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.
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.
Walking at Staunton Harold
Situated in the heart of the National Forest, Staunton Harold is a peaceful spot for walking, with links to the wider National Forest network and nearby Calke Abbey.
All paths at Staunton Harold are multi-use, so please be respectful of other users and share with care.
Please keep dogs out of the water
Please keep dogs on leads to protect nature and wildlife, and keep them out of the water for their safety, where blue-green algae is present.
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.
Wildflower walk
This 2.5km (1.5-mile) scenic walk takes you along the reservoir bank and wildflower meadows, which you’ll see in various stages of bloom between April and September. Look out for swallows hunting low as the meadow comes alive with insects in the summer. Follow the yellow waymarkers along the wildflower walk.
Wildlife spotting at Staunton Harold
Staunton Harold is home to a variety of wildlife habitats, including wildflower meadows, woodland habitat and open water, making it a great place for wildlife spotting.
Spring and summer are the best times to see the wildflowers in bloom, which encourages insects like butterflies and bees, and you’ll often see swallows hunting in the meadows at this time of year. The orchids are a particular highlight in the wildflower meadows in summer.
In late winter and early spring, Dimminsdale’s snowdrop display is a highlight, accessible from the Dimminsdale car park or nearby Calke Abbey.
Look out for veteran trees in Charnells Wood, an important habitat for plants, birds and insects.
Bring along a picnic
While there’s a dog-friendly café at Staunton Harold offering a range of hot and cold refreshments, including ice creams for those sunny days and hot chocolates for warming chilly fingers, you’re welcome to bring along a picnic to enjoy anywhere at Staunton Harold.
Barbecues not permitted
Barbecues and open fires are not permitted anywhere at Staunton Harold, and we ask you to take care of the countryside by taking all litter home with you.
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.
