Blog post

Lake Wood, Uckfield

September 11, 2016

I’ve lived in Uckfield for over 7 years now, and until very recently had never heard of Lake Wood. It was only when a friend also visited for the first time and shared her pictures of this local hidden beauty spot on social media that I came to hear about this wonderful Woodland Trust site.

Lake Wood lies on Rocks Road, past Church Street off to the right at the top of Uckfield High Street. It’s a discrete location. There’s just a gate and a lay by at the side of the road. On closer inspection there is a small sign attached to the gate welcoming you to Lake Wood and identifying the site as one belonging to the Woodland Trust. The path’s are generally user friendly. I explored the area with my husband and 2 children…Daisy age 6 and Logan age 1…safely contained in a backpack!

The beauty of the place is revealed immediately in a mass of ancient woodland, carved rocks and deep caves. The paths are wide and sandy. It’s only a very short walk before the Lake is revealed. A large, lily filled pool. On first seeing the Lake I found it quite breath taking. How has this been right see my nose and yet I’ve never even heard of the place? I genuinely felt like I was in Canada…not my home town.

Walking around the perimeter of the lake takes you on an undulating woodland stroll. We were fascinated to walk right through tunnels carved out of rock. The ultimate viewing point culminates at the rocky outcrop overlooking the middle of the lake. There is an old tree that looks as though it may act as a ladder for anyone wanting to get up close to the water. The caves here seem to create their own natural boat house. The paths at this point are a bit more challenging. I would make sure you have sturdy footwear and take extra caution is it has rained recently.


This experience has really opened my eyes to the possibility that maybe we don’t have to travel that far from home to explore and find adventure. I’m now wondering what else is there for me to explore right here, in my town? If anyone has any pointers please let me know!

17 Comments

  • Elaine Livingstone

    October 11, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    It is amazing when you do not know of local places and it takes other people to highlight them to you. I found many places through geocaching that I would never have found without the hobby.

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      October 11, 2016 at 7:51 pm

      Oooh maybe we need to try Geocaching!

  • Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops

    October 11, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    It’s always great to find a wonderful place like this local to you! It looks like a great place to explore! #CountryKids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      October 11, 2016 at 7:51 pm

      Too true! Must get on the case of finding the next new spot!

  • thejoyoffive

    October 11, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    Uckfield isn’t a million miles away from me and by the look of it this place is somewhere they is well worth the trip #countrykids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      October 11, 2016 at 7:50 pm

      Oh it really is! Let me know if you make it…would love to know what you think!

      1. thejoyoffive

        October 11, 2016 at 7:53 pm

        I definitely will x

  • Aly

    October 12, 2016 at 11:42 am

    I often post about our town and it’s secret little nooks.It gives local people and visitors a chance to see what they might have missed.Over from Country Kids.

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      October 13, 2016 at 11:03 am

      And best of all I bet there’s so many places yet to discover!

  • Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love)

    October 12, 2016 at 1:07 pm

    So lovely when you find somewhere like this right on your doorstep and what a beautiful place to explore. That photo of the natural boathouse is stunning 🙂 #countrykids

  • Coombe Mill

    October 12, 2016 at 11:19 pm

    I’ve not heard of this one either and we stay with Nick’s Mum in Lewes a couple of times a year. It looks beautiful and quite unlike the Uckfield I know. I will keep it in mind for our next visit as it looks so beautiful from your photos. Have you tried the chalk pits up on the downs? That is a favourite of ours, the kids love looking for fossils there. We park on the edge of the Downs between Lewes and Ringmer. There are so many lovely places near you.

    Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      October 13, 2016 at 11:02 am

      Nice to know you know and love this area too! Despite being here a number of years now it still feels like we’re getting to know the place. I don’t know the chalk pits…you might have to show us on your next visit!

  • Karen (@wouldliketobe)

    October 13, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    Looks gorgeous. Always nice to find new places locally x

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      October 14, 2016 at 7:18 am

      Thanks Karen…must get on the case of finding the next secret spot!

  • Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)

    October 14, 2016 at 11:12 am

    Such a lovely discovery! The place looks magical and that tree is just so majestic =) #countrykids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      October 14, 2016 at 12:57 pm

      Thanks Merlinda. Yes, a beautiful tree indeed!

  • Ms Xpat (@MsXpat)

    October 17, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    Very picturesque, its the place dreams and stories are made off. Beautyfil photos too. Stopping by from #countrykids

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