Top 10 Lakes around Cadeby
Lakes around Cadeby offer diverse natural landscapes for outdoor activities. While Cadeby itself does not feature prominent lakes, the surrounding area in Leicestershire provides several notable water bodies. These include reservoirs, natural lakes within forest parks, and reclaimed colliery sites that have been rewilded. The region provides opportunities for walking, wildlife observation, and exploring varied terrain.
Best lakes around Cadeby
- The most popular lakes is Thornton Reservoir, a reservoir that nestles in a picturesque National Forest valley. It features…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park
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Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve
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Stoney Cove National Dive Centre
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Thornton Reservoir
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Bagworth Heath Woods
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Tips from the Community
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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The cafe at the garden centre is perfect for a mid ride cob
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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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Thornton Reservoir is a small area of water situated on the edge of the National Forest in a peaceful and picturesque location. It offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and through the neighbouring woodland areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lakes can I find around Cadeby?
While Cadeby itself doesn't have prominent lakes, the surrounding Leicestershire area features a diverse range of water bodies. These include picturesque reservoirs like Thornton Reservoir, natural lakes within forest parks such as Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, and rewilded former colliery sites like Bagworth Heath Woods.
Are there family-friendly lakes for walks near Cadeby?
Yes, several lakes around Cadeby are great for families. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers short circuits around the lake and through the woods. Bagworth Heath Woods also provides easy-to-follow, mostly flat paths through woodlands and around ponds, making it suitable for all ages. Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is another family-friendly option, known for its wildlife.
Which lakes near Cadeby are good for birdwatching and wildlife spotting?
Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with sightings of warblers, whitethroats, and various birds of prey like osprey and peregrine falcons. Thornton Reservoir is also home to abundant wildlife, including mammals, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Bagworth Heath Woods supports wildfowl and aquatic plants within its lakes and ponds.
Are there accessible trails around the lakes for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, Thornton Reservoir features a traffic-free, paved trail all around the reservoir, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. It also has plenty of benches for resting.
Can I go swimming or diving in any of the lakes near Cadeby?
For swimming and diving, Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is the primary destination. It's a large flooded quarry that serves as the UK National Dive Centre, offering an 'underwater adventure park' for divers and a heated pool for training.
What walking routes are available around the lakes near Cadeby?
You can find various walking routes around the lakes. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is a starting point for short circuits around the lake and through the woods. Thornton Reservoir offers a lovely traffic-free trail. For more options, explore the hiking guides around Cadeby, which include routes like the Bow Pool loop from Market Bosworth.
Are there cycling opportunities near the lakes around Cadeby?
Yes, the area offers cycling routes. You can find options like the Bosworth Battlefield loop via Ashby Canal or the Foundation Lake loop from Newbold Verdon. For detailed routes and more cycling guides, check out the cycling around Cadeby guide.
Are there facilities like car parks or cafes at the lakes?
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has a car park (now paid) and toilets. Stoney Cove National Dive Centre features a pub and cafe on-site. Thornton Reservoir has a paved path with plenty of benches for resting.
What is the history behind some of the lakes near Cadeby?
Some lakes, like those at Bagworth Heath Woods, are part of reclaimed colliery sites. This area, once an opencast coal mine, has been transformed into woodlands, grasslands, and heathlands, with a pit wheel on an island in the largest pool serving as a reminder of its industrial past. Sence Valley Forest Park also transformed from a former opencast coal mining site into a haven for wildlife.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Cadeby?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the opportunities for outdoor activities. The traffic-free trails at places like Thornton Reservoir are popular for relaxing walks, while the rich wildlife at Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is a highlight for nature enthusiasts. The transformation of former industrial sites into beautiful natural spaces, such as Bagworth Heath Woods, is also highly valued.
Are there any easy hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers short, easy circuits. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Cadeby, which include routes like the Market Bosworth Town Centre loop.
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