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Bassetlaw

East Retford (Unparished)

Top 6 Lakes around East Retford (Unparished)

Lakes around East Retford (Unparished) offer diverse natural landscapes, from expansive parklands to restored gravel pits and dedicated fishing complexes. The area features several notable lakes, providing opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife observation, and angling. These bodies of water are set within varied habitats, including woodlands, heath, and grasslands, contributing to the region's ecological richness.

Best lakes around East Retford (Unparished)

  • The most popular lakes is Clumber Park, a historical site featuring an 87-acre serpentine lake within a 3,800-acre…

Last updated: June 29, 2026

Clumber Park

Highlight • Historical Site

Clumber Park was once the home of the Duke of Newcastle but the mansion was demolished in 1938. It's now a beautiful estate of parkland, heath, woods and the lake. …

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Clumber Lake

Highlight • Viewpoint

Suitable for all the family, way marked gravel rides around the lake and park.

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Lakeside Kiosk and Toilets

Highlight • Rest Area

handy little kiosk for hot and cold drinks and a piece of cake with toilets.

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Idle Valley Nature Reserve

Highlight • Trail

"Off-Road" dusty (in summer) gravel road, accessible by car and wide enough to park on. Cuts across the middle of the Nature Reserve giving access to the heart of it.

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Take five, lovely spot for a sit down with views of the birds on the Nature Reserve Lake and the sound of the babbling brook behind you

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Popular around East Retford (Unparished)

Running Trails around East Retford (Unparished)

Road Cycling Routes around East Retford (Unparished)

MTB Trails around East Retford (Unparished)

Hiking around East Retford (Unparished)

Gravel biking around East Retford (Unparished)

Cycling around East Retford (Unparished)

Tips from the Community

SteveH
June 29, 2026, Clumber Park

Great combo of Road and fast paced single track riding. Links into a variety of local routes including over to Sherwood Pines.

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Good spot to get a coffee and cake at the lake side café/

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great little walk around the lake

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Clumber Lake is a large, man-made lake within Clumber Park, a National Trust property in Nottinghamshire, England. It was created by damming the River Poulter in 1774.

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Smudger
May 18, 2025, Clumber Park

clown to whaley follow the river paulter to clumber park😁

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Beautiful park full of woodland trails and a serpentine lake, lots to see and explore with a historical chapel and ornamental bridge, cycle hire available too in the park.

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51m
August 25, 2022, Clumber Park

Clumber Park was once the home of the Duke of Newcastle but the mansion was demolished in 1938. It's now a beautiful estate of parkland, heath, woods and the lake. It's now managed by the National Trust. The parkland is free to access but there are paid entry or members areas. NT cafes, ice cream van and shop on site. There are also over 20miles of traffic free cycle ways on the estate, most are better suited for a mountain or touring bike but they are flat and not technical so if you don't mind getting a bit muddy...

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Take five, lovely spot for a sit down with views of the birds on the Nature Reserve Lake and the sound of the babbling brook behind you

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Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities can I do around the lakes in East Retford (Unparished)?

The lakes in East Retford (Unparished) offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive walking and cycling trails, particularly at Clumber Park, which has over 20 miles of accessible paths. Daneshill Lakes provides gentle, surfaced circular trails ideal for wildlife spotting. Fishing is a popular activity at dedicated complexes like Hayton Lakes Fishery and Springvale Fishing Lakes. For more detailed routes, you can explore options for hiking, touring bicycle rides, and mountain biking in the area.

Are there family-friendly lakes in the East Retford (Unparished) area?

Yes, several lakes are very family-friendly. Clumber Park is an excellent choice, offering a children's play area, cafes, and easy-to-navigate cycle tracks and paths around Clumber Lake. The Idle Valley Nature Reserve also features trails suitable for families, and Daneshill Lakes has accessible paths perfect for pushchairs.

Which lakes are best for wildlife watching?

For wildlife enthusiasts, Daneshill Lakes and Clumber Park are highly recommended. Daneshill Lakes, a Local Nature Reserve, is excellent for birdwatching, butterflies, and dragonflies, with diverse habitats. Clumber Park's lake and surrounding parkland are home to swans, geese, ducks, herons, kingfishers, and various breeding birds, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Are there any historical or architectural points of interest near the lakes?

Yes, Clumber Park, a National Trust property, offers significant historical and architectural interest. While the mansion was demolished, the estate still features a grand Gothic Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, a Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, and an ornamental bridge. You can learn more about its history on the Wikipedia page for Clumber Park.

What kind of terrain can I expect on trails around the lakes?

The terrain varies by location. At Clumber Park, you'll find well-maintained, relatively flat gravel paths and traffic-free cycle ways. Daneshill Lakes offers surfaced circular trails, making them accessible. The Idle Valley Nature Reserve features a 'dusty gravel road' that cuts through the reserve, accessible by car and wide enough to park on.

Are the lake areas dog-friendly?

Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially for walks. Clumber Park has a dog-friendly cafe called Central Bark and extensive grounds for walks. It's always advisable to keep dogs on leads in nature reserves like Daneshill Lakes and Idle Valley Nature Reserve to protect wildlife.

Where can I find facilities like cafes or toilets near the lakes?

Clumber Park offers excellent facilities, including cafes (one dog-friendly), a shop, and a children's play area. There is also a Lakeside Kiosk and Toilets available. Hayton Lakes Fishery and Springvale Fishing Lakes provide basic facilities like toilets and fresh water for anglers.

Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs or pushchairs around the lakes?

Yes, Daneshill Lakes is particularly noted for its accessible paths. It features a surfaced circular trail around the main lake, making it suitable for people with restricted mobility and pushchairs. Clumber Park also has over 20 miles of accessible paths and cycle tracks, many of which are suitable for pushchairs.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes?

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for family outings, picnics, and enjoying the vibrant wildlife, especially at Daneshill Lakes and Clumber Park. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter offers peaceful, crisp walks. The well-maintained trails at places like Clumber Park and Daneshill Lakes make them suitable for year-round walking.

Can I go fishing at the lakes in East Retford (Unparished)?

Yes, fishing is a prominent activity in the area. Hayton Lakes Fishery is a large complex with seven well-stocked lakes catering to pleasure, match, and specimen carp anglers. Springvale Fishing Lakes also offers a tranquil angling experience across its six lakes, stocked with various carp and silver fish species.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in East Retford (Unparished)?

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the variety of activities available. Many enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of places like Clumber Park, with its extensive trails and historical elements. The peaceful retreat for wildlife enthusiasts at Daneshill Lakes and the dedicated fishing experiences at Hayton Lakes and Springvale are also highly valued. The komoot community has shared 11 photos and given 76 upvotes across the highlights, indicating a strong appreciation for the area's natural appeal.

Are there specific viewpoints or natural features to look out for?

Yes, the serpentine lake at Clumber Park is a central feature, offering picturesque reflections. The park also boasts extensive woodlands and heath. At Daneshill Lakes, the restored gravel pits create an open water habitat surrounded by damp willow woodland and diverse flowering plants. The Idle Valley Nature Reserve provides access to a mix of lake, forest, and other natural features, with a memorial bench offering lake views.

Most popular routes around East Retford (Unparished)

Running Trails around East Retford (Unparished)

Most popular attractions around East Retford (Unparished)

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Still not found your perfect lake around East Retford (Unparished)? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

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