, so there are health benefits as well
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rob
Hayling Island, UK5 contributions
Friends
Beautiful place for family with young children, visited twice in a month. There’s a cafe that sells coffee and and ice creams. Play area for little children. There’s benches and table to sit and eat, you can hire boat for 30 mins for £12
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A.G Furnival
67 contributions
Solo
As a nature lover I was keen to head to Heath Pond in Petersfield and wasn’t disappointed. There was lots of birds both in the water and out, including Canadian geese, Egyptian geese, greylag geese, mallards, cormorants, gadwalls, coots, moorhens, mute swans, goldfinches and sparrows to name a few. It’s a great setting and the boardwalk is sympathetic to the ponds design.
For me the issue is that in adding a play area and cafe it detracts from the natural setting of the pond and increases noise and people at the site who don’t care about the nature and as a result make a lot of noise and litter etc. It’s a minor niggle but prevented me from giving it the full 5 stars.
For me the issue is that in adding a play area and cafe it detracts from the natural setting of the pond and increases noise and people at the site who don’t care about the nature and as a result make a lot of noise and litter etc. It’s a minor niggle but prevented me from giving it the full 5 stars.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
p0wer.pixie
Petersfield, UK68 contributions
Solo
Perfect way to build up my exercise level. During this lockdown and being very lucky to live within walking distance to this lake - I had to start moving!!
The lake is perfect and at the moment the weather has been awesome. A lot of development going on to improve the existing wildlife, which is amazing - including the new walkway. Be warned, water rats run across the path from time to time 😱
The lake is approx 1.3kms so you can either take a leisurely stroll or plug in your music and power walk round it 👍🏽
The lake is perfect and at the moment the weather has been awesome. A lot of development going on to improve the existing wildlife, which is amazing - including the new walkway. Be warned, water rats run across the path from time to time 😱
The lake is approx 1.3kms so you can either take a leisurely stroll or plug in your music and power walk round it 👍🏽
Written April 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John B
Portsmouth, UK143 contributions
What a lovely walk when the sun is shining... We took some special duck and swan food and made hundreds of new friends...ok, most were Geese, Ducks, Swans, Coots, Moorhens and a gazillion assorted chicks, but that is ok... A nice boardwalk section that is relatively new keeps you away from the busy main road and plenty of shade around the lake is good to have when it is hot. Free to use and the car park is currently free as well, so all good.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christopher I
Haslemere, UK115 contributions
As regular visitors, before the pandemic, my wife & I were finally confident to visit the pond again this morning. We were really pleased to see all the work that has already been done with plenty more to follow. The new boardwalk has made such a massive improvement with visitors now able to walk comfortably along that stretch of the pond. One way system seems to work well, in most areas, but would benefit from a few more signs around the pond. The new wildlife islands are a welcome addition & were well populated by a whole range of birds who seem happy with the new surroundings.
Well done to everybody for making Heath Pond an even better place to visit than it was before & I'm sure will attract many more visitors - Thanks
Well done to everybody for making Heath Pond an even better place to visit than it was before & I'm sure will attract many more visitors - Thanks
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
julie038
Newport, UK25 contributions
Very clean open recreational space. Suitable for all ages, from small children in
the playground to walking all around the perimeter of the lake. Plenty of wild life to be seen
masses of ducks and swans, boating is allowed on the lake. Good place for a picnic and
to relax and spend a few hours in the open.
the playground to walking all around the perimeter of the lake. Plenty of wild life to be seen
masses of ducks and swans, boating is allowed on the lake. Good place for a picnic and
to relax and spend a few hours in the open.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew Cox
2 contributions
Family
Very pleasant walk around the lake today. They have been busy dredging and building wildlife islands and reinforcing the banks.
Lots of bird life and a healthy looking water rat.
Lovely park for small people and refreshments available, even if you are vegan, which you should be.
One star off for nasty fishermen and brown water. Water may have been to do with the works.
Lots of bird life and a healthy looking water rat.
Lovely park for small people and refreshments available, even if you are vegan, which you should be.
One star off for nasty fishermen and brown water. Water may have been to do with the works.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
are there benches around the lake
Peter M
Cowplain, UK27 contributions
Yes plenty.
Is there toilets?
bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK23,075 contributions
Not sure, but it is only a 10/15 minute walk into town and there are a number of toilets there including public ones
Can I paddleboard in the lake.
Jenny H
Petersfield, UK10 contributions
No, it is purely rowing boats and paddle boats
I Would Like to Know is there a specfic place you have to Fish
Al M
Headley, UK37 contributions
the bailiff comes round and you are not allowed to fish along the front of the play area and café . it is marked on the information board
I would like to know if there is a disabled toilet there please
G M
Shropshire, UK146 contributions
I'm not sure either but I bet the cafe could advise you if you called them - they are really friendly.
Mitsie C
Portsmouth, UK9 contributions
is it wheelchair friendly?
Trossy2015
Portsmouth, UK282 contributions
I would say it is wheelchair friendly - the path does narrow when you get to the wooden boardwalk part if you are going the whole way round the lake, but the ground is pretty even in most part a couple of parts are slightly rough. You don't HAVE to walk the entire way round - there is a fab café to have a cuppa, a piece of cake or even buy some bird food!
stephcufley
england13 contributions
Are you allowed to have bbqs here? Thanks :)
Trossy2015
Portsmouth, UK282 contributions
I have never noticed anyone having a bbq before! I wouldn't have thought so though. There is a path way behind the trees slightly away from the lake that is less obvious? They have cut the trees back all around in recent weeks.
There is a cafe - nice food but a bit on the expensive side I thought!
Debborah G
Hayling Island, UK7 contributions
I know how to get to the lake but do not know where the car park is . Can someone tell me where the car park is please
brightangel
England46 contributions
Driving from the town on the southern side of the lake, the car park is on the left at the far end on that side. It's a free car park. You can also find parking in the treats around it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Petersfield Lake
- Hotels near Petersfield Lake:
- (0.41 mi) JSW
- (1.31 mi) Premier Inn Petersfield Hotel
- (0.48 mi) The Causeway Guest House
- (0.65 mi) The Old Drum
- (0.62 mi) The Good Intent
- Restaurants near Petersfield Lake:
- (0.21 mi) The Plump Duck
- (0.45 mi) The Natural Food Deli
- (0.41 mi) Lemongrass
- (0.42 mi) Malabon
- (0.64 mi) Fez