Top 9 Lakes around Market Bosworth
Best lakes around Market Bosworth offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The area features several lakes, many of which are set within country parks or former industrial sites transformed into natural habitats. These locations provide settings for walking, wildlife observation, and water-based activities. The region's lakes contribute to its appeal as a destination for outdoor exploration.
Best lakes around Market Bosworth
- The most popular lakes is Thornton Reservoir, an other natural area that nestles in a picturesque National Forest valley. It features a traffic-free trail around the reservoir, suitable for walking.
- Another must-see spot is Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve, an other natural area. This reserve is being reclaimed by nature, with waters meandering naturally and land allowed to flood, creating a habitat for diverse bird species.
- Visitors also love Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, a lake that is part of a significant area of woodland planting. It serves as a starting point for walks around the lake and through the woods.
- Market Bosworth is known for reservoirs, natural lakes, and lakes within country parks. Visitors can explore a variety of lake environments, from those with paved paths to those focused on wildlife and fishing.
- The lakes around Market Bosworth are appreciated by the komoot community, with 52 upvotes and 39 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park
Highlight • Lake
Good free car park open during daytime, toilets and information board.
My sat nav tried to direct me to an old entrance but easy enough to skirt round from there to the main entrance (keep turning left) if the same happens.
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Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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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Thornton Reservoir
Highlight • Forest
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Bagworth Heath Woods
Highlight • Natural
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Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tips from the Community
A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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Following the planting of 300,000 native broadleaf trees from 2012-2015, QEDJW is now flourishing into a beautiful young woodland made up of oak, field maple, silver birch, beech and hornbeam, to name just a few. Bluebell and wood anemone light up the forest floor in the ancient woodland areas in springtime, and at the lake you’ll find vegetation including bull rush and yellow iris.
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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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 cafe at the garden centre is perfect for a mid ride cob
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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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Thornton Reservoir is a small area of water situated on the edge of the National Forest in a peaceful and picturesque location. It offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and through the neighbouring woodland areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in the Market Bosworth area are popular for walking and cycling?
Many lakes around Market Bosworth offer excellent walking and cycling opportunities. Thornton Reservoir features a traffic-free trail suitable for both. Sence Valley Forest Park, home to Horseshoe Lake, has a network of mostly flat, surfaced paths, including an accessible 'All Ability Trail'. Market Bosworth Country Park also provides wide open spaces for walking and cycling. For more detailed routes, you can explore cycling guides like Cycling around Market Bosworth.
Are there family-friendly lakes with activities for children near Market Bosworth?
Yes, several lakes cater to families. Bosworth Lakeside Lodges (formerly Bosworth Water Park) offers a wide array of water sports, sandy lake beaches, a 12-hole crazy golf course, and play parks. Market Bosworth Country Park has picnic areas and play areas for children, alongside its natural attractions. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park also has accessible paths suitable for pushchairs.
Which lakes are best for nature observation and birdwatching?
For nature enthusiasts, Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is a haven for diverse bird species, including warblers, snipe, and various birds of prey. Sence Valley Forest Park, with its Horseshoe Lake, is praised for its successful environmental restoration, attracting over 150 bird species, otters, and water voles, and features a bird hide. Market Bosworth Country Park also supports a wide range of insects, plants, and animals, with opportunities for birdwatching.
Can I go fishing at the lakes near Market Bosworth?
Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Angling is permitted at Bow Pool in Market Bosworth Country Park during the fishing season with a valid rod license. Bosworth Lakeside Lodges is popular for fishing, with several stocked pools like Friezeland Pool, offering diverse fish species. Sheepy Lake in Sheepy Magna is a dedicated fishing lake, well-stocked with bream and carp, and also allows fishing in the River Sence.
Are there accessible trails around the lakes for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
Yes, accessibility is a feature at some locations. Thornton Reservoir has a paved, traffic-free trail around it. Sence Valley Forest Park offers an accessible 'All Ability Trail' around Horseshoe Lake, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Market Bosworth Country Park also has accessible surfaced paths.
What kind of water sports are available at the lakes?
Bosworth Lakeside Lodges provides extensive water sports opportunities, including boating, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and pedalos. This location is ideal if you're looking for active water-based recreation.
Are there any lakes near Market Bosworth with historical significance?
Sence Valley Forest Park, featuring Horseshoe Lake, is a remarkable example of environmental transformation, having been a former opencast coal mine. Informational plaques detail its journey from an industrial site to a thriving natural habitat. Similarly, Bagworth Heath Woods, which includes lakes and ponds, is a reclaimed colliery site with a pit wheel on an island as a reminder of its industrial past.
What amenities can I expect at the lakes, such as parking or cafes?
Amenities vary by location. Market Bosworth Country Park has pay-on-exit parking and toilet facilities. Sence Valley Forest Park provides public toilets and a cafe at the main car park (parking charges apply). Sheepy Lake offers a cafe ('Sheepy Shack'), toilets, and ample parking. Bosworth Lakeside Lodges also has picnic and barbecue areas, along with accommodation options.
Are the lakes around Market Bosworth dog-friendly?
Many outdoor areas around Market Bosworth are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on leads and owners clean up after them. Bosworth Lakeside Lodges explicitly states it is dog-friendly, requiring dogs to be on leads. Always check specific site rules before visiting with your dog.
What are some other natural areas with lakes worth visiting in the region?
Beyond the main lakes, Bagworth Heath Woods features woodland, grassland, heathland, and lakes, making it a great spot for wildfowl. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood also includes a lake amidst its flourishing young woodland, offering beautiful scenery and diverse plant life.
Can I find running trails near the lakes?
Yes, the area offers various running trails. Sence Valley Forest Park hosts a weekly parkrun event. You can find more running options by exploring guides such as Running Trails around Market Bosworth, which includes routes like the 'Running loop from Market Bosworth'.
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