Exploring the countryside at Staunton Harold
Find a slice of idyllic countryside at Staunton Harold, a 210-acre reservoir with woodland walks, abundant wildflower meadows and spectacular views. From walking and water sports to wildlife spotting, find out what there is to see and do on your visit to Staunton Harold here.
Summer in the countryside
Enjoy summer outdoors at Staunton Harold. Soak up nature on a summer stroll and listen out for wildlife as you explore.
Summer walks
Take a scenic walk through Staunton Harold’s charming landscape and discover woodland, countryside and wildflower meadows.
Stop along the way and enjoy a picnic with a view. Just remember to take your leftovers home with you or use one of the bins provided.
Wildflower walk
The wildflower walk is a highlight of summertime between June and July, as the wildflower meadows come alive.
The meadows are around 30 years old and produce a symphony of flowers every year, including common spotted orchids, yellow rattle, ragged robin and marsh orchids.
Follow the yellow waymarkers along the 2.5km (1.5-mile) route. The lower tarmac path is suitable for little legs, wheelchairs and buggies, allowing everyone to enjoy this colourful display.
Staunton Harold circular walk
This 2.5km (1.4-mile) circular walk enjoys reservoir views and wildflower meadows, with some stiles, slopes and muddy ground when wet. Take a photo of the map when you arrive at the car park and follow the waymarkers along the route.
Staunton Harold to Calke Abbey
Take in views of the reservoir, arable fields and woodland on this 2.7km (1.7-mile) walk to nearby Calke Abbey, where you can continue to explore, or return along the same route back to Staunton Harold. There are some stiles, slopes and muddy ground when wet along this walk.
Summer wildlife
Staunton Harold is a great place for wildlife spotting this summer. Bring along your binoculars and head to the wildflower meadows, which are a haven for insects and butterflies.
Or stop by the bird hide and look out for ducks and waders on the water. If you’re lucky, on your travels you may spot some migratory birds that have arrived for the summer months, such as swallows, swifts and house martins.
Top things to see at Staunton Harold
Staunton Harold is a 210-acre countryside space, home to one of the largest reservoirs in Derbyshire. At this hidden gem you'll discover wildflower meadows, woodland habitat, industrial archaeology and nature reserves, along with spectacular views across open water.
Top things to see include the Tower Windmill, which dominates the skyline, a children’s play area for family days out and sweeping views across the reservoir.
At nearby Dimminsdale, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, you’ll find open water ponds where quarrying excavations once mined for lead and limestone. Look out for derelict lime burning kilns and other industrial features hidden among the vegetation.
Visiting with a dog?
Staunton Harold is a great place to visit with your four-legged friend, with woodland walks, meadows and open countryside to explore.
Please note that dogs aren't allowed in the water to protect them from unseen dangers in the reservoir and blue green algae.
Activities on the water
Fancy getting out on the water? Staunton Harold Sailing Club offers a variety of water sports from sailing activities to windsurfing and paddleboarding, with training available for beginners of all ages.
The tranquil reservoir is also an ideal fishing spot, with around 2.2km of bank fishing available.
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Sailing at Staunton Harold
Fancy a day on the water? Staunton Harold Sailing Club offers a variety of water sports at Staunton, from sailing activities to windsurfing and paddleboarding, with training available for beginners of all ages. All launching of watercraft must be done through the sailing club.
Fishing at Staunton Harold
The tranquil surroundings of Staunton Harold make an ideal fishing spot, with around 2.2km of bank fishing available.
Visiting Staunton Harold with your dog
Find out everything you need to know about visiting Staunton Harold with your dog, including the best walks to explore, the dog-friendly café and the canine code.
Eating at Staunton Harold
The café is open every day serving a range of hot and cold drinks, light bites, sandwiches and sweet treats. Dogs are welcome inside the café, with dog treats and essentials available to buy. Seating is available indoors and outdoors.
