Top 7 Lakes around Sutton Cheney
Best lakes around Sutton Cheney, a village in Leicestershire, UK, offers a variety of water bodies set within natural landscapes. The area features reservoirs, lakes within forest parks, and reclaimed colliery sites that have been transformed into diverse habitats. These locations provide opportunities for walking, wildlife observation, and exploring the region's natural and industrial heritage. The surrounding National Forest contributes to the area's green spaces and tranquil settings.
Best lakes around Sutton Cheney
- The most popular lakes is Thornton Reservoir…
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park
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Bagworth Heath Woods
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Stoney Cove National Dive Centre
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Thornton Reservoir
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Market Bosworth Country Park
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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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A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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The cafe at the garden centre is perfect for a mid ride cob
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Thornton Reservoir is a small area of water situated on the edge of the National Forest in a peaceful and picturesque location. It offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and through the neighbouring woodland areas.
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Stoney Cove is a large flooded quarry that hosts the UK National Dive Centre. There is a heated pool for dive training, and the bed of the cove is described as an underwater adventure park! 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of walking paths can I expect around the lakes near Sutton Cheney?
You'll find a variety of walking experiences. Thornton Reservoir offers a traffic-free, paved trail all around, ideal for a pleasant stroll. At Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, you can enjoy short walks around the lake and through surrounding woods. Bagworth Heath Woods features main paths that are easy to follow and mostly flat, winding through woodland, grassland, and heathland.
Are there any family-friendly lakes to visit near Sutton Cheney?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park, Bagworth Heath Woods, and Market Bosworth Country Park are all categorized as family-friendly, offering accessible paths and natural environments for children to explore.
Where can I go for wildlife spotting around Sutton Cheney's lakes?
For wildlife enthusiasts, Thornton Reservoir is an excellent choice, known for its abundant wildlife including mammals, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Bagworth Heath Woods is also rich in wildfowl and aquatic plants, offering diverse habitats for observation.
Are there any lakes with historical significance near Sutton Cheney?
Yes, Bagworth Heath Woods is a reclaimed colliery site, with a pit wheel on an island in its largest pool serving as a reminder of its industrial past. This offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context.
What unique activities can I do at the lakes around Sutton Cheney?
For a truly unique experience, visit Stoney Cove National Dive Centre. This large flooded quarry is the UK's National Dive Centre, offering facilities for dive training and an interesting underwater environment to explore. Above ground, it also has a pub/cafe and is a spot to glimpse peregrine falcons.
Are there accessible lakeside paths for wheelchairs or strollers?
Thornton Reservoir is noted for its wheelchair-accessible, paved path that encircles the reservoir, making it suitable for those with strollers or mobility aids.
What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these lakes?
The area around Sutton Cheney offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and hiking. These guides provide detailed routes that often pass by or are close to the lakes and other natural attractions in the region.
Where can I find parking when visiting the lakes?
Parking is available at several locations. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has a free car park open during the daytime. Market Bosworth Country Park also has a payable car park.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the lakes?
Yes, you can find amenities nearby. Stoney Cove National Dive Centre features a pub/cafe on site. Market Bosworth Country Park also has facilities including toilets and a cafe, and you can extend your walk to Sutton Wharf for a licensed cafe.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Sutton Cheney?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for walking and wildlife spotting, with milder weather and more active wildlife. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer tranquil, crisp walks, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Sutton Cheney?
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil settings and opportunities for peaceful walks. The diverse wildlife at places like Thornton Reservoir and the unique blend of nature and industrial heritage at Bagworth Heath Woods are frequently highlighted. The accessibility and well-maintained paths also contribute to a positive visitor experience.
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