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Foremark
Nature reserve with woodland walks, grass heathland and open water
Foremark, Milton, Derbyshire, DE65 6EG
Opening times for 15 May 2025
Asset Opening time Foremark 08:00 - 18:00 Café 10:00 - 17:00 Last entry to Foremark is at 6pm and the car park will be locked by 8pm. Any vehicles remaining after this time will need to be collected when Foremark reopens the following morning. Please bear this in mind when planning your visit. The kiosk is open daily from 10am, but may be closed for all or some of the day, in poor or adverse weather.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Full day £6.00 Max 4 hours
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Max. 4 hours £3.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Adventure playground/play area
A playground is available at Foremark, just a short walk away from the main car park.
- Car park
Main car park is by the visitor facilities.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome to explore Foremark, but must be on a short lead around the car parks, visitor facilities, playground, picnic benches, and along the Bridleway.
- Kiosk
Enjoy a range of light refreshments.
- Picnic area
Picnic benches are located on the grass by the refreshment kiosk and near the dam wall car park.
- Toilet
Available at the visitor facilities.
Accessible parking and toilets. Some accessible paths with variable gradients but no steep slopes.
- Accessible route and/or map
The multi-use Bridleway is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly, offering views of woodland, farmland and across the reservoir along a 2.5km compacted stone path. Please note that this is a linear route. The dam view trail is also accessible, with a tarmac surface and gentle slopes.
- Accessible toilet
Available at the visitor facilities.
- Designated parking
Accessible spaces are available in the main car park.
- Drop-off point
A drop-off point is located in the main car park, less than 50 metres from the main facilities.
- Level access to food outlet
Level access is available from main car park to refreshment kiosk and picnic areas.
- Seating available
The picnic areas include accessible benches, which have a larger overhang on one side of the table. No indoor seating is available.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Many of the paths through the wooded area are uneven, with some shallow steps in places.
- By road
on A514 at Ticknall between Swadlincote and Melbourne. Access from M42/A42 exit 13 and A50 Derby South.
Parking: The are two car parks at Foremark with grassed overflow car parking available.
Sat Nav: If using SatNav please use postcode DE65 6EG, or use latitude and longitude coordinates 52.8209, -1.5062.
- By train
Derby 11 miles; Burton 8 ½ miles
- By bus
The nearest bus stop is in Repton, Derbyshire, 1.2 miles from Foremark. Please note there are no pavements on Milton Road towards Foremark.
- Cycling
Planning your visit
Article
May half term at Foremark
Take to the sky at Foremark. Bring along your own kite, borrow one of ours, or create your own (only on 28 May) and hold on tight as it soars up above.
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Highlights
Reservoir
Man-made reservoir which plays an important part in the water supply network, and an important habitat for wildlife.
Carver's Rocks
A scheduled Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its geology and plants.
Walks
Variety of walks through woodland and along a bridleway, with access onto the National Forest Way, which extends over 75 miles from Staffordshire to Leicestershire.
Nature Reserve
230 acres of habitat with a rich diversity of wildlife including over 350 species of moths and 200 types of birds, and one of the last patches of lowland heath in Derbyshire.
Play
Play area and activities as part of '50 things to do before you’re 11¾‘'.
Eating
Kiosk open year-round, serving light refreshments.
Spotlight events
Article
May half term at Foremark
Take to the sky at Foremark. Bring along your own kite, borrow one of ours, or create your own (only on 28 May) and hold on tight as it soars up above.
Events at Foremark
Take a look at our upcoming events, including guided walks and family activities.
Things to see and do
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Foremark
Find inspiration for family days out at Foremark, with play areas, waymarked walks, cycling routes and picnic spots. There's plenty to do to keep the kids entertained all day long!
Article
Exploring the Nature Reserve at Foremark
Discover woodland walks, diverse habitats and plenty of wildlife at Foremark, a 230-acre nature reserve in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside.
Outdoor activities
Water sports at Foremark
Burton Sailing Club offers a range of family-friendly water sports at Foremark, including windsurfing and offshore sailing, suitable for beginners through to the more experienced. All launching of watercraft must be through the sailing club.
Eating
Eating at Foremark
The kiosk serves a range of hot and cold drinks, light bites, sandwiches and sweet treats. There is outdoor seating available only, where dogs are welcome to join you. Please check the opening times on our website before visiting.
Places to stay
Ticknall Lodge
An intriguing pentagonal gate lodge with elegant interiors surrounded by Calke Abbey parkland.
Heath End Lodge
A former gatehouse to Calke Abbey, this cottage now stands in a peaceful backwater.
Wicket Nook Cottage
A cosy cottage packed full of character features and with stunning views over the Calke Estate.
Southwood House Farm
The perfect get-together pad with seven bedrooms, a large garden and miles of parkland walks.
Upcoming events
Event
Festival of Blossom at Foremark
Celebrate the joy of blossom at Foremark between March and May.
Event
May half term: kite flying at Foremark
Take to the sky and tick fly a kite off your '50 things to do before your 11 ¾' list at Foremark.
Event
May half term: kite making at Foremark
Half term at Foremark is all about exploring the sky. Come and channel your creativity in a drop in kite making session.
About Foremark
Nestled in the rolling Derbyshire countryside is Foremark, a 230-acre nature reserve, comprised of woodland habitat, heathland, open countryside, and open water.
Owned by Severn Trent and cared for in partnership with the National Trust, the reservoir at Foremark has been a vital link in the water supply network since its creation in the 1970s. Along with the 230-acre nature reserve, Foremark is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and includes Carver’s Rocks, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You’ll also discover one of the last patches of lowland heath in Derbyshire.
Enjoyed by families, walkers and nature enthusiasts alike, there are many walking trails through woodland including a multi-use bridleway, as well as space for family fun and picnics.
Our work
Looking after the water
We’re working in partnership to look after the 230-acre reservoir at Foremark, which is owned and managed by Severn Trent. Find out more about how Severn Trent is protecting the region’s water here.