Top 16 Lakes around Sawley
Best lakes around Sawley are found in a region straddling Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, offering diverse water bodies for recreation. This area is characterized by its blend of rural landscapes and accessibility to nearby cities. Many lakes here originated from former gravel pits, now transformed into valuable natural resources. Visitors can explore a variety of settings, from tranquil nature reserves to active leisure centers.
Best lakes around Sawley
- The most popular lakes is Attenborough Nature Reserve, a lake that is a popular bird-watching spot with numerous ponds. It features a tranquil river path and is a significant nature reserve.
- Another must-see spot is Melbourne Pool, a lake with historical significance and a variety of bird species. This 20-acre pool has been part of the landscape since at least the 14th century and offers a peaceful place to stop.
- Visitors also love Highfields Lake, University Park, a lake that was re-modelled in the 1920s. It provides a gentle circuit walk within the city and features a lakeside cafe.
- Sawley is known for its nature reserves, fishing lakes, and former gravel pits. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different outdoor interests.
- The lakes around Sawley are appreciated by the komoot community, with 221 upvotes and 42 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Attenborough Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
On weekends it gets really busy so having a bell is advisable or time your route so that you pass here in the mornings or late afternoon.
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Melbourne Pool
Highlight • Lake
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Highfields Lake, University Park
Highlight • Lake
The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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St Chad's Water Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
St Chads Water and its surrounding environments are an important local resource for informal countryside recreation such as fishing, walking and bird watching. The site is approx. 23 acres and consists of the Lake with a circular walking path around it, woodland edges, a wildflower meadow area and in 2023 we have opened up a new area for use as an outdoor classroom.
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Pioneer Meadows Pond
Highlight • Natural
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Tips from the Community
A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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St Chad’s water was created in the 1970’s during the excavation of the underlying gravel deposits by Haveringham Gravels. As quarrying proceeded, water flooded the lake through the subterranean water table and once the site was abandoned, the lake and its environs were sold to Draycott and Church Wilne Parish Council for £1.00. St Chads Water and its surrounding environments are an important local resource for informal countryside recreation such as fishing, walking and bird watching. The site is approx. 23 acres and consists of the Lake with a circular walking path around it, woodland edges, a wildflower meadow area and in 2023 we have opened up a new area for use as an outdoor classroom.
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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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Although its extent in the medieval period is not known, Melbourne Pool was certainly large by the early 17th century, as shown on a map of that time. Tradition says that stone for Melbourne Castle was quarried here before the area was flooded. A map of 1787 shows the Pool extending further to the west than it does now. It provided water to Melbourne Mill. The level of the water was raised by two feet at the beginning of the 18th century, in order to work the fountains in the Hall gardens, although this flooded part of the vicarage garden. By the early 19th century the pool was silted up completely at the west end. In the 1840s it was partly filled and the rest was cleaned out, making two ornamental islands and landscaping the surrounding area. In its current form it covers some 20 acres. It is not known when it was first created, but references to a mill pool are found in the early 14th century.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore around Sawley?
The Sawley area offers a diverse range of lakes, including tranquil nature reserves, former gravel pits now used for fishing, and even a large inland marina. You can find spots for bird-watching, fishing, walking, and water sports.
Are there any nature reserves with lakes near Sawley?
Yes, Attenborough Nature Reserve is a popular bird-watching spot with numerous ponds and a tranquil river path. Another option is St Chad's Water Nature Reserve, a 23-acre site created from a former gravel pit, offering walking and bird watching opportunities.
Which lakes are suitable for family outings?
Several lakes are great for families. Highfields Lake, University Park, offers a gentle circuit walk and a lakeside cafe. St Chad's Water Nature Reserve has a circular walking path and a wildflower meadow. Spring Lakes also provides an aqua park and various water activities for energetic family fun.
Can I go fishing at the lakes near Sawley?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. The Silt Pool is a well-established fishing lake known for silver fish, tench, bream, and carp, allowing night fishing. The Triangle Pool is another mature mixed fishery with a large population of tench and carp. Pride Lake is primarily used by carp anglers, boasting common carp up to 51 pounds.
Are there historical sites or features near any of the lakes?
Yes, Melbourne Pool has significant historical context, with references to a mill pool dating back to the early 14th century. It was also once part of the landscape providing water for Melbourne Mill. Highfields Lake, University Park, is part of an estate that was built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and the lake itself was re-modelled in the 1920s.
What kind of walking trails are available around the lakes?
Many lakes offer pleasant walking opportunities. St Chad's Water Nature Reserve features a circular walking path. Highfields Lake, University Park, provides a gentle circuit walk within the city. Attenborough Nature Reserve has a tranquil river path, popular for strolls and bird watching.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides walking?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling on routes like the Erewash Canal Towpath or the River Trent Waterfront. For running, trails such as the Victoria Mills loop from Sawley are available. You can find more details on cycling routes in the Cycling around Sawley guide and running trails in the Running Trails around Sawley guide.
Are there any lakes suitable for boating or water sports?
Sawley Marina is the largest inland marina in the UK, offering extensive water space and access to the River Trent, River Soar, and the Trent & Mersey Canal for boating enthusiasts. Spring Lakes is a leisure center that specifically offers an aqua park and various water activities.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The nature reserves, such as Attenborough Nature Reserve and St Chad's Water Nature Reserve, are excellent for bird watching. Melbourne Pool also hosts a variety of bird species. Pioneer Meadows Pond is a great spot to watch waterfowl.
Are there any lakes with amenities like cafes nearby?
Yes, Highfields Lake, University Park, features a lakeside cafe and an arts centre, perfect for a coffee with a view. Melbourne Pool is also conveniently located near local shops and cafes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Sawley?
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Many enjoy the peaceful walks, bird-watching opportunities, and the variety of fishing spots. The accessibility to nearby cities while maintaining a rural feel is also highly valued.
Are the lake trails around Sawley generally easy to navigate?
Many of the lake trails, such as the circuit around Highfields Lake and the paths at St Chad's Water Nature Reserve, are described as gentle and easy, making them suitable for casual strolls. The river path at Attenborough Nature Reserve is also noted as easy and tranquil.
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