Top 8 Lakes around Thurlaston
Lakes around Thurlaston offer tranquil settings for outdoor activities. The area features the Thurlaston Moat & Lake, a secluded spot popular for angling, situated in open countryside. This location provides a peaceful escape with diverse fish species and amenities like parking and toilet facilities. While other waterways exist, the Moat & Lake at New Hall Park Farm is the primary attraction for recreational water bodies, making it a key destination for those seeking easy walks around lakes near Thurlaston.
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Last updated: June 30, 2026
Bradgate Park Deer Park
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Bagworth Heath Woods
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Stoney Cove National Dive Centre
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Groby Pool
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Cropston Reservoir — Northwest Shore
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Tips from the Community
Sand martins return annually to an artificial nesting wall at Bagworth Heath Wood Country Park in Leicestershire, usually arriving in March to nest through the summer. The site, featuring a specialized "Sandmartin Pool," is maintained by rangers and volunteers who refresh the sandy bank annually, with hundreds of chicks raised there.
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The building across the water, Pool House, is a Grade II listed building.
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The first recorded reference to Groby Pool was in 1295, and there is evidence of a mill associated with Groby Pool from that time until the 1900s. The last was a saw mill in Sheet Hedges Wood.
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Cropston Reservoir (originally known as Bradgate Reservoir) lies in Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire, England. The dam and associated water works are in Cropston, while the bulk of the reservoir is in the neighbouring Newtown Linford parish. It was opened in May 1871 in a corner of Bradgate Park, a large expanse of open land northwest of Leicester. It is part of the 987-acre (399.3 ha) Bradgate Park and Cropston Reservoir Site of Special Scientific Interest.
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Arrive early at Bradgate Park to enjoy it at its best. It's a lovely ride, but as a very popular attraction, the park can get very busy with pedestrians later in the day. Cyclists do not have right of way, and you may be asked to dismount on very busy days. Stick to the tarmac as cycling off-route can attract heavy fines.
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Groby Pool is believed to be the largest natural expanse of open water in Leicestershire, covering 38 acres. The unusual combination of habitats includes woodland, wet and dry grassland, marsh, reed swamp and open water, supporting a wide range of water fowl and animals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for walking and enjoying nature around Thurlaston?
For a picturesque walk with abundant wildlife, Thornton Reservoir offers a traffic-free trail around its perimeter. Another excellent choice is Groby Pool, the largest natural open water in Leicestershire, known for its diverse habitats including woodland and marsh, supporting a wide range of waterfowl.
Are there any family-friendly lakes or natural areas near Thurlaston?
Yes, Bradgate Park Deer Park is a popular family attraction, known for its deer population and scenic paths. Another great option is Bagworth Heath Woods, a reclaimed colliery site with lakes, ponds, woodland, and grassland, offering easy-to-follow, mostly flat main paths suitable for families.
Where can I go fishing around Thurlaston?
The primary attraction for fishing enthusiasts is the Thurlaston Moat & Lake, also known as New Hall Park Farm Moat & Lake. This secluded spot offers a tranquil setting with a variety of fish species, including Carp, Crucians, Chub, Roach, Rudd, Perch, and Tench in the Moat, and larger Carp in the Lake.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths around the lakes?
Yes, Thornton Reservoir features a paved path throughout its perimeter, making it relaxing and accessible for wheelchair users, with plenty of benches along the way.
What kind of historical sites or unique features can I find near the lakes?
At Bagworth Heath Woods, you can see a pit wheel on an island in the largest pool, serving as a reminder of the site's industrial past as a reclaimed colliery. Groby Pool has historical references dating back to 1295, with evidence of a mill and a Grade II listed building, Pool House, across the water.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near the lakes around Thurlaston?
You can enjoy various cycling routes. For touring bicycle enthusiasts, there are moderate routes like the 'Whitestone to Stoney Cove loop from Kirby Muxloe'. Mountain biking options include easy trails such as the 'View of the Waterway – Path Beside the Pond loop from Narborough Bog'. Road cyclists can explore routes like the 'Smooth Road for Cycling – Sapcote Castle loop from Thurlaston'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Thurlaston, MTB Trails around Thurlaston, and Road Cycling Routes around Thurlaston guides.
Are there any places for diving or unique water sports?
Yes, Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is a large flooded quarry that hosts the UK National Dive Centre. It offers a heated pool for dive training and an 'underwater adventure park' for experienced divers.
What amenities are available at Thurlaston Moat & Lake?
Thurlaston Moat & Lake provides convenient parking and toilet facilities for visitors, making it a comfortable spot for angling and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Thurlaston?
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil settings and the opportunity to observe wildlife. The traffic-free trails, like those at Thornton Reservoir, are often highlighted for their relaxing atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. The presence of diverse wildlife, including deer at Bradgate Park Deer Park, also adds to the appeal.
Can I find cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, Stoney Cove National Dive Centre has a pub/cafe on site, making it a good place to stop and take a break while visiting the area.
Is it possible to visit the lakes around Thurlaston in winter?
Many of the trails around the lakes, such as the paved path at Thornton Reservoir and the mostly flat main paths at Bagworth Heath Woods, are suitable for winter walks, offering a different perspective of the natural beauty. Always check local conditions and dress appropriately for the weather.
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