Top 20 Lakes around Kimberley
Best lakes around Kimberley offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. This region features a mix of reservoirs, nature reserves, and historical sites, providing varied experiences for visitors. The area is characterized by its green spaces, woodlands, and waterways, making it suitable for outdoor activities. These lakes are integral to the local environment, supporting wildlife and offering tranquil settings.
Best lakes around Kimberley
- The most popular lake is Mapperley Reservoir, a lake surrounded by bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland. This peaceful body of water is known for its wildlife spotting opportunities, including various bird species.
- Another must-see spot is Highfields Lake, University Park, a lake within a historic park setting. Visitors can enjoy gentle walks around the lake circuit and find a lakeside cafe.
- Visitors also love Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve, a wetland area with ponds and a nature reserve. This site is significant for its diverse bird species, including lapwings and reed buntings, and is a refuge for amphibians and dragonflies.
- Kimberley is known for its reservoirs, natural lakes, and wetland areas. These bodies of water provide varied environments for recreation and wildlife observation.
- The lakes around Kimberley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 photos and over 170 upvotes.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Highfields Lake, University Park
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The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve
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Mapperley Reservoir
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Waterfall at Newstead Abbey
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Nutbrook Trail
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A nice little waterfall and you can go behind the waterfall as well
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A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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It straddles the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire county boundaries and is jointly owned by the two county Wildlife Trusts. In spring and summer the reserve's ponds and the wet sections of the canal are a refuge for grass snakes, amphibians and dragonflies. Butterflies and many other insects breed and feed on the wild flowers growing in the grassland. The meadows are best known for their birds. In spring lapwings can be seen performing their impressive aerial displays, while early mornings may offer the best chance of hearing the strange 'drumming' call of breeding snipe. More common breeding birds include the reed buntings with their distinctive black and white heads, and sedge warblers, more camouflaged but twice as noisy in declaring their presence. In spring and autumn the breeding birds are joined by waders, wildfowl and even birds of prey like the hen harrier. Many wildfowl stay for the winter, including a small flock of wigeon, numerous teal and a range of other species.
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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Erewash Nature Reserve is the largest area of floodplain and grassland in the Erewash Valley. It's managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Look out for water voles and water birds.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Kimberley?
Among the most popular lakes are Mapperley Reservoir, known for its peaceful setting amidst bluebell woodlands, and Highfields Lake, University Park, which offers gentle walks and a lakeside cafe within a historic park.
Are there family-friendly lake options in the Kimberley area?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Mapperley Reservoir and Highfields Lake, University Park are both highlighted as family-friendly. Additionally, the Nutbrook Trail, which passes by lakes, is an easy cycling and walking route perfect for families.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes around Kimberley offer diverse natural features. You can find bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland at Mapperley Reservoir. Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is a significant wetland area with ponds, forests, and a river, known for its diverse bird species. Portland Park features woodland, grassland, and wetland areas.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted near the lakes?
The lakes are excellent for wildlife spotting. At Mapperley Reservoir, you might see coot, moorhen, mallard, kingfisher, chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps. Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is particularly rich, with water voles, various water birds (including lapwings, snipe, reed buntings, sedge warblers), amphibians, dragonflies, and even birds of prey.
Are there historical sites or landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, the area has historical significance. Highfields Lake, University Park is set within a historic park that was part of an 18th-century estate. Mapperley Reservoir is surrounded by remains from the area’s coal mining heritage. Portland Park is a nature reserve on the site of a former railway station.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking and cycling are popular, with routes like the Nutbrook Trail offering easy paths. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Kimberley or the road cycling routes. There are also gravel biking trails available.
Are there cafes or amenities near the lakes?
Yes, amenities are available. Highfields Lake, University Park features a lakeside cafe and arts centre, perfect for a coffee with a view. A visitor centre is also located in nearby Shipley Country Park, close to Mapperley Reservoir.
What are some easy walks around the lakes?
For easy walks, the circuit around Highfields Lake, University Park is a gentle option within the city. The Nutbrook Trail offers an easy cycling and walking path that runs for about 10 miles along the Erewash Canal and a dismantled railway line, suitable for a safe, flat ride or walk.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Kimberley?
Visitors appreciate the tranquil settings, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for gentle outdoor activities. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of places like Mapperley Reservoir and the pleasant walks around Highfields Lake. The rich birdlife and natural beauty of areas like Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve are also highly valued.
Can I go fishing in the lakes?
Yes, fishing is an option. Mapperley Reservoir is a very large freshwater lake that spans 17-18 acres and includes a nature reserve, making it a nice place to fish throughout the year.
Are there opportunities for birdwatching?
Absolutely. The countryside around Mapperley Reservoir is great for bird watching, with species like coot, moorhen, mallard, and kingfisher. Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is particularly known for its diverse bird species, including lapwings, snipe, reed buntings, and various wildfowl.
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