Top 5 Lakes around Little Smeaton

The area around Little Smeaton features a variety of lakes, including ornamental lakes like Highfields Lake, park lakes such as Pontefract Park Lake, and lakes within nature reserves or on reclaimed land, like the Bentley Pit Lakes. These offer diverse environments from tranquil park settings to more natural woodland surroundings.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Pontefract Park Lake is located within a park that includes a children's playground. Highfields Lake in Woodlands wildlife park and Askern Lake, with its nearby cafe and bakery, are also popular choices for a family day out. The Bentley Pit Lakes and Thorpe Marsh Nature Reserve also offer family-friendly environments for walks.

Askern Lake is well-regarded for its amenities, including a cafe and bakery nearby, making it a suitable place for relaxing by the water. Pontefract Park Lake also offers facilities within the park setting.

Absolutely. The region offers various hiking opportunities. For example, you can find easy to moderate routes like the 'Kirk Smeaton to Brockadale Nature Reserve loop' or the 'Brockadale Nature Reserve loop from Kirk Smeaton'. You can explore more hiking options in the Hiking around Little Smeaton guide.

Yes, there are several easy walking trails. The 'Kirk Smeaton to Brockadale Nature Reserve loop' and the 'Brockadale Nature Reserve loop from Kirk Smeaton' are both rated as easy. Additionally, the 'Lake at Frickley Park – Frickley Country Park loop' is another easy option. Find more easy routes in the Easy hikes around Little Smeaton guide.

The lakes are set within diverse natural landscapes. Highfields Lake is an ornamental lake in a wildlife park. The Bentley Pit Lakes are part of a community woodland on reclaimed land, offering a peaceful contrast to urban surroundings. Thorpe Marsh Nature Reserve features pastures, hedgerows, ponds, lakes, and small woodlands, supporting a wide range of plants and animals.

Yes, the area provides cycling routes that can take you near some of the lakes. You can find moderate cycling tours such as the 'Birkin Tea Room – Carlton Towers loop from Knottingley' or the 'Carlton Towers – Birkin Tea Room loop from Pontefract Baghill'. More cycling options are available in the Cycling around Little Smeaton guide.

Bentley Pit Lakes are situated on reclaimed land from the former Bentley Colliery, now known as Bentley Community Woodland. This site offers a stunning contrast between the bustling town of Doncaster and the quiet calm of the woodland and its lakes, providing a sense of being transported to the countryside.

At Thorpe Marsh Nature Reserve, you can enjoy peaceful walks through varied habitats including pastures, hedgerows, ponds, lakes, and small woodlands. This diversity supports a wide range of plants and animals, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation.

Yes, Highfields Lake was originally built by the owners of Woodlands, a country house that lent its name to the model village built for the miners of Brodsworth Colliery. It's an ornamental lake filled by the Pick Burn.

Visitors appreciate the diverse environments, from the relaxing park setting of Pontefract Park Lake with its playground, to the tranquil natural beauty of Highfields Lake and the amenities at Askern Lake. The transformation of sites like Bentley Pit Lakes into peaceful woodlands is also highly valued.