What to do and see in East Midlands, England: The Best Bodies of Water

June 24, 2021 Roseanne Arnett

Discover the best top things to do in East Midlands, United Kingdom including River Lathkill, Carsington Water, Fishpond Lane Nature Reserve, Cromford Canal, Wilson Pits Nature Reserve, Stanwick Lakes, Alvingham Lakes, Linacre Reservoir, Pitsford Reservoir - Pitsford Water Park, Ashby Canal.
Restaurants in East Midlands

1. River Lathkill

England
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

River Lathkill

Reviewed By Bec-Notts-2209 - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom

My family and I visited Lathkill Dale today, we walked from Monyash along the river, it’s quite steep in places. The scenery is amazing, so picturesque. The walk is very peaceful and enjoyable, there’s different paths you can take but we stayed by the river. we will definitely visit again in the very near future ????????

2. Carsington Water

Visitors Centre Carsington Water, Ashbourne DE6 1ST England +44 330 678 0701 [email protected] http://www.stwater.co.uk/leisure-and-learning/reservoir-locations/carsington-water/
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,439 reviews

Carsington Water

Reviewed By MarkT768 - Kimbolton, United Kingdom

Great location for a walk, either circular or a there and back!! Definitely worth dropping into the pub in Carsington village. Really nice beer and lovely pub food

3. Fishpond Lane Nature Reserve

Holbeach PE12 7DE England
Excellent
86%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Fishpond Lane Nature Reserve

4. Cromford Canal

Cromford Wharf Cromford, Matlock DE4 3RP England +44 1629 823204 [email protected] http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/countryside/countryside_sites/waterways_wetlands/cromford_canal/default.asp
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 540 reviews

Cromford Canal

The construction of the Cromford Canal by William Jessop and Benjamin Outram, partners in the Butterley company, was completed in 1794. It is 14.5 miles long and joined Cromford with the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. The site has a wealth of industrial heritage and lies in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site. The canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate. The 3.3km southern section from Whatstandwell Bridge to Ambergate is a Local Nature Reserve. The canal is a haven for water vole, a threatened and declining species, and for grass snakes, little grebes, moorhen and coots. The southern end towards Poyser's Bridge is excellent for dragonflies. The canal can be explored from the towpath between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate, a distance of just over five miles. The walk from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction is suitable for pushchair's and wheel chairs. We manage the section from Cromford to Ambergate for recreation and wildlife. The canal has a very rich and diverse wildlife running through the attractive Derwent Valley and part of it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve can be accessed from the north end at Whatstandwell or at the southern end from Ambergate by a towpath off Chase Road. The old towing path which follows the canal is a public footpath - please note that this path is narrow and uneven in places. Birdswood, a restored narrow boat is run on scheduled trips through the year by the Friends of Cromford Canal. Open to all members of the public. Come and enjoy a peaceful journey along the canal, from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction, introduced by a booming announcement from the FCC President, Brian Blessed. Birdswood is also available for private hire and for specialist educational trips. Limited canoeing is permitted on the Cromford Canal between Cromford Wharf and High Peak Junction. Because of the sensitive nature of the canal, numbers are strictly controlled. There's a Changing Places toilet for use by the public in the car park at Cromford Wharf.

Reviewed By empe3 - Shoalhaven, Australia

This scenic trail along the tow path next to the Cromford Canal has the added bonus of nature reserves and remnants of buildings and architecture from the industrial revolution, including a pump house, old bridges and a railway track. It is wonderful to see the efforts to ensure that nature flourishes around the entire canal.

5. Wilson Pits Nature Reserve

Northampton road Situated near to the Rushden lakes, Rushden England +44 1933 779587
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
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Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Wilson Pits Nature Reserve

6. Stanwick Lakes

East Northamptonshire, Northampton England +44 1933 625522 http://www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/northampton
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 936 reviews

Stanwick Lakes

Reviewed By steff0711 - Birmingham, United Kingdom

We went here after seeing it advertised on fb, great day out and all for the cost of parking, which is cash only but you can pay at the counter in the gift shop by card before 5pm. (£5.60) We took a picnic, enjoyed a walk with a stop at the assault course which the kids loved then a stroll back to the park which includes a water area so pack towels and costumes as I didn’t know about this area so the kids went in their underwear. After lunch went for another stroll and came across another assortment of activities that the kids enjoyed they was tired at the end of the day but a brilliant day out. Their is a cafe on site if you wish to eat their or enjoy a coffee outside on the decking over the lake. Great for all ages, will defo be visiting again!

7. Alvingham Lakes

Lock Road, Louth LN11 7EU England +44 1507 328777 [email protected] http://www.alvinghamlakes.co.uk
Excellent
83%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Alvingham Lakes

Situated just 3 miles from the market town of Louth, Alvingham Lakes is ideally located for touring the Lincolnshire Wolds & coastal resorts. Offering an oasis of tranquility with 2 well stocked fishing lakes. We have just three well equipped static caravans, sleeping up to 4 or 6 people, which provide an opportunity to escape the hustle of bustle of everyday life. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own tourer or motorhome, and hook-up at one of the 4 electric points available.

8. Linacre Reservoir

Linacre Reservoirs Woodnook Lane Cutthorpe, Chesterfield S42 7JW England +44 1246 567049 [email protected] http://www.stwater.co.uk/leisure-and-learning/reservoir-locations/linacre/
Excellent
60%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 307 reviews

Linacre Reservoir

The historic Linacre Reservoirs provide the perfect setting for a quiet, relaxing day out. A network of trails and footpaths crisscross the valley. Visitors can explore ancient beech and oak woodlands or follow the course of the Holme Brook as it cascades down the valley. The peaceful setting means the site abounds with wildlife. Nuthatches, flycatchers and woodpeckers can be seen and heard as they flit among the canopy and kingfishers and mandarin ducks can be spotted around the waters edge. The site is accessible all year round. Car parking There are three small car parks along the main entrance road to the Linacre Reservoirs. Car parking at Linacre costs £1.00 for up to two hours and £2.50 for the day. An annual parking permit for up to two cars costs £25.00.

Reviewed By Dembot - Cambridge, United Kingdom

A lovely walk around the Linacre Reservoir, a fairly long walk so make sure you wear good footwear. Very peaceful place and would recommend to friends and family. Car parking is near and is fairly priced.

9. Pitsford Reservoir - Pitsford Water Park

Northampton Road Holcot, Northampton NN6 9SJ England +44 1604 889478 http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure/what-to-see/water-parks/pitsford/
Excellent
48%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 230 reviews

Pitsford Reservoir - Pitsford Water Park

Reviewed By TIMMCNEIGHT - Towcester, United Kingdom

The tranquil seven mile walk around Pitsford Water Nature Reserve is a joy. This protected area for wildlife is immaculately kept with no litter. Dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs, and cyclists are not allowed.

10. Ashby Canal

56 High Street, Measham DE12 7HZ England http://www.ashbycanal.org.uk
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Ashby Canal

Reviewed By SixtyOne - Ashby de la Zouch, United Kingdom

Nothing quite like a wonder along a canal towpath during a nice English summers day. The sights and sounds are beautiful, it’s also nice to sit and reflect whilst watching the narrow boats pass by.

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