Best lakes around Thrumpton are primarily centered around the historic Thrumpton Hall estate, featuring Thrumpton Lake. This area is characterized by its serene setting within 300 acres of well-wooded parkland, which also borders the River Trent. The region offers a blend of natural tranquility and historical significance, with the Jacobean Thrumpton Hall and its gardens contributing to the landscape. Public access to Thrumpton Lake is often managed, particularly for activities like angling.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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The Trent Valley Way is a 108 mile (174 km) long distance path following the course of the river. This section follows one of the banks through the Attenborough Nature Reserve alongside East Lake.
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St Chad’s water was created in the 1970’s during the excavation of the underlying gravel deposits by Haveringham Gravels. As quarrying proceeded, water flooded the lake through the subterranean water table and once the site was abandoned, the lake and its environs were sold to Draycott and Church Wilne Parish Council for £1.00. St Chads Water and its surrounding environments are an important local resource for informal countryside recreation such as fishing, walking and bird watching. The site is approx. 23 acres and consists of the Lake with a circular walking path around it, woodland edges, a wildflower meadow area and in 2023 we have opened up a new area for use as an outdoor classroom.
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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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cracking little bike track, went on my XC mountain bike but id imagine you'd be just as happy on your gravel bike. not too far from food and refreshments here aswell
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The lakes around Thrumpton offer a variety of natural settings. You can find numerous ponds and excellent bird-watching opportunities at places like Attenborough Nature Reserve. The historic Thrumpton Lake itself is nestled within 300 acres of well-wooded parkland, featuring rare specimen trees and bordering the River Trent with a spectacular weir. St Chad's Water Nature Reserve also provides a circular walking path, woodland edges, and a wildflower meadow area.
Yes, the primary lake in Thrumpton, Thrumpton Lake, is an integral part of the historic Thrumpton Hall estate. The lake was created in the 1820s as part of improvements to the estate, which includes the Jacobean Thrumpton Hall dating back to 1617. The gardens have connections to Lord Byron's family and Ada Lovelace. You can learn more about its history at historichouses.org. Additionally, Highfields Lake, University Park, is set within an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Attenborough Nature Reserve is great for bird-watching and gentle walks. At Highfields Lake, University Park, families can enjoy a gentle walk around the lake, visit the lakeside cafe, and even hire a rowing boat during warmer months. Pioneer Meadows Pond is a peaceful spot for observing waterfowl.
Yes, there are excellent options for both. Attenborough Nature Reserve features a river path suitable for cycling and walking, with options to explore the reserve further. Highfields Lake, University Park offers a nice, gentle circuit walk. For more extensive routes, you can find various cycling and mountain biking trails in the wider area, such as those listed in the Cycling around Thrumpton guide or the MTB Trails around Thrumpton guide.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Thrumpton Lake is particularly valued by anglers and is managed by the Ashfield Angling Club, offering approximately 10 fishing pegs. Pioneer Meadows Pond is also set up as an angling club pond, providing a peaceful environment for the sport. St Chad's Water Nature Reserve is another local resource for informal countryside recreation, including fishing.
Yes, you can find refreshment options. Highfields Lake, University Park has a lakeside cafe and arts centre, perfect for a coffee with a view. While Thrumpton Lake itself is within private parkland, the surrounding area offers various pubs and cafes. For instance, Attenborough Nature Reserve is not too far from food and refreshment options.
The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying activities like rowing at Highfields Lake and for bird-watching as wildlife is more active. The historic parkland around Thrumpton Lake is particularly idyllic during these seasons. However, the tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty can be appreciated in all seasons, with autumn bringing vibrant foliage and winter offering peaceful, crisp walks.
General public lakeside access to Thrumpton Lake within the Thrumpton Hall grounds can be restricted. While the Thrumpton Hall gardens are occasionally open to the public, access for activities like angling is typically managed through the Ashfield Angling Club. For more accessible walks, consider Attenborough Nature Reserve or Highfields Lake.
Visitors frequently praise the serene and peaceful environment. The opportunity for bird-watching, gentle walks, and fishing are highly valued. The historic setting of Thrumpton Lake within the Thrumpton Hall estate, and the natural beauty of places like Attenborough Nature Reserve, contribute to a highly appreciated experience, as evidenced by over 220 upvotes and 42 photos shared by the komoot community.
While not exactly 'hidden,' St Chad's Water Nature Reserve offers a tranquil experience created from former gravel excavations, now a valuable local resource for walking and bird watching with a circular path. Pioneer Meadows Pond is another peaceful spot, primarily known as an angling club pond, offering a quiet retreat for observing waterfowl.
Yes, there are several road cycling routes that pass near the lakes. For example, you can find routes like the 'Sawley Cut and Locks – Bunny Hill Climb loop' or the 'Elvaston Castle Country Park – Cloud Trail loop' which offer moderate challenges. These and other road cycling options are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Thrumpton guide.


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