Best lakes around Finningley are located in this South Yorkshire village, which features several aquatic attractions. The local lakes primarily support angling and birdwatching, offering peaceful natural retreats. The area is also situated near other notable aquatic sites within the wider Doncaster region.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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We often find the direction arrows on the way round confusing so we used komoot on my Garmin Venu 2 watch and it was very easy to follow.
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about 30 mins in you cannot turn right as instructed. follow path forward to re join route
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The Lakeside area is designed to encourage people to use Doncaster Lakeside for a range of activities and there are a variety of trails there. The lake also has natural edges that supports two main reed beds, which play a part in maintaining healthy water conditions. The reed beds are important habitats for water birds, especially at nesting time.
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More than 200 bird species have been recorded visiting Hatfield and Thorne Moor. Winter visitors include whooper swans, pink-footed geese, hen harrier, and short-eared owls. From March-July a very special summer visitor is the diminutive woodlark and also oystercatcher, lapwing, ringed plover and great crested grebe can be spotted around the lakes. Badger Corner Lake is a special place to watch your favourite birds.
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A really nice tranquil place to stop off for a break in nice surroundings. The fishing lakes and surrounding lush countryside are simply gorgeous.
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Can be reached by families and experts very easily most good tracks or tarmac, can be linked into numerous flat cycle routes.Bird and insect watches paradise.
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The lakes around Finningley offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy excellent fishing at places like McCallums Bank End Fishery and Candy Corner Fishery Finningley. For nature enthusiasts, Misson Springs / Newington North Quarry and Badger Corner Lake are prime spots for birdwatching. Doncaster Lakeside is popular for walking, jogging, and cycling, while the Amazon Lakes Cycle Path is ideal for recreational rides.
Finningley is well-known for its fishing opportunities. McCallums Bank End Fishery is a 20-acre complex with three lakes (East End, West End, and Match Lake) offering day-ticket fishing for carp, bream, tench, and more. Candy Corner Fishery Finningley is another highly regarded fishing spot directly within the village. Additionally, Hayfield Lakes provides a tranquil setting for anglers.
Yes, several lakes cater to families. Doncaster Lakeside is a great option with a 2-mile circular path for walking and cycling, surrounded by amenities like shopping and dining. The Amazon Lakes Cycle Path is suitable for families and can be linked to numerous flat cycle routes. Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve offers accessible paths and bird hides, making it suitable for all visitors, including those with buggies. The Lakeside Picnic Area at Langold Lake is also a good spot for a family outing.
For birdwatching, Misson Springs / Newington North Quarry is a recognized location with sightings of various species including Pochard, Goldeneye, and Lapwing. Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve is another excellent spot, home to kingfishers and Eurasian bitterns, with accessible paths and bird hides. Badger Corner Lake is particularly noted for its diverse birdlife, with over 200 species recorded, including whooper swans and pink-footed geese in winter.
Absolutely. Doncaster Lakeside features a popular 2-mile circular path for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The Amazon Lakes Cycle Path provides a surfaced and lit route for recreational cycling. For more extensive options, you can explore various hiking and running routes nearby, such as the 'Badger Corner Lake loop at Hatfield Moor' or 'Hayfield Lakes loop from Doncaster Sheffield International Airport'. You can find more details on these routes in the easy hikes around Finningley guide or the hiking around Finningley guide.
Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve is ideal for accessibility, offering well-maintained paths suitable for all visitors, including those with wheelchairs and buggies. Doncaster Lakeside also features paved paths around its 2-mile circuit, making it easily navigable for many.
The lakes offer diverse natural features. Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve boasts a mosaic of open water, wetland, woodland, and limestone grassland, supporting rich habitats. Doncaster Lakeside has natural edges and reed beds that are important habitats for nesting water birds. Misson Springs / Newington North Quarry is undergoing restoration into a nature reserve with wet grassland and pools, attracting various bird species.
Misson Springs / Newington North Quarry, a former quarry being restored into a nature reserve, offers a tranquil natural environment and excellent birdwatching opportunities away from more crowded spots. Its ongoing ecological restoration makes it a unique place to visit for those seeking a quieter experience.
Yes, you can. Doncaster Lakeside is surrounded by various amenities, including eateries and shopping centers. For a dedicated picnic spot, the Lakeside Picnic Area at Langold Lake provides a pleasant setting for a break.
It is important to note that quarry lakes, such as Misson Springs / Newington North Quarry, carry significant dangers like sudden drops in depth, hidden debris, and extremely cold water. For safety reasons, wild swimming is generally not recommended in these types of lakes in the region.
Visitors frequently appreciate the peaceful retreats offered by the lakes, whether for angling, birdwatching, or tranquil walks. The convenience of amenities near Doncaster Lakeside and the picturesque surroundings of Hayfield Lakes are often highlighted. The area's diverse environments for wildlife observation and outdoor activities are also highly valued by the community.


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