Top 12 Lakes around Aston upon Trent CP

The area around Aston upon Trent CP offers a diverse range of lakes, from dedicated fishing lakes like Coopers Lake and Aston Park Fisheries within the Civil Parish, to larger water parks and reservoirs in the surrounding Derbyshire and West Midlands regions. These include natural reserves, ornamental lakes, and reservoirs offering various recreational activities.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Staunton Harold Reservoir is popular, featuring a cafe, playground, and opportunities for biking and walking. Further afield, Kingsbury Water Park and Chasewater Country Park are large water parks suitable for all ages with numerous outdoor activities. Deer Park at Calke Abbey also offers family-friendly walking opportunities.

For walking, Staunton Harold Reservoir offers scenic views and walking paths. Deer Park at Calke Abbey is part of the National Forest Silver Anniversary Trail, providing excellent walking. Attenborough Nature Reserve has easy, tranquil river paths. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes around the region, including those along the Trent & Mersey Canal, by checking the Hiking around Aston upon Trent CP guide.

Aston upon Trent CP is particularly known for its fishing lakes. Coopers Lake is a beautiful fishing lake directly in Aston-on-Trent. Aston Park Fisheries, also in Aston-on-Trent, boasts seven lakes, including Lilly Lake, which is known for large specimen carp. These fisheries cater to both match and pleasure angling with various types of lakes stocked with different fish.

Yes, bird-watching is a popular activity. Attenborough Nature Reserve is a well-known spot for bird-watching with numerous ponds and bird hides. Westport Lake is a crucial site for overwintering birds, managed by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Melbourne Pool is also notable for its diverse bird species.

While primarily natural, some lakes have historical connections. Melbourne Pool has a rich history, with records dating back to the medieval period and connections to Melbourne Castle. Deer Park at Calke Abbey is set within the historic grounds of Calke Abbey, offering a blend of nature and heritage.

Cycling is a great way to explore some of the lakes. Staunton Harold Reservoir offers opportunities for biking. Attenborough Nature Reserve has easy and tranquil cycling paths. Further afield, Carsington Water provides an 8-mile circuit perfect for cycling. You can find more cycling routes in the area by checking relevant komoot guides.

Yes, some lakes offer facilities. Staunton Harold Reservoir has a cafe and playground. Westport Lake features a visitor centre with a cafe, playground, and picnic areas. Deer Park at Calke Abbey has a cafe within Calke Abbey grounds. Melbourne Pool is conveniently located within a minute's walk of local shops and cafes.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activity. For general outdoor activities like walking and cycling, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. Bird-watching can be particularly rewarding during migration seasons or in winter for overwintering birds at places like Westport Lake. Fishing lakes like Coopers Lake are open from early morning until dark, offering flexibility throughout the warmer months.

Many outdoor areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially for walks. Deer Park at Calke Abbey is noted as dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife, and to check specific site regulations before visiting.

Parking is available at several locations. Staunton Harold Reservoir has parking facilities. Aston Park Fisheries offers the convenience of parking behind many of its fishing pegs. For other locations, it's advisable to check local signage or official websites for specific parking information, as some may require permits or have limited spaces.

Beyond lake-specific activities, the region offers various outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy and moderate trails, by exploring the Hiking around Aston upon Trent CP guide. There are also running trails available, as detailed in the Running Trails around Aston upon Trent CP guide. Activities like paddle sports and sailing are also offered at larger bodies of water like Carsington Water and Staunton Harold Reservoir.