Top 20 Lakes around Breaston
Best lakes around Breaston offer a variety of natural settings and historical points of interest. The region features several bodies of water, from tranquil reservoirs surrounded by woodlands to historical pools with rich pasts. These lakes provide opportunities for easy lake walks near Breaston and wildlife observation. Many of the area's lakes are integrated with nature reserves and historical sites, making them points of interest for visitors.
Best lakes around Breaston
- The most popular lakes is Mapperley Reservoir, a lake surrounded by bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland. It is known for wildlife spotting, especially bird watching, with species like coot, moorhen, and kingfisher.
- Another must-see spot is Attenborough Nature Reserve, a lake and nature reserve with numerous ponds. It is a popular bird-watching spot, offering access to bird hides for closer observation.
- Visitors also love Melbourne Pool, a historical lake covering some 20 acres. It has a variety of bird species and is located within a minute's walk of local shops and cafes.
- Breaston is known for its nature reserves, historical sites, and family-friendly lakes. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, many with facilities like cafes and trails.
- The lakes around Breaston are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 220 upvotes and 40 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Attenborough Nature Reserve
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On weekends it gets really busy so having a bell is advisable or time your route so that you pass here in the mornings or late afternoon.
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Mapperley Reservoir
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Melbourne Pool
Highlight • Lake
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Highfields Lake, University Park
Highlight • Lake
The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Nutbrook Trail
Highlight • Cycleway
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Tips from the Community
A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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Highfields Park was part of an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1920 Sir J Boot bought the estate and used it as the site of the East Midlands University (now Nottingham University). Highfileds House became part of the university and is currently used as a staff annexe. The landscape was re-modelled to suit the setting, with the joining of the fishing pond and small boating lake to become the larger lake we see today. The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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This area has a long coal mining history with deep mines open from 1722 until the 1960's. On the closure of the mines the area was remediated, contoured and planted with trees. The lake was also created. Initially the park was run a s a theme park but this venture didn't work so it's back to nature.
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Although its extent in the medieval period is not known, Melbourne Pool was certainly large by the early 17th century, as shown on a map of that time. Tradition says that stone for Melbourne Castle was quarried here before the area was flooded. A map of 1787 shows the Pool extending further to the west than it does now. It provided water to Melbourne Mill. The level of the water was raised by two feet at the beginning of the 18th century, in order to work the fountains in the Hall gardens, although this flooded part of the vicarage garden. By the early 19th century the pool was silted up completely at the west end. In the 1840s it was partly filled and the rest was cleaned out, making two ornamental islands and landscaping the surrounding area. In its current form it covers some 20 acres. It is not known when it was first created, but references to a mill pool are found in the early 14th century.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around Breaston?
Yes, several lakes around Breaston are suitable for families. Mapperley Reservoir is surrounded by woodlands and offers wildlife spotting. Attenborough Nature Reserve has numerous ponds and bird hides, making it great for nature observation. Melbourne Pool is a historical lake with bird species and is close to local shops and cafes. Additionally, Highfields Lake, University Park offers gentle walks, a lakeside cafe, and rowing boats during warmer months.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes near Breaston?
The lakes around Breaston are excellent for wildlife spotting, particularly birds. At Mapperley Reservoir, you might see coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher, with chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps in summer. Attenborough Nature Reserve is a popular bird-watching spot with dedicated bird hides. Melbourne Pool also hosts a variety of bird species.
Are there historical sites or points of interest near the lakes?
Yes, the region combines natural beauty with historical significance. Melbourne Pool is a historical lake dating back to at least the early 17th century, with traditions linking it to the quarrying of stone for Melbourne Castle. Mapperley Reservoir is surrounded by remnants of the area’s coal mining heritage. Highfields Lake, University Park is part of an estate with origins in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, now integrated into the University of Nottingham campus.
What are the best lakes for walking near Breaston?
For walks, Mapperley Reservoir offers peaceful paths through bluebell woodlands and farmland. The Attenborough Nature Reserve provides easy, tranquil river paths and trails around its numerous ponds. Highfields Lake, University Park features a gentle circuit around the lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll within the city.
Are there any lakes with cafes or facilities nearby?
Yes, some lakes offer convenient facilities. Melbourne Pool is located within a minute's walk of local shops and cafes. Highfields Lake, University Park boasts a lakeside cafe and arts centre, providing a perfect spot for refreshments with a view. A visitor centre is also available near Mapperley Reservoir in Shipley Country Park.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including moderate to difficult routes, by exploring the Running Trails around Breaston guide. For cycling, the Nutbrook Trail is an easy 10-mile cycling and walking path. Gravel biking routes are also available, with options like the 'Trent & Mersey Canal Towpath' and 'Nottingham Canal' trails, detailed in the Gravel biking around Breaston guide.
Are there easy hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The Attenborough Nature Reserve features easy and tranquil river paths. For more structured routes, you can find various easy hikes, such as the 'Breaston Memorial Garden – Victoria Mills, Draycott loop' or 'St Chad's Lake – View of St. Chads Water loop', by consulting the Easy hikes around Breaston guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes near Breaston?
Visitors frequently appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, opportunities for wildlife observation, and the well-maintained trails. The natural settings, such as the bluebell woodlands around Mapperley Reservoir, and the bird-watching opportunities at Attenborough Nature Reserve, are highly valued. The convenience of nearby amenities, like those found near Melbourne Pool and Highfields Lake, also adds to the positive experience.
Is it possible to go cycling around the lakes?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Nutbrook Trail is an easy cycling and walking path that runs for about 10 miles and is part of National Cycle Route 67. While some lake paths might be busy with pedestrians, especially on weekends, many are suitable for bikes, particularly gravel bikes. You can find more detailed routes in the Gravel biking around Breaston guide.
Are there any lakes that are particularly good for bird watching?
Absolutely. Attenborough Nature Reserve is renowned as a popular bird-watching spot, offering access to bird hides for closer observation. Mapperley Reservoir is also excellent for bird watching, with species like coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher frequently sighted.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Breaston?
The lakes offer beauty throughout the year. Spring is ideal for seeing bluebells around Mapperley Reservoir and hearing various bird songs. Summer allows for activities like rowing at Highfields Lake. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, and winter provides peaceful, crisp walks, though some paths may be busier on weekends regardless of the season.
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