Explore diverse habitats and wildlife at this free nature reserve featuring lakes, woodlands, and wetlands perfect for families and dog walkers.

Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve offers families a wonderful opportunity to experience nature in a beautiful lakeside setting. Managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the reserve features scenic lakes, woodlands, and wetlands that provide excellent habitats for diverse wildlife including kingfishers, waterfowl, and other native species. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks through the reserve's varied habitats, making it an ideal destination for families with young children, pushchair users, and dog owners. The outdoor setting provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, nature observation, and connecting with the natural environment. With free entry and facilities that accommodate pushchairs and dogs, it's an accessible attraction for families of all ages. The reserve is part of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's network of nature reserves dedicated to protecting precious habitats and vulnerable wildlife. Educational programs and guided experiences are available through the on-site education centre, offering families deeper insights into the local ecosystems and conservation work.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Roger Wilson

4 months ago

Pleasant wooded area surrounding a surprisingly large lake/ reservoir. Various different walking paths suitable for strollers and d lots of space for kids to run about . No public toilets as far as I can see although you might be able to try the sailing club building near the car park. One drawback is the lack of seats. There are one or two but they are certainly few and far between. Access is free, car park quite small

S

Simon Giles

10 months ago

Lovely place for a walk with circular walks around the lakes and for those wanting more, paths that lead to Broadland lakes and the Test way.

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Kwame Prime

a year ago

Wonderful promenade along the lake. Few kids enjoyed swimming on a hot 25 degrees day. The lake is very clean, and the place is really natural with trees and walking paths. A good place to visit.

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alan bushell

a year ago

Beautiful place to visit could walk for hours, great for dog walking, not much in the way of birds on the lakes though, free parking, the trails are solid in dry weather but stoney so not smooth for mobility aids but passable

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T Hartberg

a year ago

We were a group of birders visiting this nature reserve and enjoyed the scenery as well as the many bird species we saw here. There are several footpaths and at least two bird hides and we spent a good couple of hours watching and photographing.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026