Best lakes around Shobnall include a significant water park and a canal network offering recreational opportunities. Shobnall, a district within Burton upon Trent, is in close proximity to Branston Water Park, which features a large lake and wildlife habitat. The Trent & Mersey Canal, with Shobnall Marina, provides scenic walking routes along its towpaths. These locations offer diverse waterside experiences for visitors.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
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A 29 hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reserve features a combination of lakes and ponds, woodland and sheltered sunny areas make the former gravel pits at Hilton a haven for wildlife. Look for kingfishers flashing blue over the water, herons, great crested grebes, and tufted ducks. It is famous for dragonflies and damselflies, with 15 species recorded here.
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A great place to walk and a visit to waterside is a must in the Sun
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Carvers Rocks is situated at the southern tip of Foremark Reservoir and is a designated 280-acre (113-hectare) nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed by the National Trust and Seven Trent. The area includes woodland, lowland heath, beautiful open countryside, and the open water of Foremark Reservoir. It is a haven for all types of wildlife , especially birds. There are a variety of recreation activities here, including woodland walks along with car parking and toilets.
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The Limehouse Dams are the old source of water to the village, established in the early 1800s. Water was treated with lime and piped to a waterworks on Manchester Lane, where it was supplied to the village via cast iron pipes. "HWW" cast iron markers still stand today showing where those pipes lay.
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Nice spot, shame about the noise from the A50.
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For Covid-19 period, a one way (clockwise) circuit of the lake has been introduced. Please follow the signs
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A pleasant nature reserve worth checking out if in the area. Despite the noises from the nearby A50, it is still a calming place with hardly any visitors, and full of wildlife. A loop around the nature reserve is about 1.5 - 2 miles and there are suggested routes on a board at the entrance. Car parking can be found at the entrance alongside the road. Note: most of the paths do not allow dogs.
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The most popular spots include Conkers Waterside, known for outdoor walks and an adventure playground, and Albert Village Lake, a scenic former opencast mine with enjoyable walking paths. Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve is also a pleasant option for wildlife observation.
Yes, Conkers Waterside is a great day out for families, offering an adventure playground, cafes, and indoor activities. Albert Village Lake, part of the Conkers circuit, also provides paths suitable for family walks. Additionally, Branston Water Park, including Branston Water Park – The Gravs, is a significant wildlife habitat with walking paths and a children's play area.
You'll find a variety of walking opportunities. Conkers Waterside sits on several National Forest trails, offering gentle strolls. Albert Village Lake has paths suitable for enjoyable walking as part of the Conkers circuit. For more extensive options, explore routes like the 'Shobnall Fields Canal – Branston Water Park loop' or the 'Shobnall Fields Canal – Tutbury and Burton Mileposts loop' along the Trent & Mersey Canal. You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Shobnall guide.
Branston Water Park is an excellent destination for wildlife spotting, particularly birdwatching, due to its extensive reed beds. Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve is also known for its wildlife and offers a calming place to observe nature.
Yes, the Limehouse Dams are a notable historical site. Established in the early 1800s, they served as the old source of water for the village, with remnants like 'HWW' cast iron markers still visible today.
The area around Shobnall offers various cycling routes. You can explore paths along the Trent & Mersey Canal. For dedicated cycling routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Shobnall guide or the Cycling around Shobnall guide for touring bicycle options.
Many of the paths, particularly along the Trent & Mersey Canal towpaths and around Branston Water Park, are relatively flat and suitable for various fitness levels. Albert Village Lake also features paths for enjoyable walking. Specific accessibility details for each location may vary, so it's always good to check local signage.
While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, it's important to note that some paths at Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve do not allow dogs. Always look for local signage regarding dog restrictions, especially in nature reserves, to ensure you comply with regulations.
Conkers Waterside offers cafes and other facilities, making it a convenient stop during your visit. Branston Water Park also provides picnic facilities for visitors.
Visitors appreciate the diverse outdoor experiences, from the family-friendly amenities and adventure playground at Conkers Waterside to the tranquil birdwatching and extensive reed beds at Branston Water Park. The scenic walking paths around places like Albert Village Lake and along the Trent & Mersey Canal are also highly valued for leisurely strolls and connecting with nature.
Yes, for Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve, car parking can be found at the entrance alongside the road. For other locations like Branston Water Park and Conkers, dedicated parking facilities are typically available, though it's advisable to check specific location details for current information.


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