Top 12 Lakes around Leicester Forest East
Best lakes around Leicester Forest East offer diverse outdoor experiences in the surrounding Leicestershire region. While no large natural lakes are directly within Leicester Forest East, nearby areas feature a variety of man-made lakes, reservoirs, and former quarries. These locations provide opportunities for walking, wildlife observation, and specialized water activities. The landscape includes former industrial sites transformed into natural habitats and historical reservoirs.
Best lakes around Leicester Forest East
- The most popular lakes is Bradgate Park Deer Park, a lake that is part of a large deer park. It is notable for its free-roaming deer and scenic routes for walking and cycling.
- Another must-see spot is Cropston Reservoir, a man-made lake. Visitors can expect great views over the water and a historical boundary wall built to separate it from the Bradgate Estate.
- Visitors also love Stoney Cove National Dive Centre, a flooded quarry. This site is special for its unique underwater adventure park for divers and a 1000-meter perimeter course for open water swimming.
- Leicester Forest East is known for reservoirs, artificial lakes, and flooded quarries. These offer a variety of landscapes and activities, from tranquil walks to specialized water sports.
- The lakes around Leicester Forest East are appreciated by the komoot community, with 48 upvotes and 16 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Bradgate Park Deer Park
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Cropston Reservoir
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Most of the land required for the reservoir, dam and waterworks belonged to the Bradgate Estate. Lord Stamford insisted that a stone wall be built around the boundary to separate the deer park from the reservoir, instead of the proposed iron railings. This wall, 1,500 yards long was eventually built at a cost of 8s 10d per yard.
Joseph Reeves, Head Gamekeeper, outside his house.
Some of the Bradgate Estate land was part of the deer park, but most was farmland let out on very long leases. One farmer, Joseph Allen, lost virtually all his farm. Two members of the Matts family had theirs considerably reduced in size.
The Gamekeeper’s house and land, together with a nearby bridge, were also in the area to be flooded. The house, together with its stables and outhouses, were demolished and the bricks sold.
Part of the footpath between Anstey and Hallgates was submerged, as was the site of the old rabbit warren (or conery).
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Swithland Wood
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Bagworth Heath Woods
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Stoney Cove National Dive Centre
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Above the surface, there is a pub/cafe and it's also a great spot to catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons/
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Tips from the Community
Sand martins return annually to an artificial nesting wall at Bagworth Heath Wood Country Park in Leicestershire, usually arriving in March to nest through the summer. The site, featuring a specialized "Sandmartin Pool," is maintained by rangers and volunteers who refresh the sandy bank annually, with hundreds of chicks raised there.
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In September 1867, 180 acres of land was purchased for a cost of £24,000. Most of the land required for the reservoir, dam and waterworks belonged to the Bradgate Estate. Lord Stamford insisted that a stone wall be built around the boundary to separate the deer park from the reservoir, instead of the proposed iron railings. This wall, 1,500 yards long was eventually built at a cost of 8s 10d per yard. Joseph Reeves, Head Gamekeeper, outside his house. Some of the Bradgate Estate land was part of the deer park, but most was farmland let out on very long leases. One farmer, Joseph Allen, lost virtually all his farm. Two members of the Matts family had theirs considerably reduced in size. The Gamekeeper’s house and land, together with a nearby bridge, were also in the area to be flooded. The house, together with its stables and outhouses, were demolished and the bricks sold. Part of the footpath between Anstey and Hallgates was submerged, as was the site of the old rabbit warren (or conery).
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This is the Great Pit in Swithland Wood, a site shaped by centuries of slate quarrying, with origins tracing back to Roman times. The quarry was first officially recorded in the 1300s, with activity continuing until the 19th century. Due to the presence of deep water and sheer vertical walls, the quarry is extremely hazardous and completely closed to public access.
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Was pretty mucky and slippy on a gravel bike in June, although it's been a wet year
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Swithland Wood is a small remnant of the original Charnwood Forest managed by part of the Bradgate Estate. As a small chunk of ancient woodland, Swithland consists of mature oak, birch, alder and lime with supports a rich variety of butterflies, moths and birds. This chunk of woodland is the type that would of previously covered all of the British mainland whilst groups of hunter gatherers moved through the landscape.
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Toilets available at Bradgate Park car park ( Cropston )
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Leicester Forest East are best for families?
Several lakes in the area are great for families. Bradgate Park Deer Park offers free-roaming deer and scenic routes. Cropston Reservoir provides great views and is family-friendly. Watermead Country Park, featuring John Merrick's Lake, King Lear's Lake, and Mammoth Lake, has accessible paths, picnic areas, and play areas. Sence Valley Forest Park, with Horseshoe Lake, also offers accessible paths and a 'Feel Good Forest Trail' for children.
Are there accessible lake walks for wheelchairs or strollers near Leicester Forest East?
Yes, Watermead Country Park offers a network of surfaced paths, including a 'Red Route' around John Merrick's Lake, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Sence Valley Forest Park also features an 'All Ability Trail' around Horseshoe Lake, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes around Leicester Forest East?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Watermead Country Park is a haven for birdwatching, with over 200 species recorded, and features extensive reedbeds and wetlands. Sence Valley Forest Park also boasts diverse birdlife, with a dedicated bird hide. Bradgate Park Deer Park is known for its free-roaming red and fallow deer. Swithland Reservoir is particularly popular for birdwatching in winter, where various waterbirds and even Peregrine falcons can be spotted.
Where can I go open water swimming near Leicester Forest East?
For open water swimming, Stoney Cove National Dive Centre offers a 1000-meter perimeter course in its flooded quarry. Stanton Lakes is another popular spot for supervised open water swimming. Additionally, King Lear's Lake within Watermead Country Park is used for open water swim training by the Leicester Triathlon Club.
Are there good walking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. Watermead Country Park provides a network of surfaced paths for walking. Sence Valley Forest Park offers various trails, including an accessible path around Horseshoe Lake. Swithland Reservoir is surrounded by pleasant walks, particularly through the adjacent Swithland Wood. Bradgate Park Deer Park also has scenic routes for walking, though they can get busy.
Which lakes have facilities like cafes or toilets?
Sence Valley Forest Park has a cafe and toilets, though parking is now paid. Bradgate Park (which includes the lake at Bradgate Park Deer Park) offers a cafe, toilets, and large car parks. Stoney Cove National Dive Centre provides changing rooms, showers, a bar, and a restaurant. Stanton Lakes features a lakeside bar & bistro with scenic views.
What unique historical or geological features can be found at these lakes?
The area boasts interesting historical and geological sites. Watermead Country Park's Mammoth Lake commemorates the discovery of Ice Age mammoth remains. Sence Valley Forest Park transformed from a former opencast coal mining site. Cropston Reservoir features a historical boundary wall built to separate it from the Bradgate Estate. Swithland Reservoir has historical significance from its 19th-century construction and former slate quarries. Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is a unique flooded quarry.
Are lakes around Leicester Forest East suitable for dog walking?
Many lakes in the area are popular for dog walking. Stanton Lakes offers an adult-only, dog-friendly touring site. Watermead Country Park and Sence Valley Forest Park have extensive trail networks suitable for walks with dogs. Bradgate Park Deer Park is also a popular spot for dog walkers, though it can get very busy.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides walking?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy various activities. Cycling is popular at Watermead Country Park and Sence Valley Forest Park, which have dedicated trails. Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is the UK's National Dive Centre, offering unique underwater exploration. Fishing is popular at King Lear's Lake in Watermead Country Park. For more ideas, explore cycling routes like the 'Cropston Reservoir – Bradgate Park loop' or running trails such as the 'Running loop from Leicester Forest East'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Leicester Forest East and Running Trails around Leicester Forest East guides.
Which lake is best for watersports like diving or open water swimming?
For diving, Stoney Cove National Dive Centre is the premier destination, offering an 'underwater adventure park' in a flooded quarry. For open water swimming, both Stoney Cove and Stanton Lakes are highly recommended, with Stanton Lakes providing supervised swimming and good water quality. King Lear's Lake at Watermead Country Park is also used for open water swim training.
Are there any lakes that are particularly good for cycling?
Yes, Watermead Country Park offers a network of surfaced paths suitable for cycling, including a 'Red Route'. Sence Valley Forest Park also provides trails for cycling. For specific routes, consider the 'Cropston Reservoir – Bradgate Park loop' which is an easy cycling route, or the 'Thornton Reservoir loop'. More cycling options can be found in the Cycling around Leicester Forest East guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Leicester Forest East?
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse outdoor experiences, from tranquil walks and wildlife spotting to specialized water activities. The scenic beauty of places like Bradgate Park Deer Park and Cropston Reservoir, the unique underwater world of Stoney Cove National Dive Centre, and the family-friendly amenities at Watermead Country Park are often highlighted. The transformation of former industrial sites into thriving natural habitats, such as Sence Valley Forest Park, also receives positive feedback.
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