Best lakes around Hemsworth are primarily found within Hemsworth Water Park, a prominent destination featuring two distinct bodies of water. This area offers a blend of recreational activities and tranquil natural environments, making it a versatile outdoor location. The park's landscape includes attractive parkland and surrounding woodland, providing opportunities for walks near Hemsworth lakes. It is accessible by car, train, and bus, serving as a central hub for outdoor pursuits in the region.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Cafe and toilets here as well as parking and children’s play area
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I expect this was for charity but there a lots of them loose from Jurassic Park lol
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This is vast and looks great as you get over the little bridge
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Cold Hiendley Reservoir was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century to supply water to the growing city of Wakefield. The dam had to be strengthened in 1990. This is a popular fishing reservoir with large carp. There is a nice trail around the edge and the Trans Pennine Trail follows the Barnsley Canal path past the dam.
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Nice walk to take younger kids on, especially if they like Room on the Broom as there are wood carvings of characters from the book that tell the story as you go around the lake.
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Newmiller Dam is the lake created by the dam for the new mill :-) The village is called Newmillerdam as in New Mill on the Dam. The dam was built to provide a lake and therefore power to the mills owned by the Pashley family just south of Wakefield. The lake and surrounding area is now a nature reserve owned and managed by Wakefield Council. The lake has a well surfaced path all around it, suitable mostly for pushchairs and wheelchairs as well as kids on bikes. It's a popular place and fun for a short walk.
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This area was once fields but shallow flooding occurred after the Second World War due to the clogging up of surface water drains and mining subsidence. The Marsh was once part of the multi-pit Victoria Colliery which had working shafts between Outwood and Stanley Ferry. The pit here was sunk about 1835 and was known locally as Deep Drop Pit. It had its own pumping engine whose foundations can still be seen. A colliery railway passed through the site between 1837 and approximately 1840 and can be seen today as the embankment. The colliery closed in 1896. On 4 March 1879 while 250 men and 36 horses were at work, there was a large explosion which killed 21 men and boys.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Cold Hiendley Reservoir for its scenic views and the presence of swans and fishermen. Newmillerdam Lake is also a favorite, known for its well-surfaced paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and additional walking and cycling tracks in the surrounding woodland. Another popular spot is Pugneys Country Park Lake, a 250-acre park with on-site facilities.
Yes, many lakes offer family-friendly options. Hemsworth Water Park, for instance, features a large lake with sandy beaches and pedalo rides, an outdoor adventure playground called Playworld, and ample green areas for picnics. Newmillerdam Lake has paths suitable for pushchairs, and Anglers Country Park Lake is known for its 'Room on the Broom' themed wood carvings, a cafe, and a children's play area.
Hemsworth Water Park offers attractive parkland and surrounding woodland for short strolls, with footpaths extending to Kinsley Common and Hoyle Mill Dam. For more structured routes, you can find various hiking trails, including easy loops like 'The Obelisk Gateway – Nostell Priory Lower Lake' or 'Nostell Priory Mansion – Nostell Priory Lower Lake'. Explore more options on the Hiking around Hemsworth guide.
Yes, Hemsworth Water Park is wheelchair and pushchair friendly, with accessible toilets. Newmillerdam Lake is particularly noted for its well-surfaced path around the lake, making it suitable for both pushchairs and wheelchairs, with disabled parking spots and wide entrances.
Dogs are welcome at Hemsworth Water Park, making it a good spot for dog walking. Many of the walking trails around the lakes are suitable for dogs, but always check local signage for specific rules regarding leads or restricted areas.
Hemsworth Water Park provides a range of facilities including a cafe, toilets (accessible), and a car park. Parking charges apply on weekends and school holidays, though local residents may be eligible for a free permit. There's also an adventure playground and picnic areas.
Hemsworth Water Park features two distinct lakes; the smaller lake is specifically designed for wildlife observation. You can expect to see various bird species, and the park's woodland areas offer opportunities to spot local fauna. At Cold Hiendley Reservoir, visitors often see swans.
Yes, Stanley Marsh Local Nature Reserve, while primarily a natural area, also has historical significance as a former colliery site. You can still see foundations of a pumping engine and an old colliery railway embankment there, dating back to the 19th century.
Hemsworth Water Park offers year-round fishing, day and night, at both its lakes. They are well-stocked with species such as Roach, Skimmer, Bream, Perch, and Carp. The larger lake has Carp up to 36 pounds, while the smaller lake has Carp up to 16 pounds. There are 36 fishing spots available on both grass and gravel.
Beyond walking, there are cycling tracks in the woodland surrounding Newmillerdam Lake. For mountain biking, you can explore trails like 'Haw Park Wood Trails – Walton Nature Reserve loop from Fitzwilliam'. More routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Hemsworth guide.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for recreational activities like pedalo rides and picnics. Autumn provides beautiful foliage for walks, and winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks. Fishing is available year-round.
A full walk around both lakes at Hemsworth Water Park can vary depending on your pace and whether you explore the surrounding woodland. A leisurely stroll around the main paths might take approximately 1 to 2 hours, allowing time to enjoy the scenery and facilities.


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