Best lakes around Stoke Bardolph are found in a tranquil setting, often connected to the River Trent. The area offers access to significant natural attractions like the Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve, known for its diverse wildlife. Visitors can find opportunities for nature observation and leisurely walks along accessible paths. These locations provide a peaceful escape and a connection with the natural landscape.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
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A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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Fantastic flat path that goes all the way around the regatta lake... Great for cycling, walking running and jogging.
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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Highfields Park was part of an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1920 Sir J Boot bought the estate and used it as the site of the East Midlands University (now Nottingham University). Highfileds House became part of the university and is currently used as a staff annexe. The landscape was re-modelled to suit the setting, with the joining of the fishing pond and small boating lake to become the larger lake we see today. The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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For a gentle and picturesque stroll, consider Highfields Lake, University Park. It offers a serene circuit walk within a beautifully landscaped park. Another excellent option is Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve, which features flat paths ideal for leisurely walks and nature observation.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Highfields Lake, University Park, is family-friendly with an accessible circuit walk and a lakeside cafe. Colwick Country Park Lakes is also ideal for families, offering multiple lakes, woodlands, and wetland habitats to explore. Additionally, Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve is suitable for families, providing easy walking paths and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
The premier spot for birdwatching is Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve. This Local Nature Reserve is renowned for its rich wildlife and diverse habitats, attracting a wide array of native and migratory birds, including kingfishers, little egrets, and grey wagtails. The raised causeway offers excellent views of the lagoons.
Highfields Lake, University Park, has a rich history. It was created by joining a fishing pond and a smaller boating lake during the re-modelling of the Highfields Park estate in the early 20th century. The park itself was originally part of an 18th and 19th-century landscaped estate.
Beyond walking around the lakes, you can find various outdoor activities. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Radcliffe Cliff Walk – View of the River Trent loop' or 'Canal Lock System – Stoke Lock and Woods loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try routes such as 'Wheels on Wheels Coffee Truck – Hillside Church loop'. Runners have options like 'Cotgrave Country Park Lake – Grantham Canal Path loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking, MTB, and running guides for Stoke Bardolph.
Yes, the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, is a significant facility near Stoke Bardolph. It offers activities like white water rafting and is a training ground for elite rowers and canoeists. You can also hire rowing boats at Highfields Lake, University Park, during spring and summer.
The lakes around Stoke Bardolph offer diverse natural features. At Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve, you'll find rich wildlife, diverse habitats, and a causeway offering commanding views. Colwick Country Park Lakes features woodlands and wetland habitats, with the River Trent running nearby. These areas are excellent for observing local flora and fauna.
Yes, Holme Pierrepont Lake offers a fantastic flat tarmac path that goes all the way around the regatta lake, making it great for cycling, walking, running, and jogging. The National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, also has a tarmac track around the water, which is flat and virtually traffic-free, ideal for kids.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil settings and opportunities for nature observation. The accessible walking paths, especially at Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve and Highfields Lake, University Park, are highly valued for leisurely strolls. The diverse wildlife, particularly the birdwatching at Netherfield Lagoons, is a significant draw. Many also enjoy the peaceful escape offered by these waterside locations.
Yes, Highfields Lake, University Park, features a lakeside cafe and arts centre, providing a perfect spot to stop for coffee with a view. The National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, also offers facilities for visitors.
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring is excellent for spotting frogs and new growth, while summer brings abundant butterflies and opportunities for water sports. Autumn provides picturesque scenery with changing leaves, and winter offers tranquil, crisp walks. Birdwatching at Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve is rewarding in all seasons due to its diverse avian population.


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