Top 5 Lakes around Littlethorpe
Best lakes around Littlethorpe are found in the wider Leicestershire area, offering diverse natural attractions. Littlethorpe itself is a village in Leicestershire, providing access to various bodies of water. The region features both historical reservoirs and accessible forest park lakes. These locations offer opportunities for walking and experiencing the local landscape.
Best lakes around Littlethorpe
- The most popular lakes is Lake at Studley Royal Water Garden, a natural monument that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Lumley Moor Reservoir
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Studley Royal Water Garden
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Hackfall Fountain Pond
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Grewelthorpe Village Pond
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View of the Lake in Nidderdale National Landscape
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Tips from the Community
Lumley Moor was built to release water, not just store it. Victorian waterworks often reduced natural river flow. When towns like Ripon began abstracting water from upland streams, they risked lowering summer flows, affecting mills downstream, killing fish and breaching riparian rights (a big legal issue for Victorians). So water authorities were legally required to put water back into the river to compensate for what they took out. Same as Gouthwaite Reservoir but on a much smaller scale, this is a type of compensation reservoir.
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Wow, what a place! Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Gardens completely blew me away. The abbey ruins are absolutely stunning – huge, dramatic, and full of atmosphere. You can just wander around and lose yourself in the history. The water gardens are gorgeous too –beautifully designed lakes, with statues, little follies, and surprise viewpoints. Catching a glimpse of the abbey from across the water is like something out of a painting. We also spotted deer in the park which was a bit of a treat! Loads of walking routes to choose from, so you can do a quick wander or spend the whole day exploring. There’s also two good on-site cafes, one at the visitor centre, and one lakeside venue. There are also plenty of picnic spots if you bring your own. The whole place is spotless and really well looked after. This was one of the best days out I’ve had in ages – peaceful, scenic, and full of history. It is also a World Heritage Site to boot, so you are in for a treat!
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A television series (in German) that I wholeheartedly recommend introduces culture-loving viewers to remarkable testimonies to human creativity from many countries around the world. What they all have in common is that they have been granted "World Heritage" status by UNESCO. * "A park, gnarled trees, twisted by the wind as if by a giant's hand. Herds of fallow deer and roe deer graze in the tall grass. In the valley, nature is reflected in an artificial lake: the visitor stands in Lord Aislabie's "Watergarden." Small Greek temples and Gothic turrets are also reflected in the water, for in the 18th century it was fashionable to decorate the parks of noble country estates with Greek temples and Gothic turrets – real ruins were highly prized. And the lord owned a truly magnificent ruin in his park. Walking along well-kept park paths by the stream that flows through the artificial lakes, one's gaze falls on "Fountains Abbey," or what remains of what was once the largest English Cistercian monastery in Yorkshire, an impressive ruin." reads the media library's website. The corresponding film contribution (in German) can be found under the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/der-park-v-studley-und-die-ruinen-von-fountains-abbey-gb-folge-197/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MDM1MzE0
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Studley Royal Park 800 acres, including an 18th Century landscaped garden, the ruins of Fountains Abbey, Fountains Hall Jacobean mansion and St Mary’s Church
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Grewelthorpe is around 3 miles South of Masham and 6 miles North of Ripon. It hosts an ancient 12th-century church and the nearby Hackfall Woods
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The Studley Royal Water Garden is a beautiful park landscape with the Moon Ponds, some lovely walkways and decorative buildings such as the Octagonal Tower with the serpentine tunnel underneath, the Monopteros, the Surprise View and Anne Boleyn's Seat. The Temple of Piety at the Moon Ponds is also very beautiful. It is a lovely place to linger and enjoy the park.
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The small dam was originally built for the city of Ripon. These days, it belongs to Yorkshire Water. Paths go essentially around all of it, making for a very pleasant walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most notable lakes to visit near Littlethorpe?
Near Littlethorpe, you can explore a variety of lakes. The Lake at Studley Royal Water Garden is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an 18th-century water garden and the ruins of Fountains Abbey. Other significant options include Swithland Reservoir, known for its historical context and scenic views, and Rutland Water, a major draw for recreation with the unique sight of Normanton Church.
Are there any lakes with historical significance around Littlethorpe?
Yes, several lakes boast historical importance. Studley Royal Water Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an 18th-century garden and the ruins of Fountains Abbey. Swithland Reservoir, built around 1896, showcases the region's industrial past with the Great Central Railway and surrounding areas shaped by centuries of slate quarrying. Rutland Water also has historical interest with its construction in the 1970s and the iconic Normanton Church.
Which lakes are suitable for family outings near Littlethorpe?
For families, Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is an excellent choice, offering accessible walks, amenities, and connection to National Forest trails. Conkers Waterside, also in the National Forest, provides outdoor walks, an adventure playground, cafes, and indoor activities. The Lake at Studley Royal Water Garden and Hackfall Fountain Pond are also noted as family-friendly highlights.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at these lakes?
The lakes around Littlethorpe offer diverse natural beauty. You can find ornamental lakes and landscaped gardens at Studley Royal Water Garden, and peaceful woodland settings at Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park. The View of the Lake in Nidderdale National Landscape provides forest viewpoints with paths close to the water's edge. Swithland Reservoir offers scenic views and is surrounded by Swithland Wood, known for its natural beauty.
Are there opportunities for walking or hiking near the lakes?
Absolutely. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has short trails around the lake and through the woods, and is the start of the National Forest Birthday Walk. Lumley Moor Reservoir offers pleasant paths around its entirety. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Littlethorpe, which include routes like the Seven Bridges Valley – Studley Royal Deer Park loop.
Where can I find unique landmarks or viewpoints at the lakes?
Rutland Water features the iconic and unusual Normanton Church, which appears to 'float' when the lake is full. At Hackfall Fountain Pond, you can discover a working hand-pumped fountain and a small folly. The View of the Lake in Nidderdale National Landscape offers a forest viewpoint with stunning vistas of the water.
Are there any cycling routes available near the lakes?
Yes, the area around Littlethorpe provides various cycling opportunities. You can find road cycling routes, including an easy loop around the Avenue at Studley Royal Deer Park. For off-road adventures, there are also gravel biking routes, such as the Studley Royal Deer Park loop.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes in this region?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered. Many enjoy the beautiful park landscape, ornamental lakes, and historical ruins at Studley Royal Water Garden. The unique hand-pumped fountain at Hackfall Fountain Pond is also a popular discovery. The general appeal lies in the tranquil settings, scenic views, and opportunities for pleasant walks.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park provides a free car park that is open during the daytime. For other lakes, parking facilities are generally available, especially at larger recreational sites like Rutland Water, though specific details may vary.
Are there any lakes that are part of a larger park or forest area?
Yes, Horseshoe Lake is located within Sence Valley Forest Park, which is part of the National Forest. Conkers Waterside is also situated in the National Forest. The Lake at Studley Royal Water Garden is part of the extensive Studley Royal Park, which includes an 18th-century landscaped garden and deer park.
What kind of amenities can I find at lakes like Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers convenient amenities including a free car park, toilets, and an information board to help you plan your visit and walks.
Can I find information about the history of the lakes on-site?
At Hackfall Fountain Pond, there is an information board detailing its history and an example of the old wooden pipes that once supplied water. Swithland Reservoir's history as a 19th-century construction is also evident in its design and the surrounding area's industrial heritage.
Most popular attractions around Littlethorpe
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