Lakes around Newstead offer diverse natural and historical landscapes in the UK, primarily within Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. This region features a mix of natural reserves, historical sites, and recreational areas centered around various ponds and lakes. Visitors can explore areas known for their wildlife, industrial heritage, and connections to local folklore. The landscape provides opportunities for walking, wildlife observation, and enjoying tranquil waterside settings.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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The park has different trails, including flat paths and steeper climbs. If you're looking for a challenge, try the route up Clipstone Tip for spectacular views.
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It straddles the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire county boundaries and is jointly owned by the two county Wildlife Trusts. In spring and summer the reserve's ponds and the wet sections of the canal are a refuge for grass snakes, amphibians and dragonflies. Butterflies and many other insects breed and feed on the wild flowers growing in the grassland. The meadows are best known for their birds. In spring lapwings can be seen performing their impressive aerial displays, while early mornings may offer the best chance of hearing the strange 'drumming' call of breeding snipe. More common breeding birds include the reed buntings with their distinctive black and white heads, and sedge warblers, more camouflaged but twice as noisy in declaring their presence. In spring and autumn the breeding birds are joined by waders, wildfowl and even birds of prey like the hen harrier. Many wildfowl stay for the winter, including a small flock of wigeon, numerous teal and a range of other species.
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good starting point for walks and bike rides, can easily get into sherwood pines from here and all surrounding routes, a very nice area and seems popular for fishing
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Erewash Nature Reserve is the largest area of floodplain and grassland in the Erewash Valley. It's managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Look out for water voles and water birds.
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The Cotes Parkland was sold off in small plots during the nineteenth century when the area was being mined for coal and ironstone. Three of the ponds were constructed during the nineteenth century as a result of mining operations, but it is thought that pond 3 is considerably older. In 1942 the area was re-landscaped for public use by Italian prisoners of war and subsequently became very popular for walking and picnicking. The creation of Cotes Park Industrial Estate in the 1970s has isolated the ponds within an industrial and residential landscape. They fell into disuse and decay and suffered from pollution. In the late 1980’s the borough council improved the ponds, which encouraged angling, walking and horse riding, there is an active friends group who have raised funds in partnership with Palmer Morewood Angling Club to install new paths and fishing pegs, the Borough Council have also improved the infrastructure and work with the Environment Agency to combat pollution.
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Yes, several lakes around Newstead are suitable for families. Vicar Water Lake offers various trails, including flat paths, a playground, and a cafe. Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve and Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve are also categorized as family-friendly, providing opportunities for wildlife observation and peaceful walks. In Newstead, Australia, Waterfront Park features a man-made lake with a maritime-themed playground and open spaces for children.
The lakes around Newstead are rich in wildlife. At Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve, you can spot water voles, various water birds, grass snakes, amphibians, and dragonflies. It's particularly known for its birds, including lapwings, snipe, reed buntings, and sedge warblers. Fountain Dale Ponds is a good spot for bird watchers, with lots of waterfowl. At Portland Park, you might see roach with silver bodies and red fins, and moorhens with their chicks.
Yes, the region has lakes with notable historical connections. Fountain Dale Ponds is famously associated with English folklore, believed to be the legendary meeting place of Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, and features the overgrown remains of a 12th-century moat. Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve has ponds constructed during 19th-century mining operations, with one thought to be considerably older, and the area was re-landscaped by Italian prisoners of war in 1942. Portland Park is a nature reserve on the site of a former railway station, with its meadow area once a limestone quarry.
The lakes around Newstead offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling on trails at places like Vicar Water Lake and Portland Park. For more extensive adventures, there are numerous routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and running nearby. You can explore trails such as the 'High Park Wood and Wighay Wood loop' for MTB, 'Blidworth Wood & The River Trent loop' for gravel biking, or 'Newstead Steps – Stone Gate on Robin Hood Way loop' for running. Find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Newstead, Gravel biking around Newstead, and Running Trails around Newstead guides.
Yes, there are excellent walking opportunities. Vicar Water Lake is a popular starting point for walks and bike rides, offering various trails from flat paths to steeper climbs. Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve provides peaceful paths for walking and wildlife watching. Portland Park also features a small number of walking trails. For longer walks, consider the running trails guide which includes routes like 'Newstead Steps – Stone Gate on Robin Hood Way loop'.
While the UK lakes in Newstead are primarily for walking and nature observation, if you're looking for fishing and boating, Cairn Curran Reservoir in Newstead, Victoria, Australia, is a significant recreational destination. It's popular for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, and canoeing. Anglers can expect to catch Murray cod, golden perch, trout, and redfin.
Yes, some lakes offer facilities. Vicar Water Lake has a cafe (run by Rumbles), bike racks, and a kids' playground. In Newstead, Australia, Cairn Curran Reservoir provides plenty of picnic spots with electric BBQs and toilets, along with two caravan parks. Waterfront Park in Brisbane, Australia, has amenities like toilets and BBQs available in nearby Newstead Park, a short walk away.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for wildlife viewing at places like Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve, when birds are breeding and insects like dragonflies are active. These seasons are also pleasant for walking and enjoying outdoor activities. However, the natural settings offer beauty and tranquility year-round for walks and observing nature.
While specific dog-friendly policies for all UK lakes are not detailed, many natural reserves and parks in the UK generally allow dogs on leads. In Newstead, Brisbane, Australia, Waterfront Park includes an off-leash dog park, making it a good option for pet owners.
Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve could be considered a hidden gem. Despite being located in the middle of an industrial estate, it is described as very peaceful, offering numerous wooden jetties for fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature. It's a tranquil spot that might surprise visitors.
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly at nature reserves like Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve. The historical significance of places like Fountain Dale Ponds, with its Robin Hood folklore, is also a draw. Family-friendly facilities and varied trails for walking and cycling, such as those at Vicar Water Lake, are also highly valued by the komoot community.
Yes, there are several scenic spots. Vicar Water Lake offers spectacular views if you take the route up Clipstone Tip. Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve is also noted as a viewpoint, providing peaceful vistas over the ponds. In Newstead, Brisbane, Waterfront Park offers scenic views along the Brisbane River.


Still not found your perfect lake around Newstead? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.