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Lakes, Reservoirs & Riversides in Derby
If you fancy a bit of water without a big drive, Nottingham has the two options here, both a longer trip out from Derby. Highfields Park Boating Lake charges from £6 for a rowing boat, canoe or KataKanu, and it's ages 3 and up, though no under-18s are allowed out on the water without an adult with them. Bestwood Country Park's Mill Lakes is the free alternative, a quiet walk round the water with birdwatching and a café that opens Saturday mornings. For toddlers and younger children, Bestwood is the easier choice, an unhurried walk with nowhere to fall in and a coffee at the end. Save Highfields for when your kids are old enough to handle a paddle themselves, since an adult has to go out with anyone under 18. There's no fishing or swimming at Bestwood, so it stays calm rather than being a proper water day out. Dogs are welcome there too, which helps if the walk is for everyone.
2 places 1 free to visit
FreeBestwood Country Park - Mill Lakes
Nottingham
A free walk around a quiet lake with birdwatching, a Saturday morning café and no fishing or swimming to worry about.
CaféDog friendly
from £6Highfields Park Boating Lake
Nottingham · ages 3+
Hire a rowing boat, canoe or KataKanu and paddle round the lake for an hour, no under-18s allowed out without an adult.
Outdoor play
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