Top 13 Lakes around Shustoke

At the main Shustoke Reservoirs, you can enjoy walking, birdwatching, and fishing. The site offers a fairly flat, two-mile circular walk, and is a haven for birdwatchers. For those interested in sailing, the Shustoke Sailing Club operates on the larger 92-acre reservoir, offering competitive racing and RYA accredited training. The Shustoke Upper Reservoir is a popular fly-fishing spot, regularly stocked with various trout species.

Yes, the Shustoke Reservoirs are an excellent spot for birdwatching, with a vast array of species visiting daily. Another prime location is RSPB Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve, which is composed of wetlands, meadows, and woodland, and is a significant site for observing various bird species year-round, including grey heron, kingfisher, and barn owl.

The Shustoke Reservoir was completed in 1884 to supply water to Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution. It was built on land previously occupied by Whitacre Lodge. Initially, it supplied water to the Whitacre Treatment Works, providing 28 million litres daily. While the Elan Valley scheme later took over Birmingham's primary supply, Shustoke was recommissioned in 1908 to supply Coventry and now primarily serves Nuneaton and surrounding districts. The water is gravity-fed by the nearby River Bourne.

Many lakes around Shustoke are family-friendly. Babbs Mill Lake, located within the Kingfisher Local Nature Reserve, offers benches and open spaces perfect for picnics. Kingsbury Water Park Visitor Centre is part of a larger park with 15 lakes and over 600 acres, featuring surfaced paths, bike hire, and plenty of space for exploration. The main Shustoke Reservoirs also offer a flat, circular walk suitable for all visitors.

Yes, dogs are welcome at many locations. At the Shustoke Reservoirs, dogs must be kept on a lead due to the presence of nature and wildlife. RSPB Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve is also dog-friendly, with visitors noting that dogs love the walks there.

Yes, Kingsbury Water Park Visitor Centre is located within Kingsbury Water Park, which features wheelchair-accessible facilities and surfaced paths around its 15 lakes, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs.

There is a main car park located next to Lower Shustoke Reservoir. A charge of £1.50 applies for the whole day. Annual and multi-site parking passes are also available for frequent visitors.

The Shustoke Reservoirs are open from dawn to dusk every day except Christmas Day. Spring is particularly beautiful, with impressive wildflower displays of cowslips and lady's smock. While walking paths can become muddy in autumn and winter, the natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities are present year-round.

The Shustoke Reservoirs offer a fairly flat, two-mile circular walk. For longer routes, this walk connects to the Heart of England Way and the Centenary Way. You can find various hiking trails around the area, including easy and moderate options. For more detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Shustoke guide.

Yes, there are cycling opportunities. Babbs Mill Lake has a designated cycle path running through its nature reserve. For gravel biking enthusiasts, there are several routes in the wider Shustoke area. You can find more options in the Gravel biking around Shustoke guide.

RSPB Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve is a diverse area composed of wetlands, meadows, and woodland. Beyond its significant bird populations, you can also look out for otters, various butterflies, wetland plants, and dragonflies. It offers displays of nature all year round and features a look-out hide for observation.

Lea Marston Lakes are a trio of purification lakes, originally created from former gravel extraction sites in 1980. They played a vital role in cleansing pollutants from the River Tame. While no longer used for purification, they are regionally important sanctuaries for wintering wildfowl populations, offering birdwatching from a designated hide and leisurely walks.

While there are no toilets directly on site at the main Shustoke Reservoirs, Kingsbury Water Park Visitor Centre offers a good place to stop for a seat and a cuppa. The Shustoke Fly Fishers club at the Upper Reservoir also provides cooking facilities for its members.