Top 17 Lakes around Breedon On The Hill
Best lakes around Breedon On The Hill are found within a landscape characterized by reservoirs, nature reserves, and fisheries. The area, situated on the Leicestershire-Derbyshire border, offers diverse natural settings for outdoor activities. These water bodies contribute to the region's natural beauty and provide habitats for wildlife. The vicinity of Breedon On The Hill serves as a hub for recreation and nature observation.
Best lakes around Breedon On The Hill
- The most popular lakes is Deer Park at Calke Abbey…
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Deer Park at Calke Abbey
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Melbourne Pool
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Staunton Harold Reservoir
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve
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St Chad's Water Nature Reserve
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Tips from the Community
The main path through the nature reserve (i.e. the one marked on komoot) takes you nowhere near the ponds or bird hide. You have to take the path off to the right near the Severn Trent Water station.
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The Cross Britain Way is a long-distance route that goes 279 miles (450 km) from Barmouth on the West Wales coast to Boston on the East coast of England. The route was initiated to span the UK to highlight the lesser-known areas of our picturesque hidden countryside. Here you are at Staunton Harold Reservoir, which is a fair size at 210 acres (85 hectares). Here on the north-west shore, you have fine views out over the water and the surrounding woodland. There is an abundance of birdlife to look at here too. Not far away is the National Trust Cafe for Staunton Harold with access to toilets.
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Great walks and biking awesome views parking cafe
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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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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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A relatively new nature reserve that is being taken back by nature. The waters meander in a natural way, the land is allowed to flood in heavy rain, and as you walk through you’ll feel like you’re leaving the rest of the world behind. Loads of birdwatching - it's a great site for Warblers, Whitethroat, Rereed and Sedge warbler. Also Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl and Kingfisher have been spotted too. Add to this birds of prey including Osprey, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine have all been seen, along with the more locally rare marsh harrier, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. They've even had a red-footed falcon! Best pack your binoculars and start working through that list.
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Melbourne Lake had a variety of bird species on it and there are local shops and cafes within one minute walk of it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best lakes for walking near Breedon On The Hill?
For scenic walks, Staunton Harold Reservoir offers a 1.4-mile circular path with excellent views, connecting to Calke Abbey and Foremark Reservoir. Foremark Reservoir also provides marked footpaths through woodlands and along the reservoir. For a more tranquil experience focused on wildlife, Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve has trails ideal for immersing yourself in nature.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Breedon On The Hill?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Staunton Harold Reservoir features an adventure playground, picnic areas, and a cafe. Foremark Reservoir also has a playground, picnic benches, and is suitable for den building and kite flying. Further afield, Bosworth Lakeside Lodges (within Bosworth Water Park) offers extensive family activities, including sandy lake beaches and an adventure playground.
Which lakes offer water sports like sailing or paddleboarding?
Staunton Harold Reservoir is a hub for water sports, with the Staunton Harold Sailing Club offering sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Similarly, Foremark Reservoir is home to Burton Sailing Club, providing windsurfing and offshore sailing opportunities. Bosworth Lakeside Lodges also offers a wide range of water sports, including sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing.
Where can I go fishing near Breedon On The Hill?
Fishing is popular at several locations. Staunton Harold Reservoir offers coarse fishing with day tickets available. Foremark Reservoir also allows fishing. For a dedicated angling experience, Springwood Fisheries in Melbourne has four well-stocked lakes, including Spring Pool, known for large catfish and carp. Bosworth Lakeside Lodges also provides fishing opportunities, especially for those staying at the lodges.
Are there good spots for birdwatching around Breedon On The Hill?
Absolutely. Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, known for warblers, whitethroats, and various birds of prey, especially during winter and migration. It even has an artificial sand martin nesting wall. Foremark Reservoir also boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including over 200 types of birds, making it an excellent spot for observation.
Are the lakes near Breedon On The Hill dog-friendly?
Many lakes in the area welcome dogs. At Staunton Harold Reservoir, dogs are welcome on woodland walks and meadows, though they are not permitted in the water. Foremark Reservoir is also dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on leads to protect wildlife.
What facilities are available at the lakes, such as cafes or toilets?
Several locations offer convenient facilities. Staunton Harold Reservoir has a visitor centre, cafe, accessible toilets, and baby changing facilities. Foremark Reservoir provides a kiosk for refreshments, picnic benches, public toilets, and baby changing facilities. Springwood Fisheries includes a cafe, toilets, and a shower room. Bosworth Lakeside Lodges also has picnic and barbecue areas.
Are there any historical lakes or sites of interest?
Yes, Melbourne Pool is a notable historical lake. Its extent and landscaping have evolved over centuries, with references to a mill pool dating back to the early 14th century. It was expanded to work fountains for the Hall gardens and later cleaned out and landscaped in the 19th century, making it a peaceful spot with historical significance.
What types of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond water-based activities, the area offers diverse outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Melbourne Pool – The Round House (Lock-Up) loop from Breedon on the Hill' (Running Trails around Breedon On The Hill). Cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'Cloud Trail – View of Cloud Hill Quarry loop from Melbourne CP' (Cycling around Breedon On The Hill) and road cycling options like the 'Mount St Bernard Abbey – Beacon Hill Forest Path loop from Breedon on the Hill' (Road Cycling Routes around Breedon On The Hill).
Are there any circular walking routes around the lakes?
Yes, Staunton Harold Reservoir offers a popular 1.4-mile circular walk with excellent views. While not a full circular around the water's edge, Foremark Reservoir has marked footpaths that allow for various walking loops through its woodlands and along the reservoir, providing a circular experience within the wider nature reserve.
When is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Breedon On The Hill?
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, family activities, and enjoying the wildflower meadows. Autumn provides beautiful foliage for walks. Winter can be excellent for birdwatching, especially at Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve, which attracts a wide array of birds during migration periods.
Are there any lakes with accessible paths for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
While specific details on wheelchair accessibility for all paths are not extensively provided, Staunton Harold Reservoir does mention accessible toilets at its visitor centre, suggesting some level of accessibility. For detailed information on specific routes, it's always best to check directly with the site's visitor information.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Yes, several lakes have on-site or nearby options. Staunton Harold Reservoir has a cafe at its visitor centre. Foremark Reservoir offers a kiosk for refreshments. Springwood Fisheries includes a cafe. Additionally, Melbourne Pool is conveniently located near local shops and cafes within a minute's walk.
What makes Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve unique?
Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is unique for its successful ecological restoration from a former sewage works into a thriving wetland habitat. It features open water, reedbeds, and wet grasslands, attracting an impressive array of birds, including warblers and birds of prey, and is home to rare mammals and numerous insect species. It offers a truly peaceful escape where you can feel 'like you're leaving the rest of the world behind'.
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