Best lakes around Hoby With Rotherby are found within the picturesque Leicestershire countryside, offering a range of recreational activities and natural landscapes. The area is primarily rural, with significant lake areas like Watermead Country Park and Frisby Lakes within easy reach. These locations provide opportunities for nature observation, watersports, and walking. The region's lakes are often former quarries, now transformed into natural retreats.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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John Merrick's Lake is one of numerous lakes within the Reedbed Nature Reserve. The reserve is a great place for birdwatching, with wildlife all around you.
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Cossington Meadow, overseen by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, was once a gravel quarry during the 1980s and 90s. As part of the Leicestershire Round development, the pits were filled with inert waste, some areas were covered with soil and seeded with grass, and deep holes were intentionally left to create lakes. Interpretation boards across the site provide information about the diverse plant and animal life that has established itself in the reserve.
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John Merrick's Lake is on the "Red Route", a loop of hard surfaced paths around the northernmost lake in Watermead Country Park. The red route paths are wheelchair and pushchair accessible. They're also shared with cyclists. John Merricks, was a silver Olympic medallist who competed in sailing events on a nearby lake as a schoolboy.
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John Merrick's Lake is on the "Red Route", a loop of hard surfaced paths around the northernmost lake in Watermead Country Park. John Merricks, was a silver Olympic medallist who competed in sailing events on a nearby lake as a schoolboy.
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Leicester Windsurfing & SUP club show how to make a storage container look beautiful! Located at King's Lear lake.
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Melton Country Park offers 140 acres of open green space with wildlife lakes, footpaths trails, dog agility trails, gym equipment, children's play areas, football pitches, and a visitors centre with a cafe. Cycling is permitted on the trails and NCN Route 64 runs through the park.
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The primary lake areas easily accessible from Hoby With Rotherby are Watermead Country Park and Frisby Lakes. Watermead Country Park, located north of Leicester, offers a network of artificial lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. Frisby Lakes, near Melton Mowbray, is known for its large gravel pit lakes.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Watermead Country Park features John Merrick's Lake, which is part of the accessible 'Red Route' suitable for pushchairs. Pond in Melton Country Park is within a 140-acre park with play areas and a visitor's centre. Frisby Lakes also offers a family-friendly environment with open-water swimming and a café.
The lakes around Hoby With Rotherby, many of which are former quarries, have been transformed into rich natural habitats. Watermead Country Park is known for diverse wildlife, including various bird species, and includes three Local Nature Reserves. Cossington Meadows Nature Reserve, a former gravel quarry, now boasts diverse plant and animal life with interpretation boards to guide visitors.
Absolutely. Watermead Country Park has a network of hard-surfaced paths, including the 'Red Route' around John Merrick's Lake, suitable for walking and cycling. Melton Country Park also offers extensive footpaths and trails. For more structured routes, you can explore various hiking options in the wider region, such as those found in the Hiking around Hoby With Rotherby guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Watermead Country Park's 'Red Route' is shared with cyclists. Melton Country Park permits cycling on its trails, and NCN Route 64 runs through the park. For more cycling adventures, check out the Cycling around Hoby With Rotherby guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Hoby With Rotherby guide.
Frisby Lakes is a popular destination for watersports, offering canoeing and open-water swimming with lifeguarded sessions. Racehub Lake also provides open-water swimming opportunities. King Lear's Lake in Watermead Country Park is used for open-water swim training by the Leicester Triathlon Club and for water training by Newfoundland Dogs, and features the Leicester Windsurfing & SUP Club Mural.
Yes, John Merrick's Lake in Watermead Country Park is part of the 'Red Route', which consists of hard-surfaced paths designed to be wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Frisby Lakes has an onsite café serving hot and cold food and drinks. Melton Country Park also features a visitor's centre with a café. Additionally, Racehub Lake has a café alongside a bike shop, offering coffees, shakes, and cakes.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for watersports, walking, and enjoying the full bloom of nature. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, especially on the accessible paths.
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially for walks. Melton Country Park, for example, offers dog agility trails. It's always best to check specific signage at each location for any restrictions, especially regarding nature reserves or designated swimming areas, and to keep dogs on leads where required.
Frisby Lakes offers free onsite parking. Watermead Country Park also provides various parking areas throughout its expanse. Melton Country Park has parking available for visitors. Specific parking details can often be found on local council or park websites.
Watermead Country Park is unique for its extensive network of artificial lakes and wetlands developed along the River Soar. It's a hub for nature, birdwatching, and offers well-maintained paths for walking and cycling. Notable features include King Lear's Lake with its distinctive statue and Mammoth Lake, commemorating Ice Age discoveries with a large woolly mammoth statue.


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