Top 20 Lakes around Hucknall
Best lakes around Hucknall are situated in a region known for its blend of natural landscapes and historical significance, including its coal mining heritage. The area offers diverse aquatic environments, from tranquil reservoirs to nature reserves. These lakes are often integrated into broader natural settings, providing opportunities for observing local wildlife and enjoying the outdoors. The landscape around Hucknall features a mix of woodlands, farmlands, and wetlands.
Best lakes around Hucknall
- The most popular lakes is Mapperley Reservoir, a family-friendly lake surrounded by bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland. This large freshwater lake includes a nature reserve, making it suitable for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
- Another must-see spot is Highfields Lake, University Park, a lake with a gentle walking circuit within the city. This location features a lakeside cafe and arts centre, and offers options for running loops or hiring rowing boats.
- Visitors also love Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve, a large area of floodplain and grassland straddling county boundaries. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including water voles, water birds, grass snakes, and a variety of insects and wild flowers.
- Hucknall is known for its reservoirs, nature reserves, and historical ponds. These include bodies of water set within woodlands, urban parks, and extensive wetlands, offering varied natural experiences.
- The lakes around Hucknall are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and over 50 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Mapperley Reservoir
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Highfields Lake, University Park
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The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Fountain Dale Ponds
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Interestingly, Sir Walter Scott wrote his famous novel Ivanhoe here. The novel is partly to thank for the modern perception of many of the principal characters of Robin Hood folklore, including the Prince of Thieves himself.
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Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve
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Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve
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Lots of little wooden jetties to sit and fish or bird/wildlife watch or just enjoy nature at many points all around the ponds. Can cross over ponds via bridge
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A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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It straddles the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire county boundaries and is jointly owned by the two county Wildlife Trusts. In spring and summer the reserve's ponds and the wet sections of the canal are a refuge for grass snakes, amphibians and dragonflies. Butterflies and many other insects breed and feed on the wild flowers growing in the grassland. The meadows are best known for their birds. In spring lapwings can be seen performing their impressive aerial displays, while early mornings may offer the best chance of hearing the strange 'drumming' call of breeding snipe. More common breeding birds include the reed buntings with their distinctive black and white heads, and sedge warblers, more camouflaged but twice as noisy in declaring their presence. In spring and autumn the breeding birds are joined by waders, wildfowl and even birds of prey like the hen harrier. Many wildfowl stay for the winter, including a small flock of wigeon, numerous teal and a range of other species.
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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Erewash Nature Reserve is the largest area of floodplain and grassland in the Erewash Valley. It's managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Look out for water voles and water birds.
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The Cotes Parkland was sold off in small plots during the nineteenth century when the area was being mined for coal and ironstone. Three of the ponds were constructed during the nineteenth century as a result of mining operations, but it is thought that pond 3 is considerably older. In 1942 the area was re-landscaped for public use by Italian prisoners of war and subsequently became very popular for walking and picnicking. The creation of Cotes Park Industrial Estate in the 1970s has isolated the ponds within an industrial and residential landscape. They fell into disuse and decay and suffered from pollution. In the late 1980’s the borough council improved the ponds, which encouraged angling, walking and horse riding, there is an active friends group who have raised funds in partnership with Palmer Morewood Angling Club to install new paths and fishing pegs, the Borough Council have also improved the infrastructure and work with the Environment Agency to combat pollution.
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Highfields Park was part of an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1920 Sir J Boot bought the estate and used it as the site of the East Midlands University (now Nottingham University). Highfileds House became part of the university and is currently used as a staff annexe. The landscape was re-modelled to suit the setting, with the joining of the fishing pond and small boating lake to become the larger lake we see today. The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around Hucknall?
Yes, several lakes around Hucknall are ideal for families. Mapperley Reservoir is surrounded by woodlands and farmland, offering opportunities for bird watching. Highfields Lake, University Park features a gentle walking circuit, a lakeside cafe, and options for rowing boats. Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve is also considered a safe and enjoyable place for children.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes near Hucknall?
The lakes around Hucknall are rich in wildlife. At Mapperley Reservoir, you can spot coot, moorhen, mallard, kingfisher, and various songbirds like chiffchaffs and blackcaps. Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is known for water voles, grass snakes, amphibians, dragonflies, and a wide array of birds including lapwings, snipe, reed buntings, and even hen harriers in season.
Are there easy walking trails around the lakes in Hucknall?
Many lakes offer easy walking opportunities. Highfields Lake, University Park has a gentle walking circuit within the city. For more options, you can explore the easy hikes around Hucknall guide, which includes routes like the Linby Village Main Street loop, suitable for leisurely strolls.
What historical or cultural significance do the lakes near Hucknall hold?
Some lakes have notable historical connections. Fountain Dale Ponds is legendary as the meeting place of Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, and where Sir Walter Scott wrote parts of 'Ivanhoe'. Highfields Lake, University Park was part of an 18th-century estate and later became integral to Nottingham University. Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve has a history tied to coal mining and was re-landscaped by Italian prisoners of war.
Can I go fishing at any of the lakes around Hucknall?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at some lakes. Mapperley Reservoir is a very large freshwater lake suitable for fishing throughout the year. Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve also features large fishing ponds with jetties, supported by an active angling club.
Are there places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Yes, you can find amenities near some lake locations. Highfields Lake, University Park has a lakeside cafe and arts centre, perfect for a coffee with a view. For other lakes, you might find pubs or cafes in nearby villages, but it's best to check specific locations.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find running loops at Highfields Lake, University Park, where you can also hire rowing boats. For more structured activities, explore the hiking around Hucknall and running trails around Hucknall guides for routes of varying difficulty.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Hucknall?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring is beautiful for bluebell woodlands around Mapperley Reservoir and for bird watching. Summer is ideal for enjoying rowing boats at Highfields Lake and seeing wildflowers and insects at Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve. Autumn offers vibrant foliage, and winter can provide peaceful, crisp walks, especially for observing overwintering wildfowl.
Are there any hidden gem lakes or less-known spots worth visiting?
While not entirely 'hidden,' Fountain Dale Ponds offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich folklore, being the legendary meeting place of Robin Hood and Friar Tuck. Its historical significance and tranquil setting make it a special, less-trafficked spot compared to more popular recreational lakes.
What should I wear for lakeside walks around Hucknall?
For lakeside walks, comfortable walking shoes or boots are recommended, as paths can vary from paved to natural and potentially muddy, especially after rain. Layered clothing is advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions. A waterproof jacket is always a good idea, and in summer, consider sun protection. For bird watching, binoculars are a useful addition.
Are the lake trails around Hucknall suitable for dogs?
Many natural areas and trails around lakes in the Hucknall region are generally dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under control, especially near wildlife reserves or livestock. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs, such as requirements for leads or restricted areas, particularly in nature reserves like Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve.
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