Lakes around Shipley offer diverse recreational opportunities and scenic beauty in West Yorkshire. The area features significant green spaces, moorland landscapes, and country estates. These bodies of water provide settings for leisurely strolls, picnics, and various outdoor activities. Shipley is surrounded by several notable lakes and ponds, making it a destination for nature enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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Lovely picnic area overlooking the water. Plus the interesting face in the wall. Go look for yourself. Also look out for the bird lif, there is plenty of it
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The Tarn is a scenic lake located on Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire. It's a great place for a stroll or picnic, or to just simply unwind in nature. Since the Victorian era, the tarn has remained a beloved destination for its natural beauty. During the winter months the Victorians would even ice skate on the frozen water.
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Located on the western side of the Aire Valley above Bingley in West Yorkshire, St Ives Estate is a country park of 217ha. Much of the estate is woodland and heath, and in these areas are various places with evidence of ancient settlements in the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age, Roman and medieval periods. These include the “Fairfax entrenchment”, an ancient ditch named after a Civil War general but actually much older. From the 12th to the 16th centuries the land belonged to Rievaulx and Drax abbeys and was known as Harden Grange The whole estate is a Grade II listed park. The 17th century Harden Grange, the 19th century St Ives Mansion (now a care home), and several other individual buildings are also listed grade II
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Very nice and easy walk with great views of the reservoir.
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Lovely stretch of woodland with a little waterfall and pond/dam. Drops down to a reservoir. There was an alternative route that skirted the edge of the woods on a track which seems popular with mountain bikers.
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The lakes around Shipley offer a variety of natural beauty. You can find scenic moorland landscapes at places like The Tarn, Ilkley Moor, which is perfect for leisurely strolls. Other areas, such as Coppice Pond within St Ives Estate, feature extensive woodlands and heath. You might also encounter small waterfalls and streams, like those found at The Glen Woodland and Stream, which leads down to a reservoir.
Yes, several lakes are situated near sites of historical and cultural interest. Lister Park, for instance, is home to the Cartwright Hall art gallery and features a beautiful Mughal Water Garden. Coppice Pond is located within the Grade II listed St Ives Estate, which has evidence of ancient settlements dating back to the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages.
Many lakes around Shipley are family-friendly. Lister Park is an excellent choice, offering a renovated lake for boating, a children's playground, and various sports facilities. The Tarn, Ilkley Moor, and Coppice Pond, St Ives Estate, also provide pleasant settings for family outings with opportunities for walks and picnics.
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the Shipley area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and running trails nearby. For example, there are easy hikes like the 'Saltaire World Heritage Site – Hirst Wood Lock loop' and more challenging routes such as the 'Shipley Glen Woodland Trail – Bingley Five Rise Locks loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Shipley or Running Trails around Shipley guides.
Yes, for fishing enthusiasts, Shipley Country Park in nearby Derbyshire offers several ponds, including Osborne's Pond, Mapperley Reservoir, and Adam's Pond. These waters are stocked with various fish species like roach, perch, bream, pike, carp, tench, and crucian carp. Day tickets for fishing are available, and you can find more information on the Derbyshire County Council website.
Visitors particularly appreciate the serene natural beauty and the diverse recreational opportunities. Many enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and unwinding in nature, especially at spots like The Tarn, Ilkley Moor. The combination of green spaces, historical sites, and facilities for activities like boating at Lister Park also contributes to a highly positive experience.
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. The Tarn, Ilkley Moor, is well-suited for leisurely strolls. Similarly, Lister Park offers accessible paths around its renovated lake. For more structured easy walks, you can check out the Easy hikes around Shipley guide, which includes routes like the 'Hirst Weir – Hirst Wood Lock loop'.
Yes, some lake areas offer amenities. Lister Park, being a large urban park, has facilities including the Cartwright Hall art gallery, which may have a cafe. For other locations, it's often best to check nearby towns or villages for cafes and pubs before or after your visit.
Yes, boating is an option at Lister Park. The park features a renovated lake where visitors can enjoy boating, adding to the recreational activities available there.
The lakes around Shipley can be enjoyed year-round, each season offering a different charm. Spring and summer are ideal for picnics, boating, and enjoying the lush greenery. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp walks and, historically, even ice skating on frozen surfaces like The Tarn, Ilkley Moor, though this is less common now. Always check local conditions before visiting in winter.
Yes, The Tarn, Ilkley Moor, is itself a scenic viewpoint, offering lovely vistas of the lake and surrounding moorland. Additionally, Saffery Ogden Dribbling Well provides great views of a nearby reservoir and is a pleasant picnic spot.


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