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Exploring the countryside at Staunton Harold

Path leading through trees in autumn colour at Staunton Harold Derbyshire
A woodland walk in autumn at Staunton Harold | © National Trust/Rebecca Grenville

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.

Autumn in the countryside

Soak up the colours of autumn at Staunton Harold. As shades of summer green are left behind for fiery autumn oranges, reds and golds, it's the perfect time to venture outside and witness nature's transformation.

Autumn walks

Grab a warming cuppa from the dog-friendly café and then head out on a walk through woodland and wildflower meadows. If you're after a longer route, pick up the blue waymarked route at nearby Calke Abbey to discover more autumn highlights.

An oak tree catching the autumn light at Staunton Harold, Derbyshire
An oak tree catching the autumn light | © National Trust / David Goacher

Wildflower walk

The wildflower walk is a highlight for an autumn amble, affording spectacular views across the water, where you may glipse cormorants, tufted ducks and yellowhammers.

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.

View over still water, the sun is rising beyond the water and the sky is vibrant shades of red and orange. The silhouettes of trees  stand on the far side of the water.
Sunrise over the reservoir. | © National Trust Images/David Goacher

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.

A young girl in a sailing boat with a white and lime green sail wearing a red life jacket, with an instructor sailing behind

Fishing at Staunton Harold 

The tranquil surroundings of Staunton Harold make an ideal fishing spot, with around 2.2km of bank fishing available.

Visitor fishing at Hatfield Forest, Essex

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.

A couple and their dog walking on a path through the woodland

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.

An adult and child sitting at a table inside the cafe at Staunton Harold, smiling and holding drinks.

Calke Abbey 

The un-stately home and country estate

Derby, Derbyshire

Partially open today
Mansion and surrounding grounds at Calke Abbey Derbyshire