Staunton Harold Reservoir
A serene 210-acre reservoir offering family fun, scenic walks, sailing, and a charming cafe in the National Forest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Staunton Harold Reservoir
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 210-acre reservoir offering family fun, scenic walks, sailing, and a charming cafe in the National Forest.
"Highly recommended for families, with beautiful scenery and great walks."
Bring Coins for Parking
The pay and display machine is coin-operated, so come prepared! :moneybag:
Family-Friendly Fun
Kids love the enclosed play area and feeding the ducks. :duck:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Staunton Harold Hall
Adjacent to the reservoir
A historic country house, often available for private events and weddings, offering a glimpse into grand architecture.
Children's Play Area
Overlooking the reservoir
An enclosed, well-equipped play park perfect for younger visitors, with views of the water.
Wildflower Walk
Around the reservoir
Enjoy scenic, accessible paths through vibrant wildflower meadows with the reservoir as a backdrop.
Sailing on the Reservoir
Staunton Harold Reservoir
Watch sailboats glide across the water or, if you're inclined, participate in water sports activities.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Family Fun & Walks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Coins for Parking
The pay and display machine is coin-operated, so come prepared! :moneybag:
Family-Friendly Fun
Kids love the enclosed play area and feeding the ducks. :duck:
Dog Walking Paradise
Leashed dogs are welcome on the walks. :dog:
Cafe Delights
The cafe serves great ice cream and quality National Trust food. :icecream:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Coins for Parking
The pay and display machine is coin-operated, so come prepared! :moneybag:
Family-Friendly Fun
Kids love the enclosed play area and feeding the ducks. :duck:
Dog Walking Paradise
Leashed dogs are welcome on the walks. :dog:
Cafe Delights
The cafe serves great ice cream and quality National Trust food. :icecream:
Combine with Calke Abbey
Enjoy a longer walk connecting to Calke Abbey. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Staunton Harold Reservoir for its beautiful scenery, family-friendly amenities like the play area, and enjoyable walking trails. The cafe's ice cream and the option to combine a visit with Calke Abbey are frequently highlighted positives. Some minor drawbacks include the coin-operated parking machine and occasional temporary toilet facilities.
"Not been here for years and has changed dramatically. The cafe sell the best icecream EVER. It has a pay and display machine, so bring coins as no card payment. Kids play area that is enclosed for safety. Managed to walk down to the water as levels were very low. Kids can play in the sand near the water and feed the ducks. Lots of beautiful scenery. Highly recommended for families"
Tracy Stevens
"Very relaxing place, with lots of easy walks through wooded areas and alongside the reservoir. You can walk to Calke Abbey if you wish.We sat on one of the many benches and watched the guys sailing around the water.
There are also a lot of picnic tables around the place, a nice cafe for those who prefer to buy lunch, and with it being National Trust, the food is always good quality. You can sit inside or outside of the cafe.
There is a good chlidrens play area.
Toilet facilities are generally good, but on this occasion, there were porta loos due to the fact the toilets were having work done on them, they were clean though.
There is plenty of parking, £5 all day or £3.50 for 4 hours , free to National Trust members."
Marianne
"Great trip out! Came here to tick another one off the National Trust list (free for NT although if you aren't a NT member you can just pay for parking!). Nice clean toilets, lovely NT cafe, children's play area overlooking the reservoir with plenty of picnic benches.
The wildflower walk is great for all abilities: there is a tarmac accessible path, slightly off road between the wildflowers, and very off road by the lake. It's lovely with the lake in the back ground and wildflowers all around! We walked all the way to the end of the walk and out of the gate towards Calke Abbey.
This next section is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Over the style and through the field, over another style and through a wheat field. At the end of the field you can go left towards Calke Abbey but we went right towards the Limeyard Lakes. Follow the path and then take the left fork. It takes you towards Ticknall Limeyards, through what feels like a movie set for Jurassic Park! Well worth a walk. It's about 4 miles to Ticknall Limeyards and back to the NT Car Park. Just gorgeous. Not a sound but the birds singing!"
crazyauntlife
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Staunton Harold Reservoir is located on the Leicestershire-Derbyshire border within the National Forest. It's accessible by car, with clear signage from local roads. Parking is available on-site.
Information on direct public transport links is limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service if you are not traveling by car.
Yes, many visitors enjoy walking to Staunton Harold Reservoir from Calke Abbey, making it a popular route for a longer day out.,
The reservoir is well-signposted from surrounding areas. Use a GPS or mapping service with 'Staunton Harold Reservoir' as your destination for precise directions.
Yes, there is a pay and display car park. The cost is £5 for all day or £3.50 for 4 hours. National Trust members park for free.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the reservoir and its grounds is generally free. However, parking incurs a fee unless you are a National Trust member.
The reservoir and its surrounding walking paths are typically open from dawn till dusk. The cafe and visitor facilities will have specific operating hours.
Yes, Staunton Harold Reservoir is managed by the National Trust, offering benefits like free parking for members.
The children's play area is free to use for all visitors.
Staunton Harold Hall itself is a private house but can be booked for events and weddings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, birdwatching, sailing, picnicking, and exploring the children's play area. The wildflower walk is a particular highlight.,
Yes, there are many easy walks through wooded areas and alongside the reservoir. Some paths are accessible, while others are more rugged.
Absolutely! It features an enclosed play park, sandy areas by the water, and easy walking paths.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Staunton Harold Reservoir, provided they are kept on a lead.,
Facilities include a cafe, toilets, picnic tables, a children's play area, and parking.,
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a nice National Trust cafe serving drinks, ice cream, and food.,
The cafe offers quality National Trust food, with many visitors specifically recommending their ice cream.,
Yes, there are plenty of picnic tables available around the reservoir, making it a great spot for a packed lunch.
Yes, the cafe is open to all visitors, regardless of National Trust membership.
While specific menus aren't detailed, National Trust cafes typically offer a range of options, often including vegetarian choices. It's best to check on arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The reservoir itself, especially with sailboats, offers great shots. The wildflower meadows in spring and the historic Staunton Harold Hall are also picturesque.,
The tranquil waters and surrounding landscape can make for beautiful sunrise and sunset photography, especially with moody skies.,
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or professional photography, it's advisable to check with the National Trust.
You can often photograph waterfowl on the reservoir, and the surrounding woodlands are home to various bird species.
The enclosed play area provides a safe space for children, and capturing candid moments there can be lovely.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a change of clothes for the kids, as they might get a bit messy playing near the water. The proximity to Calke Abbey also offers an option for a longer family adventure if your children enjoy exploring.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
Bring binoculars for birdwatching and keep an eye out for the sailboats on the water.
The peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for a refreshing escape into the countryside. 🐶 Dog Owners
, It's a great place for them to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh air. Remember to bring bags for waste and ensure your dog is under control, especially around other visitors and wildlife. The cafe and picnic areas are also generally welcoming to well-behaved dogs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Nature
Birdwatchers will find the reservoir a rewarding location, with various waterfowl often present on the water.
The diverse habitats, from open water to woodlands, support a rich array of wildlife. Many visitors enjoy the simple pleasure of a dog walk through the countryside, with the reservoir providing a picturesque setting., Remember to wear appropriate footwear, especially if venturing onto less maintained paths, as some areas can become muddy.
The changing seasons bring different beauty, from the blooms of spring to the atmospheric skies of autumn. Family Adventures at the Reservoir
The easy walking trails are perfect for little legs, and the presence of picnic tables makes it an ideal spot for a family lunch or snack.
While the main paths are accessible, it's worth noting that some of the more adventurous routes might be challenging with very young children or strollers. However, the core family-friendly areas are well-developed and provide ample entertainment for a memorable day out.
Connecting with History and Heritage
The reservoir's location within the National Forest also connects it to a broader regional history of land use and conservation. Visitors can explore how the landscape has evolved and appreciate the efforts made to maintain its natural beauty.
The nearby Calke Abbey, a National Trust property, offers a more in-depth historical experience, and the walking routes between the two sites allow visitors to easily combine natural beauty with historical exploration., For those interested in the industrial past, the walk towards Ticknall Limeyards, accessible from the reservoir's walking paths, offers a unique journey through an area that was once a hub for lime production, described as feeling like a 'movie set for Jurassic Park'.
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