Lakes around Norton offer a blend of historical sites, reclaimed landscapes, and natural reserves, providing diverse outdoor experiences. The area features ornamental lakes, woodlands on former industrial land, and nature reserves with varied habitats. These locations are suitable for walks, wildlife observation, and family-friendly activities. The landscape reflects a mix of historical preservation and natural regeneration.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Reclaimed land from the former Bentley Colliery, now the Bentley Community Woodland.
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Nice for a walk and food in tea rooms or a visit to the museum
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Cusworth Hall is a good place for a break. They've got a takeaway cafe with a yummy pizza and other refreshments. And a cheeky ride down the hill is so hard to resist 😈🤫
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Enjoy a peaceful walk through Thorpe Marsh Nature Reserve with pastures lined with hedgerows, ponds, lakes and small woodlands. With such varied habitats supporting a wide range of plants and animals you are guaranteed to see or hear something of interest.
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Highfields Lake is an ornamental lake in the Woodlands wildlife park at Highfields. It is filled by the Pick Burn, which then flows on to join the River Don as Bentley Mill Stream. The lake was originally built by the owners of Woodlands, a country house that lent its name to the model village built for the miners of Brodsworth Colliery. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Highfields_Lake
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Visitors to this attractive woodland would never suspect it was situated on the former Bentley colliery. Positioned in the heart of urban Doncaster there is a stunning contrast between the bustling town centre and the quiet calm of the woodland and its lakes, almost as if you've been transported to the heart of the countryside
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Cusworth Hall was built between 1740 and 1744 by local landowner William Wrightson. It's a grade 1 listed building managed by Doncaster Council. The Cusworth Hall Museum is free and open Fridays and Sundays from 10:00 - 15:00. The parkland is open all year with onsite paid parking open dawn till dusk. There is a cafe and microbrewery in the buildings around the house.
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Lovely place to relax at side of lake, with a reasonable priced cafe, if this is closed the Flower shop cafe across the the road do excellent cake.
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Around Norton, you'll find a diverse range of lakes, including ornamental lakes like Highfields Lake, historical parklands featuring lakes such as Cusworth Hall and Park, and lakes within reclaimed industrial sites that are now tranquil woodlands, like Bentley Pit Lakes. There are also nature reserves with lakes, offering varied habitats for wildlife.
Yes, several lakes around Norton are ideal for families. Highfields Lake and Askern Lake are both noted as family-friendly, with Askern Lake even featuring a cafe. Bentley Pit Lakes, set within a community woodland, also offers a family-friendly environment.
For historical interest, Cusworth Hall and Park is a must-visit. It features a Grade 1 listed building from the 1740s, a museum, and extensive parkland with a lake. The area's landscape often reflects a mix of historical preservation and natural regeneration, particularly in reclaimed industrial sites.
Yes, Askern Lake has a cafe right by the water, making it a great spot for refreshments. Cusworth Hall and Park also has a cafe and microbrewery within its grounds, offering options for a break during your visit.
The lakes around Norton offer diverse natural features. You can find tranquil woodlands, varied habitats supporting a wide range of plants and animals, and scenic viewpoints. For instance, the View of the Lakes at Thorpe Marsh Nature Reserve provides opportunities to observe wildlife in pastures, hedgerows, ponds, and small woodlands.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities near the lakes. For easy walks, you can explore routes like the 'Bentley Woodland loop from Bentley' or various loops around Brockadale Nature Reserve. You can find more details and routes in the Easy hikes around Norton guide.
Beyond hiking, the area around Norton's lakes offers mountain biking and road cycling. You can find various routes, such as the 'Low Lane Swing Bridge – Narrow Woodland Bridleway loop' for mountain biking or the 'Askern Lake – Iron Horse Equestrian Café loop' for road cycling. Explore these options in the MTB Trails around Norton and Road Cycling Routes around Norton guides.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and family-friendly amenities. Many enjoy the peaceful walks through woodlands and nature reserves, the convenience of cafes at places like Askern Lake, and the opportunity to relax in scenic parklands such as Cusworth Hall and Park. The transformation of former industrial land into attractive green spaces is also a highlight.
Yes, for instance, Cusworth Hall and Park offers onsite paid parking that is open from dawn till dusk, making it convenient for visitors.
Yes, the View of the Lakes at Thorpe Marsh Nature Reserve provides a peaceful setting with pastures, hedgerows, ponds, lakes, and small woodlands, offering varied habitats for wildlife observation.
Highfields Lake is an ornamental lake located within the Woodlands wildlife park. It was originally built by the owners of Woodlands, a country house, and is known for its scenic beauty.


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