Top 5 Lakes around Allerton Bywater
Best lakes around Allerton Bywater are found in this village in West Yorkshire, England. The area features several notable lakes and nature reserves. Many of these locations have a rich industrial past, having been transformed into havens for wildlife and recreational activities. Visitors can find diverse attractions, from birdwatching to walking trails.
Best lakes around Allerton Bywater
- The most popular lakes is RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve, a nature reserve that is a large wetland habitat. It was formerly an opencast mine and now offers extensive walking trails and viewing points.
- Another must-see spot is Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve, a nature reserve that was a former coal mining site. It features grasslands, wetlands, and lagoons, serving as an important breeding site for water birds, and includes a visitor center.
- Visitors also love Skelton Lake, a lake known for its scenic views. It offers opportunities for walks and has facilities available.
- Allerton Bywater is known for its nature reserves, former industrial sites rewilded into wetlands, and fishing lakes. The area provides a variety of natural features and recreational opportunities.
- The lakes around Allerton Bywater are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 120 upvotes and 12 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve
Highlight • Trail
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RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve
Highlight • Rest Area
Located between Leeds, Castleford and York, the area is managed by the RSPB.
rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fairburn-ings
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Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
The Marsh was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery which had working shafts between Outwood and Stanley Ferry. The pit here was sunk about 1835 and was known locally as Deep Drop Pit. It had its own pumping engine whose foundations can still be seen. A colliery railway passed through the site between 1837 and approximately 1840 and can be seen today as the embankment. The colliery closed in 1896.
On 4 March 1879 while 250 men and 36 horses were at work, there was a large explosion which killed 21 men and boys.
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Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
There is a cafe and toilets at the visitors centre about halfway along Newton Lane on the south side of the road,
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Tips from the Community
Very muddy on sections and lots of bird twitchers out, oblivious that other people are using the trails as well 🥴
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Lovely walk birds nesting at moment toilets and cafe sturdy paths disability scooter welcome small cafe and wild water swimming
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Fairburn Ings nature reserve is managed by the RSPB. It used to be a coal mine but has been transformed over the last 60 years to a haven for wildlife. It's an important breeding and nesting site for water birds. The star species that you may see are Bittern, Willow Tit, Kingfisher, Tree Sparrow and Spoonbill. The visitor centre has information, toilets and a cafe. It's open 10:00 - 17:00 in the summer and 10:00 - 16:00 in the winter.
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Newton Lane runs from the A656 at Allerton Bywater in the west almost to Fairburn in the east. It passes through Fairburn Ings, an RSPB nature reserve. Once a centre of coal mining, it is now a varied habitat for wildlife, including the rare bittern and spoonbill. There is a cafe and toilets at the visitors centre about halfway along Newton Lane on the south side of the road,
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really enjoyed this trip this morning we're just trying out the old railway line, but couldn't resist having a coffee and croissant at the RSPB and a few circuits around the RSPB then back on the old railway line. just brilliant.
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This area was once fields but shallow flooding occurred after the Second World War due to the clogging up of surface water drains and mining subsidence. The Marsh was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery which had working shafts between Outwood and Stanley Ferry. The pit here was sunk about 1835 and was known locally as Deep Drop Pit. It had its own pumping engine whose foundations can still be seen. A colliery railway passed through the site between 1837 and approximately 1840 and can be seen today as the embankment. The colliery closed in 1896. On 4 March 1879 while 250 men and 36 horses were at work, there was a large explosion which killed 21 men and boys.
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The Greenhouse Cafe on the Methley side of St Aidens is an excellent stopping place for Drink or something to eat well worth a try, their smoked salmon with cream cheese bagel sandwich are awsome
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and nature reserves to visit around Allerton Bywater?
The most popular spots include RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve, a large wetland habitat with extensive walking trails, and Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve, a former coal mining site now a haven for water birds with a visitor center. Skelton Lake is also appreciated for its scenic views and walking opportunities.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Allerton Bywater?
Yes, both RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve and Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve are considered family-friendly. Fairburn Ings has sturdy paths, welcomes disability scooters, and offers a visitor center with a cafe and toilets, making it accessible for various ages and needs. Skelton Lake also provides family-friendly walks and facilities.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the nature reserves?
At Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve, you can spot various water birds, including star species like the Bittern, Willow Tit, Kingfisher, Tree Sparrow, and Spoonbill. RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve, as a large wetland, also hosts a diverse array of bird species and other wildlife.
Are there walking or hiking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve offers extensive walking trails and viewing points. Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve also has numerous paths suitable for walks. For more detailed routes, you can explore hiking trails around the area, such as the easy 6.5 km route from Allerton Bywater to St Aidan's RSPB Reserve, by visiting the Hiking around Allerton Bywater guide.
Can I go running near the lakes in Allerton Bywater?
Yes, the area provides several running trails. For example, there's a moderate 9.5 km loop from Allerton Bywater to RSPB Fairburn Ings. You can find more options and details in the Running Trails around Allerton Bywater guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes and nature reserves?
The nature reserves like Fairburn Ings are important breeding and nesting sites for water birds, making spring and summer excellent for birdwatching. The visitor center at Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve is open longer in summer (10:00-17:00) compared to winter (10:00-16:00), suggesting good accessibility year-round, with different seasonal highlights.
Are there any historical sites or features related to the area's industrial past?
Yes, many of the lakes and nature reserves have a rich industrial history. Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve, for instance, was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery, and you can still see the foundations of its pumping engine and an embankment from a colliery railway. Both RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve and Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve are former coal mining sites that have been rewilded.
Are there facilities like cafes and toilets available at the nature reserves?
Yes, Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve has a visitor center with information, toilets, and a cafe. RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve also offers a nice place to get tea or coffee. Additionally, Skelton Lake has food and toilet facilities available at the nearby J45 service station.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the area. Oxbow Lake Allerton Bywater Victoria Angling Club is primarily known as a 4-acre carp lake. Lowther Lake, a mature 25-acre lake, is also a popular specimen venue for various fish including bream, carp, tench, pike, and silverfish, though access is typically for members only of the Allerton Bywater Victoria Angling Club.
Are there options for cycling or gravel biking near the lakes?
Yes, there are several routes suitable for gravel biking. For example, you can find an easy 16 km loop around RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve starting from Rothwell. More gravel biking routes are detailed in the Gravel biking around Allerton Bywater guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Allerton Bywater?
Visitors frequently praise the transformation of former industrial sites into havens for wildlife and recreation. They enjoy the extensive walking trails, the opportunities for birdwatching, and the scenic views. The presence of visitor centers with amenities like cafes and toilets also enhances the experience, making these areas accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of visitors.
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Most popular attractions around Allerton Bywater
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