Needham Market Lake Walk
Enjoy an easy stroll around Needham Lake on this short walk in Needham Market. After following the trail around the main lake you can pick up the Gipping Valley River Path and follow the riverside path south to Bosmere and Alderson Lake.
It's a very pretty area with wetland areas, meadows and a small woodland. In the summer months you can see lots of wildflowers including pyramidal and bee orchids. You should also see lots of water loving birdlife on the lake.
You can park at the car park off Coddenham Road and pick up the nice surfaced trails from here. Needham Market train station is also very close by so you can access the site from there quite easily.
To extend your walk you can follow the Gipping River south towards Ipswich and visit Suffolk Water Park.
Postcode
IP6 8HB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsNeedham Lake Ordnance Survey Map 
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Needham Lake Open Street Map 
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Needham Lake OS Map 
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Needham Lake Open Street Map 
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
A few miles to the east you could visit the pretty village of Helmingham and explore the 16th century Helmingham Hall Estate. There's some lovely footpaths here taking you to herbaceous borders, tree lined avenues and beautiful gardens.
Also to the east is neighbouring Coddenham where there's nice walks through the old Shrubland Park and a noteworthy 16th century pub to visit.
To the north west there's Haughley Park where you can enjoy bluebell walks around the historic 17th century estate.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Needham Lake
General view of the lake from near the bridge over the canal.
Pond in Needham Market. A winter view. The pond is at the junction of Barrett's Lane and Hurstlea Road, and is home to a large number of ducks.
Alderson Lake, Needham Market. A former quarry, now used by the local angling club.
Hawk's Mill. This mill, which sits astride the River Gipping, was built in 1884. It has been converted recently into flats. The water from the River Gipping flows through the two arches below the converted mill.
Bosmere Lock. One of the locks on the formerly navigable River Gipping. Barges used to ply between Ipswich and Stowmarket, until the early 20th century.
St John the Baptist Church. A noteworthy church dating from the 15th century
Rural scene near the town. A view from the valley footpath between Badley Hall and Needham Market.