Top 8 Lakes around Bawtry
Best lakes around Bawtry, a market town in South Yorkshire, are surrounded by several notable lakes and nature reserves. These areas offer diverse recreational activities and natural beauty, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The region features a mix of park lakes, extensive nature reserves, and dedicated fishing venues.
Best lakes around Bawtry
- The most popular lakes is Langold Country Park Lake, a lake within a 300-acre parkland and Local Nature Reserve, featuring woodlands, wildlife, and play areas. It is recognized for its diverse amenities, including a splash park, fishing opportunities, and scenic walks.
- Another must-see spot is Doncaster Lakeside, a lake with scenic walking trails, including a 2-mile circular route. Visitors can expect well-maintained paths suitable for walking, running, and cycling, with natural edges and reed beds providing habitats for water birds.
- Visitors also love Idle Valley Nature Reserve, a large wetland of Special Scientific Interest covering 450 hectares. It is a significant birding site, offering four designated walking routes, accessible paths, and a nature viewing platform.
- Bawtry is known for its nature reserves, park lakes, and fishing venues. The area provides a variety of lakes to explore, catering to different interests from wildlife watching to angling.
- The lakes around Bawtry are appreciated by the komoot community, with 33 upvotes and 32 photos shared.
Last updated: June 14, 2026
Langold Country Park Lake
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Doncaster Lakeside
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Langold Lakes
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Lakeside Picnic Area at Langold Lake
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Tips from the Community
Great spot for a quick loop while doing off-road riding, the lake links up really well to some nice singletrack and Pit top runs
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Langold Country Park was originally planned as a country house and park in the 18th century. The idea was revived in 1818 and although the house was never completed. By the 1890s a lake had been excavated and a weir with a single arch bridge had been constructed. During the early 20th century the area was developed for mining and the park became a leisure facility for the Langold miners, principally for fishing. In 1946 the coal mining industry was nationalised and the National Coal Board expanded the leisure facilities in the park. A lido or swimming pool was rebuilt in the early 1950s and a bandstand was added. In 1968 the mine closed and the park was taken over by the local authority. Mining equipment was moved and children's playgrounds and refreshment facilities were added.
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We often find the direction arrows on the way round confusing so we used komoot on my Garmin Venu 2 watch and it was very easy to follow.
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Covering 300 acres of parkland and a Local Nature Reserve, the park links into Dyscarr Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest recognised as one of the best examples of a limestone ash-wych elm wood in Nottinghamshire. The park itself has woodlands, wildlife and butterfly meadows, grassy area, a lake, play areas, cafe and skate park, making it a great year-round day trip for all.
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about 30 mins in you cannot turn right as instructed. follow path forward to re join route
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The Lakeside area is designed to encourage people to use Doncaster Lakeside for a range of activities and there are a variety of trails there. The lake also has natural edges that supports two main reed beds, which play a part in maintaining healthy water conditions. The reed beds are important habitats for water birds, especially at nesting time.
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Great mix of cycle path and singe track around the lake - a very pleasant place to ride a bike. No cafe or toilet facilities by the lake, but a fine spot for a picnic or a paddle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Bawtry for visitors?
Visitors frequently enjoy Langold Country Park Lake, known for its diverse amenities including a splash park and scenic walks. Doncaster Lakeside is also popular for its well-maintained walking trails, and Idle Valley Nature Reserve is a significant birding site with accessible paths.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Bawtry?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Langold Country Park Lake offers a children's water play splash park, multiple play areas, and easy walking paths. Doncaster Lakeside has a 2-mile circular route suitable for all ages, and Idle Valley Nature Reserve features a natural play area and den-building for kids.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes around Bawtry are rich in wildlife. Idle Valley Nature Reserve is a haven for diverse bird species and is one of the richest birding sites in the region. Beavers were also reintroduced to an enclosed section of the reserve. Langold Country Park Lake features woodlands, wildlife, and butterfly meadows, while Doncaster Lakeside's reed beds provide important habitats for water birds, especially during nesting season.
Are there accessible walking paths around the lakes?
Yes, accessibility is a key feature at some locations. Langold Country Park Lake is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Idle Valley Nature Reserve offers four designated walking routes, including accessible paths. Doncaster Lakeside also has well-maintained, paved paths suitable for walking, running, and cycling.
Where can I go fishing near Bawtry?
The Bawtry area is well-known for its fishing venues. Lindholme Lakes Country Park is a prominent complex with over ten lakes, offering 450 pegs for match and day ticket anglers. Candy Corner Fisheries has four lakes stocked with various species, and Lodge Farm Fisheries provides extensive opportunities across seven lakes with 238 pegs.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides walking?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy cycling, gravel biking, and fishing. For cycling, explore routes like those found in the Cycling around Bawtry guide. Gravel biking options are available, such as routes in the Gravel biking around Bawtry guide. Many lakes, like Lindholme Lakes and Candy Corner Fisheries, are dedicated fishing complexes.
Are there cafes or pubs near the lakes for refreshments?
Yes, several lakes offer refreshment options. Langold Country Park Lake has an on-site cafe. Idle Valley Nature Reserve also features a cafe with views over Belmoor Lake. Lindholme Lakes Country Park includes a cafe and bar area, and Lodge Farm Fisheries provides on-site catering.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Bawtry?
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Summer is ideal for family activities, with Langold Country Park's splash park open from May to September. Wildlife watching, especially birding at Idle Valley Nature Reserve, is rewarding across seasons. The well-maintained paths at Doncaster Lakeside make it suitable for year-round leisurely strolls.
Are dogs allowed at the lakes?
Many areas around the lakes are suitable for dog walking, such as the scenic trails at Doncaster Lakeside. However, specific regulations may vary by nature reserve or park. It's always best to check local signage or the specific venue's website for their most current dog policies, especially regarding lead requirements and restricted areas to protect wildlife.
Do I need a permit for walking around the lakes?
Generally, walking around the public lakes and nature reserves near Bawtry does not require a permit. Entry to places like Langold Country Park Lake, Idle Valley Nature Reserve, and Doncaster Lakeside is free. However, some fishing venues may require day tickets or permits for angling activities.
What are some easy walking routes around the lakes?
For easy walks, the 2-mile circular route around Doncaster Lakeside is well-maintained and suitable for all. Langold Country Park Lake offers scenic walks through woodlands and around the lake that are generally easy. Idle Valley Nature Reserve also has designated walking routes, some of which are accessible and gentle. You can find more easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Bawtry guide.
Is there parking available at the lake destinations?
Yes, parking is generally available. Langold Country Park Lake offers free entry and parking. Doncaster Lakeside often has free parking available at adjacent retail parks. Idle Valley Nature Reserve requests a suggested donation for parking. Lodge Farm Fisheries provides car parking at the rear of most pegs for anglers.
Most popular attractions around Bawtry
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