Top 6 Lakes around Boylestone
Best lakes around Boylestone offer diverse natural and man-made water features, providing various trails and routes for exploration. The region, situated in Derbyshire, UK, features notable landmarks and viewpoints alongside its aquatic attractions. Visitors can discover a mix of serene parklands and nature reserves, each presenting unique natural features. The area provides opportunities for easy walks around Boylestone lakes and longer distance hikes.
Best lakes around Boylestone
- The most popular lakes is Osmaston Park Sawmill, a historical site by…
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Osmaston Park Sawmill
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Shirley Park Woodland and Pond
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Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve
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Flying Birds Sculpture at JCB Lake
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Heritage Wood
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Tips from the Community
The JCB factory west of Rocester has worked hard to incorporate itself into the landscape. The site includes parkland and an ornamental lake which is open to the public and maintained by JCB staff. There are several statues placed in and around the lake including this flying birds sculpture.
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The nearby village of Shirley was once the seat of Earl Ferrers and the Shirley family. The parkland and woods of the estate is still called Shirley Park although the grand house is no longer evident. Walking through the woodland and along the lake side is aa nice change to the farmland of the area. The woods make a great loop either from Shirley or for a longer walk from Ashbourne.
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Nice spot, shame about the noise from the A50.
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reasonabe incline gravel climbs on each side but a lovely place to view the lake and the old timber mill water wheel
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A wood that has been created for remembering various people who have passed away (their friends and relatives can buy and dedicate a tree in their memory). The wood is open to all and is a nice place to stop for a picnic. There are many, many picnic tables spread throughout the site. https://www.heritage-wood.co.uk/ Very scenic lake surrounded by picnic tables and populated by HUGE carp (absolutely no fishing!)
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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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Osmaston Estate is a beautiful park with plenty of ancient woodlands to explore. It is well worth planning a route which ventures through this park. The sawmill is a beautiful building located by the lake and immediately adjacent to the footpath. It is surrounded by steep bank covered with a verdant forest of very tall trees. Parking is easy on the street in both nearby Shirley & Osmaston villages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around Boylestone?
The area around Boylestone features a mix of natural lakes, man-made reservoirs, and nature reserves with water features. You can explore tranquil ponds, larger reserves, and historical sites by the water.
Are there any historical sites near the lakes?
Yes, Osmaston Park Sawmill is a notable historical site located by a lake. It offers views of the lake and an old timber mill water wheel, set within a park with ancient woodlands.
Which lakes are good for family outings?
Several spots are family-friendly. Osmaston Park Sawmill and Shirley Park Woodland and Pond both offer pleasant environments for families. Additionally, Heritage Wood, with its scenic lake and numerous picnic tables, is ideal for a family day out.
Are there nature reserves with lakes in the area?
Yes, Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve is a calming place known for its wildlife and features a lake. It offers a loop walk of about 1.5 to 2 miles.
What kind of walking trails can I find near the lakes?
You can find a variety of walking trails. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Osmaston Park Sawmill – Shirley Park Woodland and Pond loop' or 'The Saracen's Head – Shirley Park Woodland and Pond loop'. You can explore more options for easy hikes in the area by visiting the Easy hikes around Boylestone guide.
Are there options for cycling or gravel biking near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers opportunities for both cycling and gravel biking. You can find various routes, including 'Badgers Bridge – Mickleover Station loop' for easy gravel biking. For more detailed routes, check out the Gravel biking around Boylestone guide and the Cycling around Boylestone guide.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths around the lakes?
The area around the Flying Birds Sculpture at JCB Lake offers flat and suitable paths, making it a wheelchair-accessible option. The ornamental lake and parkland are open to the public.
Where can I find parking when visiting these lakes?
Parking is generally available. For Osmaston Park Sawmill, street parking is easy in nearby Shirley and Osmaston villages. For Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve, car parking can be found at the entrance alongside the road.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Boylestone?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural and man-made water features, the serene environments, and the opportunities for walks through woodlands and along lakeside paths. The presence of wildlife and historical elements like the old timber mill water wheel also add to the appeal.
Are dogs allowed on trails near the lakes?
While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, it's important to check specific locations. For instance, at Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve, most of the paths do not allow dogs.
Can I have a picnic by the lakes?
Yes, Heritage Wood is an excellent spot for a picnic, featuring a scenic lake and many picnic tables spread throughout the site.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Nature reserves like Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve are known for their wildlife. At Heritage Wood, you might spot very large carp in the lake, though fishing is not permitted.
Most popular attractions around Boylestone
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