Top 20 Lakes around Barlborough
Lakes around Barlborough are primarily found within the nearby Rother Valley Country Park, a significant destination featuring several artificial lakes. This area, once an industrial site, has been redeveloped into a country park offering recreational opportunities centered around water. The region provides diverse lake experiences, from extensive country park settings to natural gorge lakes and urban park lakes. These locations serve as valuable assets for outdoor activities and nature appreciation near Barlborough.
Best lakes around Barlborough
- The most popular lakes…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Rother Valley Country Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Rother Valley Country Park
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Queen's Park Lake Wildfowl
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Robin Hood's Cave, Creswell Crags
Highlight • Cave
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Barlborough.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Busy at weekend and Evenings but overall lovely place with lots to do. Be careful of the water if you’re not used to wild swimming/ outdoor swimming. Great staff and a couple of cafe’s.
0
0
Feels other worldly, beautiful setting. Fascinating history.
0
0
It was just a small Sunday stroll but it was lovely. We parked our car at the garden centre which worth to going in too! There is a big farm shop which is lovely and not too expensive compared to if you want to get a quality product!
0
0
The park was formerly a mixture of meadows and marshy bullrush beds before the open cast excavation started. At the eastern side of the lake stands the Bedgrave Mill courtyard, where the visitor centre is located displaying the flood defence map and the original mill mechanism "flour into grain" exhibition from when it was a water mill. There is also a craft centre and "The Stables" cafe.
0
0
Queen's Park was opened in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. In its early days, the Park was a popular venue for rallies and demonstrations. When the Derbyshire Miners' Associatiion held their rally here at the end of the 1890s it had a festive appeal with swingboats, roundabouts and coconut shies. The Park has been restored, with a café, lake and miniature railway, as well as playing facilities for younger visitors. There is also a bandstand - sit and listen to a local brass band playing on some Sunday afternoons during the summer.
0
0
Sometimes it gets busy here but walkers usually walk on the big wide path, if you're on a bike consider taking the small narrow path nearer to the lakeside for a smoother and less interrupted ride through the park.
1
0
After or before the Play Area take a walk all around the lake and read the information boards for some very interesting facts. Keeps the kids occupied :)
0
0
A 740-acre (300 ha) country park on the site of an old open-cast coal mine. The site cost £4 million to remediate with the four artificial lakes filling the old extraction sites. The River Rother was so polluted that water from The Moss was used to fill the lakes. The reed beds and remediation process has cleaned up the Rother and the lakes and country park also act as a flood prevention scheme, holding water and managing the flow downstream. It's also a popular leisure destination with cable water skiing and a narrow-gauge railway as well as a network of well-maintained paths. The visitor centre has information about the history of the site and the flood defence scheme. There are toilets and the Stables Cafe.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lake destinations around Barlborough?
The primary lake destination is Rother Valley Country Park, which features four artificial lakes and a wide range of activities. Other notable spots include Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake, set within a beautiful limestone gorge, and Queen's Park Lake Wildfowl, a restored urban park in Chesterfield.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Barlborough?
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Rother Valley Country Park offers playgrounds, picnic spots, a miniature railway, and a water sports center. Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake has a play area and informative boards around the lake. Queen's Park Lake Wildfowl also provides playing facilities for younger visitors and a miniature railway.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do at Rother Valley Country Park?
At Rother Valley Country Park, you can enjoy a variety of activities including walking, cycling, and water sports like sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and cable waterskiing. There are miles of scenic paths, including a 5km flat Green Cycle Route around two main lakes, and a water sports center with equipment hire and lessons.
What historical or natural features can I explore at Creswell Crags?
Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake is a world heritage site known for its beautiful limestone gorge and caves. It's rich in natural history, featuring remains of prehistoric animals and the earliest known remains of modern humans in Britain. You can also visit Robin Hood's Cave within the crags.
Are there good walking or cycling trails around the lakes?
Yes, Rother Valley Country Park offers a network of well-maintained paths suitable for walking and cycling, including a 5km flat Green Cycle Route. For more varied terrain, the Blue Trail is available. You can find more hiking routes in the area by visiting the Hiking around Barlborough guide, or cycling routes in the Gravel biking around Barlborough guide.
What amenities are available at Rother Valley Country Park?
Rother Valley Country Park provides a visitor center with information about the site's history and flood defense scheme, toilets, and The Stables Cafe. There are also picnic spots, playgrounds, and a miniature railway.
Can I go birdwatching or observe wildlife near the lakes?
Yes, Rother Valley Country Park is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Its diversified habitats, including lakes, wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, support a wide array of animal and plant species. Nethermore Lake, one of the park's lakes, is a nature reserve with marsh vegetation that attracts migrating birds.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Barlborough?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. During warmer months, water sports and cycling are popular. The park can get very busy with walkers and cyclists on weekends, especially after 10 am, so early mornings are recommended for a quieter experience. Winter walks also offer a different, serene perspective.
Are the lakes accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
Rother Valley Country Park features a 5km flat Green Cycle Route around two main lakes, which is suitable for all ages and likely offers good accessibility. Many paths are well-maintained, but it's always advisable to check specific trail conditions if you have particular accessibility needs.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Barlborough?
Visitors appreciate the extensive range of activities available, from tranquil lakeside strolls and birdwatching to exhilarating water sports and cycling. The transformation of former industrial sites into vibrant natural and recreational spaces, particularly at Rother Valley Country Park, is highly valued for its blend of conservation and leisure.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, at Rother Valley Country Park, you'll find The Stables Cafe. Creswell Crags: Gorge and Lake also has cafes nearby, and Queen's Park Lake Wildfowl in Chesterfield includes a cafe within the park.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
While specific dog policies vary, country parks like Rother Valley Country Park generally welcome dogs on leads. It's always best to check the specific park's guidelines for any restrictions or designated off-leash areas to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
Most popular routes around Barlborough
Most popular attractions around Barlborough
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Barlborough? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
