Top 6 Natural Monuments around Brierley
Best natural monuments near Brierley include a diverse range of natural and man-made features integrated into the landscape. The surrounding South Yorkshire area offers several notable natural attractions and protected spaces, including local nature reserves and country parks. These locations often combine natural beauty with historical significance, reflecting the region's past. The area provides opportunities for outdoor exploration across varied terrain.
Best natural monuments around Brierley
- The most popular natural monument is Newmillerdam Lake, a natural monument that features a lake and surrounding forest. The lake has a well-surfaced path around it, suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and children on bikes.
- Another must-see spot is Grimethorpe Nature Reserve Summit, a viewpoint and natural monument. Visitors can expect to find a summit within a nature reserve, offering elevated perspectives of the surrounding area.
- Visitors also love Mill Pond Meadows Memorial Horse Sculpture, a historical site and natural monument. This site features a memorial sculpture within a meadow, commemorating those who died and offering a place for reflection.
- Brierley is known for its lakes, nature reserves, and historical monuments. The area offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, often combining natural beauty with historical significance.
- The natural monuments around Brierley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 70 upvotes and 13 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Newmillerdam Lake
Highlight • Natural Monument
The dam was built to provide a lake and therefore power to the mills owned by the Pashley family just south of Wakefield.
The lake and surrounding area is now a nature reserve owned and managed by Wakefield Council.
The lake has a well surfaced path all around it, suitable mostly for pushchairs and wheelchairs as well as kids on bikes. It's a popular place and fun for a short walk.
Tip by
Hangman's Stone
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
Mill Pond Meadows Memorial Horse Sculpture
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Grimethorpe Nature Reserve Summit
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Queen Anne Monument
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Brierley.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
In 1714, the crown of England controversially passed from the Stuart royal line to the Hanoverians. This 1734 monument is dedicated to Anne, the last Stuart monarch, and is unique in an English garden. It’s an almost treasonous statement by Thomas Wentworth, and hints at what he thought of the regime change.
0
0
The story goes that centuries ago, when sheep stealing was a capital offence, a man stole a sheep from a field at night. He must have injured the sheep because he was carrying it over his shoulders and had tied its feet together with a rope. When he reached the lane now known as Hangman's Stone he stopped for a rest, placing the sheep on top of a stone post whilst he himself sat on the ground He then fell asleep. The story is that the sheep must have slipped off the stone and the rope, which the man had round his body slipped up round his neck and strangled him, so doing the hangman out of a job
0
0
Between two farmers' fields is a corridor of woodland wilderness filled with the scent of wild garlic in the spring. In it is a path that leads from the road toward Barnburgh, but if you look to your right at the stone crags, every so often, hidden among the foliage is faces peering out, carved into the rock face. There are also symbols that look alien in origin, or resemble insects.
0
0
Grimethorpe Nature Reserve 83.9m P24.4 (275ft) County of Yorkshire Definitive List Summit
0
0
Grimethorpe Nature Reserve 83.9m P24.4 (275ft)
0
0
There is very little information known about the curious stone carvings just off Hangman Stone Lane near High melton. Are they medieval vandalism or belong to some ancient Britannic tribe, who out there knows?
1
0
Newmiller Dam is the lake created by the dam for the new mill :-) The village is called Newmillerdam as in New Mill on the Dam. The dam was built to provide a lake and therefore power to the mills owned by the Pashley family just south of Wakefield. The lake and surrounding area is now a nature reserve owned and managed by Wakefield Council. The lake has a well surfaced path all around it, suitable mostly for pushchairs and wheelchairs as well as kids on bikes. It's a popular place and fun for a short walk.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular natural monuments to visit around Brierley?
Visitors frequently enjoy Newmillerdam Lake, known for its accessible path and serene forest. Another popular spot is the Grimethorpe Nature Reserve Summit, which offers elevated perspectives of the surrounding area. The War Horse Memorial, Mill Pond Meadow is also highly regarded for its historical significance and reflective atmosphere.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Brierley area?
Yes, several natural monuments around Brierley are suitable for families. Newmillerdam Lake is particularly popular, with a well-surfaced path perfect for pushchairs and children on bikes, and even a gnome-finding track in the woodland. The War Horse Memorial, Mill Pond Meadow and Grimethorpe Nature Reserve Summit are also categorized as family-friendly.
Which natural monuments around Brierley are accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
Newmillerdam Lake is highly accessible. It features a well-surfaced path all around the lake, making it suitable for both pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are also disabled parking spots and wide entrances to the paths.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the Brierley area?
The Brierley area offers a diverse range of natural features. You can find serene lakes like Newmillerdam Lake, woodlands, and nature reserves such as Grimethorpe Nature Reserve Summit. Brierley Forest Park, a Local Nature Reserve, boasts woodlands, hay meadows, streams, and wetland areas, providing habitats for various wildlife.
Are there historical sites integrated with natural monuments in Brierley?
Yes, the Brierley area often combines natural beauty with historical significance. The War Horse Memorial, Mill Pond Meadow is a notable example, featuring a memorial sculpture within a natural meadow. The Queen Anne Monument is another historical monument set within a natural landscape.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Brierley?
Near the natural monuments, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and road cycling. You can explore detailed guides like MTB Trails around Brierley, Gravel biking around Brierley, and Road Cycling Routes around Brierley. Brierley Forest Park also offers trails for walking, cycling, horse riding, and fishing.
Can I spot wildlife at the natural monuments in Brierley?
Yes, wildlife spotting is possible, especially at locations like Brierley Forest Park. This Local Nature Reserve is home to various birdlife and other animals, including foxes, owls, meadow pipits, lapwings, blue tits, and a large population of skylarks. The diverse habitats, including wetlands and woodlands, support a rich array of species.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Brierley?
While specific seasonal tips for all monuments are not available, Brierley Forest Park is enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer vibrant wildflowers and active wildlife, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. The well-surfaced paths at places like Newmillerdam Lake make it suitable for walks even in cooler or wetter conditions.
Are there any viewpoints or summits among the natural monuments?
Yes, the Grimethorpe Nature Reserve Summit is a prominent viewpoint and natural monument. It offers elevated perspectives of the surrounding area, allowing visitors to take in the landscape from a higher vantage point.
Where can I find parking for natural monuments in Brierley?
For the War Horse Memorial, Mill Pond Meadow, parking is available at the nearby Rugby Club. Newmillerdam Lake also has disabled parking spots, indicating general parking facilities are available for visitors.
What are the historical reminders at Brierley Forest Park?
Brierley Forest Park retains elements of its coal mining past. You can find timber miner sculptures, a commemorative stone on Rooley Tops, and pit wheels along the main path. The visitor center also features displays illustrating the site's history, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial heritage.
Are the natural monuments around Brierley suitable for dog walking?
While not explicitly stated for all monuments, natural areas like Brierley Forest Park and Newmillerdam Lake are generally popular for dog walking. Visitors should always ensure dogs are kept under control and follow any local signage regarding leash requirements or restricted areas.
Most popular routes around Brierley
Most popular attractions around Brierley
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Brierley:
