
Pickmere Lake
A picturesque Cheshire lake offering serene walks, invigorating cold water swims, and stunning sunset views. A natural escape for outdoor enthusiasts....

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking

Pickmere Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque Cheshire lake offering serene walks, invigorating cold water swims, and stunning sunset views. A natural escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
"A certified hidden paradise, perfect for paddleboarding, canoeing, and enjoying the sunset. "

🚗 Parking is Scarce!
Limited parking available; arrive early or face fines. Consider the village hall car park. 🚗
👟 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.2 · 56 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pickmere Lake Waters
The lake itself
Crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and canoeing. A refreshing escape into nature.

Sunset Serenity
Lakeside
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the water, often accompanied by yoga and breathwork sessions.

Lakeside Walks
Pathways around the lake
Enjoy scenic walks with opportunities for birdwatching and peaceful contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pains & Patrols
Respect the Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Scarce!
Limited parking available; arrive early or face fines. Consider the village hall car park. 🚗
👟 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
♻️ Take Your Litter Home
Help keep Pickmere Lake beautiful by disposing of waste responsibly. ♻️
🏊♀️ Embrace the Cold Water
The lake is popular for cold water swimming. Be prepared for chilly temperatures! :cold_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Scarce!
Limited parking available; arrive early or face fines. Consider the village hall car park. 🚗
👟 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
♻️ Take Your Litter Home
Help keep Pickmere Lake beautiful by disposing of waste responsibly. ♻️
🏊♀️ Embrace the Cold Water
The lake is popular for cold water swimming. Be prepared for chilly temperatures! :cold_face:
🧘♀️ Wellness Retreats
Check out @the.farm.club for yoga, breathwork, and swimming experiences. :lotus_position:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pickmere Lake is praised for its natural beauty and suitability for water activities like swimming and paddleboarding, with many enjoying the serene lakeside walks and stunning sunsets. However, visitors frequently highlight significant issues with extremely limited parking, leading to fines and towing, and a concern over litter left behind.
"Rural police came to the lake and gave out so many tickets and even towed 4 cars away, thats just what im aware of! There is little to no parking for this lake and the amount of rubbish left around the place was horrible!"
Of_Horse_And_Hoof
"I don’t think my photos give it justice. 🤭☺️😅 Oh but this is a certified hidden paradise (but not so hidden anymore now?)! 😍 I’m glad we’ve discovered it. I’ve never been on a paddle board before but braved it and now thanks to this lake I can’t wait to do it again! 😬😁😅 What a wonderful experience! 🤗❤️ The sunset was beautiful! The place is just perfect, with loads of people and/or families coming to paddle board and canoe and swim, all respecting each other’s boundaries. It was lovely sharing the space too with the ducks and the swans! 🦆🦢💕 FOC, just a small carpark outside though. Still, here’s hoping the bare beaut of it does not get spoiled. 🙌🏽🥰"
Marie Antonette
"This small lake put the Mere in Pickmere!
Pickmere is a charming little village in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, a couple of miles from Marbury. Satnav setting WA16 0JP will find a small free parking area by the village hall on the edge of the Mere..
Once at the Mere turn left and follow the well marked pathway clockwise around the water. There are a lot of latched gates on the way round so it's not particularly suitable for prams or pushchairs. The trail is loose soil and gets muddy quickly so take appropriate footwear. It was VERY muddy for my visit but we've had lots of rain.
At the head of the Mere is a wooden bridge where the marked footpath ends.
However, there is a Permissive footpath (private land where passage is allowed but no public right of way) that takes you right around the Mere.
There is one bench at the start to sit and watch the water and a few spots around the water to watch the bird life. On the way out there is a nice pub, Red Lion, if you need feeding."
Ian Seville
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Driving is common, but parking is extremely limited and can result in fines. Many visitors recommend arriving very early on weekdays. Some suggest using the village hall car park near WA16 0JP. Public transport options are less direct, so carpooling or cycling might be alternatives if parking is a concern.
Parking is a major issue. The small free car park by the village hall is often full. Be aware that parking enforcement is strict, and cars have been towed. It's advisable to research local parking regulations before your visit.
Public transport to Pickmere Lake is not straightforward. While buses may serve nearby Knutsford, direct routes to the lake are limited. It's best to check local bus timetables or consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
Cycling is a viable option for reaching Pickmere Lake, especially if you're coming from nearby areas. It allows you to bypass parking issues and enjoy the scenic countryside. Secure your bike appropriately upon arrival.
A useful postcode to aim for when navigating to Pickmere Lake is WA16 0JP, which often leads to the village hall area with some parking. However, be aware that this parking is limited and can fill up quickly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Pickmere Lake itself is generally free. However, be mindful of parking regulations and potential fines if you park illegally.
While accessing the lake is free, organized activities like those at @the.farm.club may have associated costs for yoga, wellness sessions, or accommodation. Check their specific offerings for pricing.
Pickmere Lake is an open natural space, so there are no official opening or closing hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment, and be aware of local bylaws regarding noise or access after dark.
Weekday mornings are often recommended to avoid crowds and secure parking. Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for photography, while summer evenings are popular for sunset sessions.
Yes, swimming in Pickmere Lake is a popular activity, especially for cold water enthusiasts. Be aware of water temperatures and swim at your own risk. Always check local advisories if available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular activities include swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing, and lakeside walks. Some visitors enjoy yoga and breathwork sessions, particularly during sunset.
While families do visit, the lack of parking and potentially muddy paths can be challenging with prams or young children. Supervision is essential around the water.
Toilet facilities are scarce or non-existent directly at the lake. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby villages or plan accordingly before your visit.
You can often spot ducks, swans, and other birdlife around the lake. The natural setting provides a good opportunity for birdwatching.
Yes, Pickmere Lake offers beautiful scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a great location for photography. The reflections on the water can be particularly stunning.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Red Lion pub is a nice option located near the lake for food and drinks. Some visitors also enjoy sushi from @foodunagi during sunset sessions at @the.farm.club.
Picnicking is a popular activity, but remember to take all your litter home with you to preserve the natural beauty.
There are no cafes or restaurants directly on the lake itself. Your best bet is to visit nearby villages like Knutsford or the Red Lion pub.
The Farm Club, located next to Pickmere Lake, sometimes offers sushi from @foodunagi during their sunset sessions. It's worth checking their schedule for specific dining events.
While there are no immediate shops at the lake, nearby villages like Knutsford will have various options for purchasing food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during late afternoons and early evenings, offers beautiful light for photography. Sunrises and sunsets can also provide stunning opportunities.
Popular subjects include the lake's reflections, wildlife like swans and ducks, people enjoying water activities, and the surrounding natural landscape.
The pathways around the lake offer various viewpoints. The wooden bridge at the head of the Mere can also provide interesting perspectives.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone over Pickmere Lake to ensure compliance.
A versatile camera with a good lens for landscapes and wildlife would be ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive views and a telephoto lens for capturing distant birds.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit