Top 10 Lakes around Burton

Several lakes near Burton-upon-Trent offer excellent family-friendly amenities. Staunton Harold Reservoir features an adventure playground and a cafe. Branston Water Park has a children's play area and picnic spots. Foremark Reservoir also provides playgrounds and picnic facilities. For a more active day out, Conkers Waterside offers outdoor walks, an adventure playground, and cafes, while Cliff Lakes boasts a large inflatable water park suitable for ages 6 and up.

For easy walking, Branston Water Park offers a flat, circular path of approximately one mile, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users. Foremark Reservoir and Staunton Harold Reservoir also provide accessible countryside walks. Albert Village Lake, part of the Conkers circuit, features a mix of path, bridleway, and tarmac, with benches for resting.

Yes, watersports are popular in the region. Foremark Reservoir is home to the Burton Sailing Club, offering sailing and windsurfing. Staunton Harold Reservoir also has a sailing club providing sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Cliff Lakes is a dedicated water park where you can enjoy paddleboarding, open water swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lessons.

Branston Water Park is a significant wetland site with a large reed bed, making it ideal for birdwatching and spotting various plant and animal species. Foremark Reservoir is a nature reserve known for its diverse habitats and has recorded over 200 types of birds and 350 species of moths. Deer Park at Calke Abbey is also excellent for wildlife, particularly deer.

Meadow Lane Lake, located on the outskirts of Burton-upon-Trent, is a well-established fishery known for specimen-sized fish, including carp, tench, and catfish. It offers amenities for anglers such as secure parking, toilets, and showers.

Many lakes offer visitor amenities. Staunton Harold Reservoir has a visitor centre, picnic areas, toilets, and a refreshment kiosk. Foremark Reservoir provides a kiosk for refreshments, playgrounds, and picnic spots. Branston Water Park has picnic areas. Cliff Lakes offers changing rooms, eco-friendly showers, and a cafe. Conkers Waterside also has cafes and facilities.

Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities. Hicks Lodge Blue Trail is a bikes-only trail with jumps and berms. For more options, you can explore the MTB Trails around Burton guide, which includes routes like the 'Robin Wood – Shell Brook Trail loop from Bretby'.

Yes, several lakes are close to significant sites. Deer Park at Calke Abbey is part of the historic Calke Abbey grounds. Foremark Reservoir is near Carver's Rocks, a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its unique geology. Staunton Harold Reservoir's walking trails lead to the nearby National Trust Calke Abbey.

You can find various hiking routes. Branston Water Park has a circular path, and Staunton Harold Reservoir offers countryside walks. For more extensive options, consult the Hiking around Burton guide, which features routes like the 'Trent Valley Way and Branston Loop' and the 'Shobnall Fields Canal – Branston Water Park loop'.

Many of the walking trails around the lakes are dog-friendly, though specific rules may apply regarding leads, especially in nature reserve areas or near wildlife. Deer Park at Calke Abbey is noted as dog-friendly. It's always best to check local signage for specific regulations at each location.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports, picnics, and enjoying the full bloom of nature. Autumn offers beautiful foliage for walks, while winter can provide peaceful, crisp walks, especially at locations like Branston Water Park or Staunton Harold Reservoir, which remain accessible.

Yes, gravel biking is a popular activity. The Gravel biking around Burton guide provides routes such as the 'Moira Furnace – Shell Brook Trail loop from Overseal' and the 'Kingfisher Trail – Mickleover Greenway loop from Burton-on-Trent', offering varied terrain for gravel cyclists.