Top 18 Lakes around Ibstock
Best lakes around Ibstock, a village in Leicestershire, England, offer diverse natural landscapes for exploration. The area features several notable lakes and water bodies, providing opportunities for walking, wildlife observation, and fishing. These locations are part of a landscape that includes woodlands, grasslands, and reclaimed colliery sites. Visitors can find a variety of natural settings to engage with the outdoors.
Best lakes around Ibstock
- The most popular lakes is Bradgate Park Deer Park, a lake and historical site that features a large deer park. This location is known for its natural setting and opportunities for walks, with deer often visible.
- Another must-see spot is Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, a lake within a forest park. This lake serves as a starting point for walks, offering circuits around the lake and trails through surrounding woods.
- Visitors also love Swithland Wood, a forest with a quarry and lake features. This ancient woodland supports diverse wildlife and has historical significance from slate quarrying.
- Ibstock is known for its forest lakes, nature reserve lakes, and fishing lakes. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different outdoor interests.
- The lakes around Ibstock are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and 16 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Bradgate Park Deer Park
Highlight • Lake
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Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park
Highlight • Lake
Good free car park open during daytime, toilets and information board.
My sat nav tried to direct me to an old entrance but easy enough to skirt round from there to the main entrance (keep turning left) if the same happens.
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Swithland Wood
Highlight • Forest
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Bagworth Heath Woods
Highlight • Natural
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Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Loads of birdwatching - it's a great site for Warblers, Whitethroat, Rereed and Sedge warbler. Also Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl and Kingfisher have been spotted too. Add to this birds of prey including Osprey, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine have all been seen, along with the more locally rare marsh harrier, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. They've even had a red-footed falcon!
Best pack your binoculars and start working through that list.
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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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A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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This is the Great Pit in Swithland Wood, a site shaped by centuries of slate quarrying, with origins tracing back to Roman times. The quarry was first officially recorded in the 1300s, with activity continuing until the 19th century. Due to the presence of deep water and sheer vertical walls, the quarry is extremely hazardous and completely closed to public access.
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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The main path through the nature reserve (i.e. the one marked on komoot) takes you nowhere near the ponds or bird hide. You have to take the path off to the right near the Severn Trent Water station.
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Was pretty mucky and slippy on a gravel bike in June, although it's been a wet year
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Swithland Wood is a small remnant of the original Charnwood Forest managed by part of the Bradgate Estate. As a small chunk of ancient woodland, Swithland consists of mature oak, birch, alder and lime with supports a rich variety of butterflies, moths and birds. This chunk of woodland is the type that would of previously covered all of the British mainland whilst groups of hunter gatherers moved through the landscape.
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A relatively new nature reserve that is being taken back by nature. The waters meander in a natural way, the land is allowed to flood in heavy rain, and as you walk through you’ll feel like you’re leaving the rest of the world behind. Loads of birdwatching - it's a great site for Warblers, Whitethroat, Rereed and Sedge warbler. Also Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl and Kingfisher have been spotted too. Add to this birds of prey including Osprey, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine have all been seen, along with the more locally rare marsh harrier, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. They've even had a red-footed falcon! Best pack your binoculars and start working through that list.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Ibstock are best for walking and hiking?
For walking, Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers short circuits around the lake and trails through surrounding woods. It's also a starting point for the National Forest Birthday walk. Bradgate Park Deer Park is another popular choice with extensive grounds for walks, where you can often spot deer. For more challenging hikes, consider the trails around Swithland Wood, which features ancient woodland and quarry sites.
Are there family-friendly lakes to visit near Ibstock?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Bradgate Park Deer Park is very family-friendly, offering open spaces and the chance to see deer. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is also a great option, with easy walks and amenities like toilets and parking. Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is another family-friendly spot, particularly for birdwatching.
What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes around Ibstock offer diverse natural settings. At Bradgate Park Deer Park, you'll find a large deer park with a natural setting. Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is a prime location for birdwatching, with sightings of various warblers, Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl, Kingfisher, and birds of prey like Osprey and Buzzard. Bagworth Heath Woods features rich wildfowl and aquatic plant life, along with woodland and grassland.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, Bradgate Park Deer Park is a significant historical site. Swithland Wood has historical significance from slate quarrying, with the Great Pit being a notable feature. Bagworth Heath Woods also has a unique pit wheel on an island, reminding visitors of its past as a reclaimed colliery.
What are the parking options at the lakes around Ibstock?
Parking is available at several locations. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has a car park, though it is no longer free and requires card or app payment. Bradgate Park Deer Park also has parking facilities, but it can get very busy, especially on weekends.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes near Ibstock?
Yes, the Brickyard Fishery offers dedicated fishing opportunities with three distinct lakes. Dobbits Pond and Merkwood Pond are suitable for general coarse angling, while Gandelfs Carp Lake is specifically for larger carp, requiring specialized equipment and experience.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling and running. There are numerous cycling routes, including the 'Hicks Lodge Trail – Donisthorpe Woodland Park loop' and 'Lush – Champneys loop'. For runners, routes like the 'Sence Valley Forest Park loop' from Ibstock are popular. You can find more details on these activities in the cycling guide, hiking guide, and running guide for the Ibstock area.
Are there any lakes suitable for beginner hikers or those seeking easy trails?
Absolutely. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers easy, short circuits perfect for beginners. The Sence Valley Country Park also features easy hikes, such as the 'Sence Valley Country Park to Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve loop'. These trails are generally flat and well-maintained.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Ibstock?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with blooming wildflowers or vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for longer walks, though popular spots like Bradgate Park Deer Park can get busy. Winter walks can be tranquil, especially at nature reserves like Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve, which is excellent for birdwatching.
Are the lakes around Ibstock dog-friendly?
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, particularly for walks. Bradgate Park Deer Park is popular with dog walkers, but always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife like deer. Sence Valley Forest Park and Bagworth Heath Woods also welcome dogs on leads.
Where can I find amenities like toilets or cafes near the lakes?
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park provides toilets and information boards. For cafes and pubs, you'll generally find options in the nearby villages and towns surrounding the lake areas, such as Ibstock itself or Coalville.
What makes Bagworth Heath Woods a unique place to visit?
Bagworth Heath Woods is unique for its diverse landscape, combining woodland, grassland, heathland, and several lakes. It's particularly known for its rich wildfowl and aquatic plant life. A distinctive feature is a pit wheel on an island in the largest pool, serving as a historical reminder of the site's past as a reclaimed colliery.
Are there any lakes with viewpoints offering scenic vistas?
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park is listed as a viewpoint, offering pleasant views over the lake and surrounding forest. The varied terrain of Swithland Wood and Bradgate Park Deer Park also provide numerous scenic spots during walks.
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