Top 16 Lakes around Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe
Best lakes around Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe are situated within the National Forest, an area known for its transformed landscapes and diverse natural habitats. This region, once industrial, now features numerous water bodies, woodlands, and trails suitable for various outdoor pursuits. Visitors can find a mix of recreational lakes, nature reserves, and family-friendly attractions centered around water features. The area provides opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife observation, and fishing.
Best lakes around Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe
- The most popular lakes is Deer Park at Calke Abbey, an other natural area that features a deer park in the grounds of Calke Abbey. It is great for walking and is part of the National Forest Silver Anniversary Trail.
- Another must-see spot is Conkers Waterside, a lake area within the Conkers visitor attraction. Visitors can expect outdoor walks, adventure playgrounds, and indoor adventure areas, making it suitable for families.
- Visitors also love Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, a lake that was once an opencast coal mine. It is special for its transformation into a thriving natural habitat with accessible paths and abundant wildlife, including over 150 bird species.
- Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe is known for recreational lakes, nature reserves, and family-friendly water attractions. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from fishing venues to wildlife havens.
- The lakes around Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Deer Park at Calke Abbey
Highlight • Natural
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Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park
Highlight • Lake
Good free car park open during daytime, toilets and information board.
My sat nav tried to direct me to an old entrance but easy enough to skirt round from there to the main entrance (keep turning left) if the same happens.
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Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Loads of birdwatching - it's a great site for Warblers, Whitethroat, Rereed and Sedge warbler. Also Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl and Kingfisher have been spotted too. Add to this birds of prey including Osprey, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine have all been seen, along with the more locally rare marsh harrier, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. They've even had a red-footed falcon!
Best pack your binoculars and start working through that list.
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Carvers Rocks Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Conkers Waterside
Highlight • Lake
Conkers is in the National Forest and sits on several of the National Forest trails and other footpaths. The Conkers Circuit (5m) is a favourite of mine for a gentle morning stroll.
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Popular around Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe
Tips from the Community
A great place to walk and a visit to waterside is a must in the Sun
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A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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The main path through the nature reserve (i.e. the one marked on komoot) takes you nowhere near the ponds or bird hide. You have to take the path off to the right near the Severn Trent Water station.
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Carvers Rocks is situated at the southern tip of Foremark Reservoir and is a designated 280-acre (113-hectare) nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed by the National Trust and Seven Trent. The area includes woodland, lowland heath, beautiful open countryside, and the open water of Foremark Reservoir. It is a haven for all types of wildlife , especially birds. There are a variety of recreation activities here, including woodland walks along with car parking and toilets.
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A relatively new nature reserve that is being taken back by nature. The waters meander in a natural way, the land is allowed to flood in heavy rain, and as you walk through you’ll feel like you’re leaving the rest of the world behind. Loads of birdwatching - it's a great site for Warblers, Whitethroat, Rereed and Sedge warbler. Also Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl and Kingfisher have been spotted too. Add to this birds of prey including Osprey, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine have all been seen, along with the more locally rare marsh harrier, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. They've even had a red-footed falcon! Best pack your binoculars and start working through that list.
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Very nice for a walk lots of different environments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe?
Yes, several lakes in the area are ideal for families. Conkers Waterside, part of the Conkers visitor attraction, offers adventure playgrounds, indoor areas, and outdoor walks. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park also features accessible paths and picnic areas, making it suitable for family outings. Additionally, Deer Park at Calke Abbey is great for walking with children.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is a haven for over 150 bird species, including kingfishers and herons, and you might spot deer, foxes, otters, and water voles. Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is particularly noted for birdwatching, with various warblers, grey partridge, and even birds of prey like osprey and buzzards.
Are there walking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers a network of accessible, mostly flat, and surfaced paths, including an 'All Ability Trail' around the lake. Deer Park at Calke Abbey is also excellent for walking and is part of the National Forest Silver Anniversary Trail. Many other walking routes are available in the wider area; you can explore them in the Running Trails around Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe guide.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes?
Yes, Jake's Lakes is a dedicated fishing venue in the heart of the National Forest. It's a 7-acre specimen fishing lake with 18 pegs, known for carp up to 30lbs, as well as bream, tench, and silvers. It also offers disabled-friendly pegs and an onsite car park.
Are there accessible walking paths around the lakes?
Yes, Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is particularly well-suited for accessibility, featuring an 'All Ability Trail' with mostly flat and surfaced paths around the lake. This makes it a great option for visitors with varying mobility needs.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in this area?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer tranquil, crisp walks. Always check local conditions before your visit, especially for specific events or facility opening times.
Where can I find parking near the lakes?
Parking is generally available at the main lake attractions. Sence Valley Forest Park has a car park (now paid, card or app only). Jake's Lakes offers onsite parking. For Conkers Waterside, parking is available as part of the Conkers visitor attraction. Calke Abbey also has visitor parking.
Are there cafes or facilities available near the lakes?
Yes, facilities vary by location. Sence Valley Forest Park has a cafe, public toilets, and picnic areas. Conkers Waterside, being part of a larger visitor attraction, offers cafes and other amenities. Calke Abbey also has a cafe. For other lakes, it's advisable to bring your own refreshments.
What cycling opportunities are there near the lakes?
The area offers various cycling routes. Hicks Lodge, for example, features a Blue Trail suitable for mountain biking. You can find more cycling options, including gravel biking and touring routes, in the Gravel biking around Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe guide and the Cycling around Oakthorpe And Donisthorpe guide.
Do any of the lakes have an interesting history?
Yes, Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has a fascinating history. It was once an opencast coal mine that has been successfully transformed into a thriving natural habitat and recreational area, showcasing the region's reclamation efforts within the National Forest.
Are the lake areas dog-friendly?
Many of the lake areas are dog-friendly, especially for walks. Deer Park at Calke Abbey and Sence Valley Forest Park are popular choices for dog walkers. Always keep dogs on a lead where required, especially near wildlife or livestock, and be mindful of other visitors.
Are there any less-known nature reserves to explore?
For a quieter nature experience, consider Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve. This relatively new reserve is being reclaimed by nature, with meandering waters and land allowed to flood naturally. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and offers a sense of leaving the world behind.
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