Best lakes around Notton, located in Yorkshire between Barnsley and Wakefield, offer diverse outdoor experiences. The region features several lakes and reservoirs, providing opportunities for walking, cycling, and wildlife observation. Many areas are managed as nature reserves, preserving local flora and fauna. The landscape around Notton includes accessible paths and scenic views, making it suitable for various activities.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Cafe and toilets here as well as parking and children’s play area
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I expect this was for charity but there a lots of them loose from Jurassic Park lol
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This is vast and looks great as you get over the little bridge
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Cold Hiendley Reservoir was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century to supply water to the growing city of Wakefield. The dam had to be strengthened in 1990. This is a popular fishing reservoir with large carp. There is a nice trail around the edge and the Trans Pennine Trail follows the Barnsley Canal path past the dam.
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Nice walk to take younger kids on, especially if they like Room on the Broom as there are wood carvings of characters from the book that tell the story as you go around the lake.
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Newmiller Dam is the lake created by the dam for the new mill :-) The village is called Newmillerdam as in New Mill on the Dam. The dam was built to provide a lake and therefore power to the mills owned by the Pashley family just south of Wakefield. The lake and surrounding area is now a nature reserve owned and managed by Wakefield Council. The lake has a well surfaced path all around it, suitable mostly for pushchairs and wheelchairs as well as kids on bikes. It's a popular place and fun for a short walk.
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This area was once fields but shallow flooding occurred after the Second World War due to the clogging up of surface water drains and mining subsidence. The Marsh was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery which had working shafts between Outwood and Stanley Ferry. The pit here was sunk about 1835 and was known locally as Deep Drop Pit. It had its own pumping engine whose foundations can still be seen. A colliery railway passed through the site between 1837 and approximately 1840 and can be seen today as the embankment. The colliery closed in 1896. On 4 March 1879 while 250 men and 36 horses were at work, there was a large explosion which killed 21 men and boys.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Cold Hiendley Reservoir for its scenic views and opportunities for walking or cycling. Newmillerdam Lake is also very popular, known for its accessible paths and natural reserve status. Another favorite is Pugneys Country Park Lake, a 250-acre park with a cafe and views of Sandal Castle.
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Newmillerdam Lake has well-surfaced paths suitable for pushchairs and bikes, and even a gnome-finding track. Pugneys Country Park Lake offers a cafe, play area, and ample space for recreation. Anglers Country Park Lake features a children's play area and Room on the Broom wood carvings, making it a fun destination for younger kids.
The lakes around Notton are rich in wildlife. At Cold Hiendley Reservoir, you can often spot swans. Newmillerdam Lake is a nature reserve, offering opportunities for bird watching and enjoying diverse flora. Further afield, Ravenfield Ponds is known as an 'oasis of wildlife' with various birds, bats, squirrels, foxes, and even adders, while Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve is a haven for kingfishers, herons, and waterfowl.
Absolutely. Newmillerdam Lake features a well-surfaced path all around it, making it suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and bikes. Similarly, Newmillerdam Lake has disabled parking spots and wide entrances. Winscar Reservoir also offers a wide, tarmacked path along its eastern side, suitable for wheelchair users and families.
Near Pugneys Country Park Lake, you can see Sandal Castle overlooking the park. Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve has a rich history related to mining, with remnants of a colliery railway and pumping engine foundations, and was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery.
Yes, the area offers numerous trails. For running, you can find routes like the 'Woodland Stream – Newmillerdam Lake loop' or the 'Pugneys Country Park Lake – Newmillerdam Lake loop'. Hiking options include the 'Newmillerdam Lake loop' and the 'Cold Hiendley Reservoir loop'. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Notton and Hiking around Notton guide pages.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Newmillerdam Lake has paths suitable for bikes, and Winscar Reservoir features a wide, tarmacked path along its eastern side perfect for cycling. For gravel biking enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Dunford Bridge – Winscar Reservoir loop'. Discover more cycling trails on the Gravel biking around Notton guide.
Several lakes offer convenient facilities. Pugneys Country Park Lake has a cafe and open toilets. Anglers Country Park Lake also provides a cafe, toilets, and parking. Newmillerdam Lake has amenities nearby, and Pugneys Country Park Lake's cafe is open from 10 am to 3 pm.
Ravenfield Ponds, located near Old Ravenfield, is a coarse fishery with six angling ponds set in a secluded valley. It's renowned for its peaceful environment and rich wildlife, making it an 'oasis of wildlife'. Anglers can find carp, tench, bream, and rudd, while non-anglers can enjoy quiet walks and bird watching on concessionary footpaths.
Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve in Doncaster is a picturesque site with a diverse landscape of open water, wetlands, woodland, and limestone grassland. It's particularly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers, offering opportunities to spot kingfishers, herons, and various waterfowl from its well-maintained paths and wheelchair-accessible bird hides.
Yes, many lakes offer tranquil settings. Cold Hiendley Reservoir provides very nice views. Winscar Reservoir, situated in the Peak District National Park, offers impressive views of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside and a peaceful environment for walks. Ravenfield Ponds also provides serene countryside walks.
Visitors particularly appreciate the accessibility of the paths, especially at Newmillerdam Lake, which is great for families and those with pushchairs or wheelchairs. The natural beauty, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the presence of amenities like cafes at places like Pugneys Country Park Lake are also highly valued.


Still not found your perfect lake around Notton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.