Top 6 Lakes around Rushcliffe
Best lakes around Rushcliffe and the surrounding Nottinghamshire area provide diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region features a mix of serene nature reserves, country parks, and water sports centers, many of which have been transformed from former industrial sites into thriving natural havens. These areas are characterized by their lakes, wetlands, and extensive trail networks, making them popular for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Rushcliffe
- The most popular lakes is Attenborough Nature Reserve, a lake that is…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Attenborough Nature Reserve
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Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve
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The Netherfield Lagoons, Local Nature Reserve is situated on the Trent Valley Flood Plain in Nottinghamshire and has been partly used as a dump …
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National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont
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Holme Pierrepont Lake
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River Trent at East Lake, Attenborough Nature Reserve
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Kingfisher Lodge
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Iremongers Pond
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Heron Lake (Cotgrave Welfare Diamond Angling Club)
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Lake at Rushcliffe Country Park
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part of the Wolford Heritage Trail, Iremongers Pond is a tranquil and beautiful location for walking and enjoying nature. There is a wheelchair-accessible walk around the pond in addition to further trails and areas to explore beyond.
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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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The Trent Valley Way is a 108 mile (174 km) long distance path following the course of the river. This section follows one of the banks through the Attenborough Nature Reserve alongside East Lake.
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Formerly the run-off collection pond for the colliery spoil tips, now a picturesque fishing lake run by Cotgrave Welfare Diamond Angling Club.
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A Local Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire The Netherfield Lagoons, Local Nature Reserve is situated on the Trent Valley Flood Plain in Nottinghamshire and has been partly used as a dump for coal slurry but with two remaining gravel ponds. The two slurry pits are separated by a raised causeway, which is elevated some 50 feet (15 m) above the pits, giving a commanding view of the area. The largest tank is virtually full but retains some water, with muddy edges attractive to waders and roosting gulls and terns. The smaller tank is mainly deep water, attracting good numbers of wildfowl, with smaller birds, especially warblers, feeding and breeding around the tank edges. The site consists roughly of three compartments, the Slurry Lagoon, the Deep Pit and the two Gravel Pits. (source: https://www.gedlingconservationtrust.org/netherfield-lagoons/)
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Ruddington Fields is the Great Central (Heritage) Railway terminus in Rushcliffe Country Park, right alongside the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Rushcliffe are best for birdwatching and wildlife spotting?
For exceptional birdwatching, Attenborough Nature Reserve is renowned for its over 250 bird species and significant wetland habitat. You can also spot various wildfowl and smaller birds at Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve. Clumber Park and Vicar Water Country Park also offer great opportunities to see diverse wildlife, including various bird species, and even deer at Clumber Park.
Are there family-friendly lakes with activities for children near Rushcliffe?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Rushcliffe Country Park features a serene lake within a park offering a large, well-equipped playground, fitness trails, and dedicated areas for dog walking. Langold Country Park boasts a 'Sea Scoundrel' children's water play splash park, playgrounds, and a skate park. Vicar Water Country Park also has playgrounds, including a giant zipwire, and picnic areas. Clumber Park offers a Woodland Play Park and a Discovery Centre with educational activities.
Where can I find easy lakeside walks or cycling paths around Rushcliffe?
Holme Pierrepont Lake offers a fantastic flat path that goes all the way around the regatta lake, ideal for cycling, walking, running, and jogging. Rushcliffe Country Park provides over 8 kilometers of scenic walking and cycling paths around its lake. Attenborough Nature Reserve has three circular hiking trails of varying lengths, and Vicar Water Country Park features an extensive network of well-maintained trails suitable for walking and cycling.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Rushcliffe?
Beyond walking and cycling, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont offers white water rafting and is a training ground for elite rowers and canoeists. Fishing is permitted at Rushcliffe Country Park, Langold Country Park, Vicar Water Country Park, and Heron Lake (Cotgrave) with appropriate permits or day tickets. For more structured routes, you can explore various cycling, hiking, and MTB trails around Rushcliffe.
Are there lakes around Rushcliffe that offer cafes or refreshments?
Yes, several parks with lakes provide amenities. Rushcliffe Country Park has a visitor centre and cafe. Attenborough Nature Reserve features an eco-friendly Nature Centre with facilities. Langold Country Park and Vicar Water Country Park both have cafes on-site. Additionally, Kingfisher Lodge is a restaurant and cafe located near one of the lakes.
Which lakes are suitable for fishing in the Rushcliffe area?
Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. You can fish at Rushcliffe Country Park Lake with a permit. Langold Country Park's main lake is a popular fishing spot, managed by Embryo Family Fishing, offering free fishing for under 18s. Vicar Water Country Park's tranquil lakes are also popular for coarse fishing with day tickets available. Heron Lake, managed by Cotgrave Welfare Diamond Angling Club, is another option for anglers.
What are the best lakes for a quiet, natural escape near Rushcliffe?
For a tranquil experience, Attenborough Nature Reserve offers a significant wetland habitat perfect for peaceful observation. Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve provides commanding views and attracts various wildfowl. Vicar Water Country Park, a reclaimed colliery site, now features tranquil lakes and diverse habitats ideal for quiet walks and wildlife observation.
Can I find lakes with historical or unique features in the region?
Clumber Park, managed by the National Trust, features a magnificent serpentine lake and historical attractions like the Gothic-style Clumber Chapel and a four-acre walled kitchen garden. Vicar Water Country Park is notable for its transformation from a colliery site into a natural space, and it also features a giant sculpture of a hand coming out of the ground.
Are there any lakes around Rushcliffe with accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers?
Rushcliffe Country Park is known for its accessibility, with an 8-meter high 'city' within its play area that includes accessible options for wheelchair users. The park's paths are generally suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Holme Pierrepont Lake's flat, tarmac path around the regatta lake is also very accessible.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Rushcliffe?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The flat, traffic-free paths around lakes like Holme Pierrepont Lake are popular for cycling and walking. The excellent birdwatching at places like Attenborough Nature Reserve is a highlight, as are the family-friendly facilities and playgrounds found at parks such as Rushcliffe Country Park and Langold Country Park. The transformation of former industrial sites into thriving green spaces is also highly appreciated.
Which lakes offer panoramic views of the surrounding Nottinghamshire area?
At Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve, a raised causeway provides a commanding view of the area. Vicar Water Country Park allows visitors to climb a hill for panoramic views across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire.
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