Lakes around Warsop offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities within Nottinghamshire. The area features prominent water bodies such as The Mill Pool within The Carrs Local Nature Reserve and the fishing ponds at Sookholme. The River Meden also flows through the region, providing additional aquatic features. These locations cater to various outdoor activities, from wildlife observation to angling and walking.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Warsop.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Great combo of Road and fast paced single track riding. Links into a variety of local routes including over to Sherwood Pines.
0
0
Beautiful park full of woodland trails and a serpentine lake, lots to see and explore with a historical chapel and ornamental bridge, cycle hire available too in the park.
0
0
The park has different trails, including flat paths and steeper climbs. If you're looking for a challenge, try the route up Clipstone Tip for spectacular views.
1
1
good starting point for walks and bike rides, can easily get into sherwood pines from here and all surrounding routes, a very nice area and seems popular for fishing
0
0
Located between Mansfield and Bolsover, this picturesque woodland is rapidly developing into one of the most attractive wildlife sites in the region. With its mixture of mature broadleaf woodland, newly planted trees, large open meadows and a scenic wetland valley, Shirebrook Wood offers something for everybody.
0
0
For a blend of walking and nature, The Mill Pool at The Carrs Local Nature Reserve is an excellent choice. It offers smooth, accessible paths suitable for prams and cyclists, diverse habitats, and is a popular spot for birdwatching. Another great option is Vicar Water Lake, which features various trails, including flat paths and steeper climbs, and is known for its scenic beauty.
Yes, several locations are ideal for families. The Carrs Local Nature Reserve, home to The Mill Pool and The Scrape, provides recreational and play areas, picnic spots, and paths suitable for prams and young cyclists. Vicar Water Lake also offers a café, bike racks, and a kids' playground, making it very family-friendly. Clumber Park is another fantastic family destination with a child's play area and over 20 miles of traffic-free cycle ways.
Anglers have several good options. Sookholme Ponds, often referred to as the 'Three Lakes,' are well-known for fishing, stocked with carp, tench, ide, roach, perch, and crucians. The River Meden, which flows through Warsop, is also popular for fishing chub and other species, with a day-ticket fishery section in Church Warsop. Additionally, Shirebrook Wood features fishing ponds as part of its redeveloped site.
The lakes and water features in the Warsop area are rich in wildlife. At The Mill Pool at The Carrs, you can spot swans, ducks, and various fish, along with over a hundred bird species, including Goosander and Osprey. The Scrape at The Carrs was specifically created to attract dragonflies and red admiral butterflies. Fountain Dale Ponds are also noted as a nice spot for birdwatchers, with lots of waterfowl.
Yes, the area has significant historical connections. Clumber Park is a historical estate managed by the National Trust, once home to the Duke of Newcastle. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve preserves the industrial heritage of the region with its standing colliery buildings, now housing a café and museum. Fountain Dale Ponds is legendary as the meeting place of Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, and where Sir Walter Scott wrote parts of Ivanhoe.
Beyond walking, you can enjoy various cycling opportunities. There are numerous road cycling routes and touring bicycle routes that pass by or near the lakes. For mountain biking enthusiasts, MTB trails are also available, with routes like the 'Vicar Water Lake loop' being an easy option. The Carrs Local Nature Reserve also welcomes informal activities like dog walking and picnicking.
Yes, The Carrs Local Nature Reserve is noted for its smooth, accessible paths, making it suitable for prams, scooters, and young cyclists. This ensures that many visitors can enjoy the natural beauty around The Mill Pool.
Absolutely. The Mill Pool at The Carrs Local Nature Reserve is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over one hundred species recorded, including Goosander, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, and Waxwing. Fountain Dale Ponds also attracts a variety of waterfowl, making it another excellent location for bird enthusiasts.
Yes, several locations offer amenities. Vicar Water Lake has a café and a kids' playground. Pleasley Pit Colliery and Nature Reserve also features a café on-site. The Carrs Local Nature Reserve includes a well-equipped children's play area with picnic tables, and Clumber Park has National Trust cafes, an ice cream van, and a shop.
The River Meden, flowing through Warsop and The Carrs, is considered one of the cleanest rivers in Nottinghamshire. It's known for its shoals of Brown Trout and offers excellent fishing opportunities for species like chub, roach, and dace. A section in Church Warsop operates as a day-ticket fishery.
While the lakes offer beauty year-round, summer is ideal for enjoying walks and outdoor activities, especially at locations like The Carrs with its open spaces and family events. Birdwatching can be rewarding in various seasons, with specific migratory birds appearing at different times. Fishing at Sookholme Ponds is popular throughout the year.
Many areas around Warsop's lakes are dog-friendly. For instance, The Carrs Local Nature Reserve is a popular spot for dog walking. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead and check specific site regulations, especially in nature reserves, to protect wildlife.

