Poolsbrook Country Park
A serene former colliery transformed into a beautiful country park, featuring a large fishing lake, abundant birdlife, and accessible walking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birdsong and blooming nature
Poolsbrook Country Park
Best Time
Birdsong and blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene former colliery transformed into a beautiful country park, featuring a large fishing lake, abundant birdlife, and accessible walking trails.
"A brilliant place to visit for a really slow walk round a beautiful park it's Free parking and excellent wheelchair friendly."
🎯 Free Parking is a Gem
Take advantage of the ample free parking, a rarity these days! :car:
👟 Easy Walks for All
The flat, circular paths are perfect for a relaxed stroll, even with pushchairs. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Fishing Lake
Central lake
A vast expanse of water teeming with birdlife, perfect for peaceful strolls and wildlife spotting.
Pushchair-Friendly Trails
Circular path around the lake
Flat, easy paths make it ideal for families with prams and those seeking a gentle walk.
Playground & Cafe
Near the main entrance
A great spot for kids to burn energy, with a cafe nearby for refreshments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Parking & Accessibility
Wildlife & Recreation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Parking is a Gem
Take advantage of the ample free parking, a rarity these days! +1 :car:
👟 Easy Walks for All
The flat, circular paths are perfect for a relaxed stroll, even with pushchairs. :athletic_shoe:
🐦 Feed the Birds (Wisely!)
Bring birdseed, not bread, to feed the friendly doves and water birds. :seedling:
☕ Refuel at the Cafe
Enjoy a bite to eat or a hot drink at the park's convenient cafe. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Parking is a Gem
Take advantage of the ample free parking, a rarity these days! +1 :car:
👟 Easy Walks for All
The flat, circular paths are perfect for a relaxed stroll, even with pushchairs. :athletic_shoe:
🐦 Feed the Birds (Wisely!)
Bring birdseed, not bread, to feed the friendly doves and water birds. :seedling:
☕ Refuel at the Cafe
Enjoy a bite to eat or a hot drink at the park's convenient cafe. :coffee:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends will love exploring the park too!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Poolsbrook Country Park for its beautiful scenery, abundant birdlife, and excellent accessibility. The free parking is a significant draw, and the well-maintained, flat paths make it ideal for families and those with mobility issues. While some might wish for more varied activities, the park offers a peaceful and enjoyable natural escape.
"Came across this park on our day out and loved it. Big first positive was the FREE CAR PARK, a positive that's getting rare. but also no height restriction (we're in Sprinter campervan). Large parking bays but also with room to "hang" over the grass he needed.
I believe the park was, in years gone bye, an old colliery. It's now has a huge fishing lake loads of geese and other water birds. Walking and cycling paths and cafe and toilets. Very nice place to be on a sunny day. They must also have horse riding paths as the car park has a provision for horse boxes.
Immediately next door,with connecting paths, there is Caravan and Motorhome site. Great location with Chesterfield only a short drive away. If you want to take the bus into Chesterfield you will have a 20 minute walk to get to the bus stop then a ride of about 20 minutes."
glyn moore (ytgvmtv)
"A brilliant place to visit for a really slow walk round a beautiful park it's Free parking and excellent wheelchair friendly for the older generation took me Mam for some lovely fresh air."
Ryan
"Absolutely beautiful area. Really clean lots of benches and picnic tables, free parking. The pathways are fantastic very easy for disabled people, to use. Had the best bacon and egg sandwich and breakfast sandwich with a delicious hot chocolate and cups of teas."
NudeRedShoe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Poolsbrook Country Park is easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. For public transport, you can take a bus into Chesterfield and then walk for about 20 minutes to reach the park.
Yes, there is a large, free car park at Poolsbrook Country Park. It even accommodates horse boxes and campervans.
Absolutely! The park has cycling paths, making it a great destination for a bike ride.
Yes, the car park has no height restrictions and offers plenty of space, making it suitable for campervans.
Chesterfield is a short drive away from Poolsbrook Country Park, offering further amenities and attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Poolsbrook Country Park offers free entry for all visitors. +1
The park is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering plenty of daylight hours for exploration. Specific cafe hours may vary.
There's no need to book tickets as the park is free to enter and explore at your own pace.
Yes, public toilets are available within the park, including baby changing facilities.
The park is highly praised for its excellent wheelchair-friendly pathways, making it very accessible for disabled visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, cycling, bird watching, feeding the water birds, and there's a playground for children.
Yes, the park is a haven for water birds and other wildlife, making it a fantastic spot for bird watchers. +1
Visitors are encouraged to feed the water birds with birdseed, but please avoid feeding them bread.
Yes, there is a playground area that children can enjoy.
You can expect to see various water birds, doves, and potentially other local wildlife.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the park that serves refreshments and light meals.
The cafe offers items like bacon and egg sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, hot chocolate, and cups of tea.
Yes, the park has plenty of benches and picnic tables, making it ideal for a picnic.
Absolutely! You are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic at one of the designated areas.
While not explicitly stated, many country park cafes are welcoming to well-behaved dogs, especially in outdoor seating areas. It's best to check on arrival. :dog:
📸 📸 Photography
The lake with its birdlife, the scenic walking paths, and the natural landscapes offer beautiful photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, with its diverse bird population and tranquil water features, it's an excellent spot for nature photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour creating a magical atmosphere.
Yes, the abundant birdlife provides ample opportunities for wildlife photography. Remember to be respectful and maintain a safe distance.
The paths around the lake offer various vantage points with lovely reflections and views of the water and surrounding greenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Strollers & Peace Seekers
🐶 Dog Owners
+1 While there aren't specific off-leash areas mentioned, the park's size and open nature allow for enjoyable walks. Remember to keep your dog under control and be mindful of other visitors and the wildlife. +1♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Through Nature: Poolsbrook Country Park's Trails
Beyond the main lake loop, there are connecting paths that lead to different areas of the park. These can offer slightly more varied terrain, but generally, the park is designed for easy exploration. The park's history as a former colliery means the landscape has been transformed, creating a surprisingly tranquil and picturesque environment.
Key Takeaways for Trails:
* Main Lake Loop: Flat, pushchair-friendly, approx. 2 miles.
* Accessibility: Excellent for wheelchairs and prams.
* Scenery: Enjoy lake views, birdlife, and transformed landscapes.
Wildlife Wonders at Poolsbrook
Visitors often report seeing doves that are quite accustomed to people, and some have even had close encounters with smaller birds like blue tits.
+1 The park encourages visitors to feed the birds, but it's crucial to do so responsibly. Birdseed is recommended, as bread can be harmful to waterfowl. Wildlife Spotting Tips:
* Best spots: Around the main lake and near the cafe area.
* What to bring: Birdseed for feeding.
* Respect: Observe from a distance and avoid loud noises.
Family Fun and Amenities
Beyond the playground, the park's open spaces and the lake provide opportunities for simple family activities like picnics and wildlife spotting. The presence of a cafe with toilets and baby changing facilities adds to the convenience for families, ensuring a comfortable day out.
Family-Friendly Features:
* Playground: Dedicated area for children's fun.
* Accessible paths: Easy for pushchairs and little legs.
* On-site cafe: For snacks, drinks, and facilities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit