Bretton Lakes

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Yorkshire

England

Bretton Lakes

Terraced houses on Haigh Lane
Terraced houses on Haigh Lane Credit: Graham Hogg

Bretton Lakes, located in the picturesque region of Yorkshire, is a stunning natural landscape that encompasses a variety of freshwater ecosystems including lakes, pools, ponds, and freshwater marshes. Nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant meadows, this idyllic setting attracts nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The main highlight of Bretton Lakes is its pristine lake, which spans over a considerable area and serves as a focal point for various recreational activities. The crystal-clear waters of the lake provide a habitat for numerous species of fish, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can be seen casting their lines and patiently waiting for a bite while enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Adjacent to the lake, there are smaller pools and ponds that dot the landscape. These smaller bodies of water offer a more intimate setting for those seeking solitude or a peaceful spot for picnicking. The pools and ponds are often teeming with aquatic life, including frogs, newts, and dragonflies, creating a vibrant ecosystem that can be observed and appreciated.

Surrounding the lake and its accompanying pools and ponds, a freshwater marsh thrives. This marshland is characterized by an abundance of reeds, rushes, and other aquatic vegetation. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous bird species, including herons, swans, and ducks, which can often be spotted gracefully gliding across the marsh's calm waters.

Bretton Lakes is a haven for nature lovers, offering a diverse range of freshwater habitats that support a rich array of flora and fauna. Whether it's fishing, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, this enchanting landscape provides a memorable experience for all who visit.

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Bretton Lakes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.607242/-1.5677361 or Grid Reference SE2812. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Terraced houses on Haigh Lane
Terraced houses on Haigh Lane
The view from Woolley Edge Looking over Savin Royd Wood and the Dearne Valley. On the skyline are the Emley Moor television masts.
The view from Woolley Edge
Looking over Savin Royd Wood and the Dearne Valley. On the skyline are the Emley Moor television masts.
Bus stop and shelter at junction 38 of the M1 This stop serves the village of Haigh which has been split into two parts by the motorway. It has an unusual location in a slip road off the motorway roundabout.
Bus stop and shelter at junction 38 of the M1
This stop serves the village of Haigh which has been split into two parts by the motorway. It has an unusual location in a slip road off the motorway roundabout.
Travelodge, Woolley Edge services
Travelodge, Woolley Edge services
Footbridge in Bretton Country Park The bridge crosses the River Dearne in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Reflected in the river is the Damien Hirst sculpture 'The Virgin Mother' <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6280522">SE2912 : 'The Virgin Mother'</a>
Footbridge in Bretton Country Park
The bridge crosses the River Dearne in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Reflected in the river is the Damien Hirst sculpture 'The Virgin Mother' SE2912 : 'The Virgin Mother'
Bee on a wild aster flower Beside the lower lake in Bretton Country Park
Bee on a wild aster flower
Beside the lower lake in Bretton Country Park
'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds' On World Environment Day 2021, the Oak Project launched its first artist commission hosted at YSP by Heather Peak and Ivan Morison. 

The artists have developed a sculptural space made of natural materials including timber and thatch that acts as an extended open pavilion and becomes a framework and quiet space set within nature. Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds is installed alongside Upper Lake at YSP within a stand of birch trees and aims to create solitary communion with the natural world. 

(Description taken from the YSP website)
'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds'
On World Environment Day 2021, the Oak Project launched its first artist commission hosted at YSP by Heather Peak and Ivan Morison. The artists have developed a sculptural space made of natural materials including timber and thatch that acts as an extended open pavilion and becomes a framework and quiet space set within nature. Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds is installed alongside Upper Lake at YSP within a stand of birch trees and aims to create solitary communion with the natural world. (Description taken from the YSP website)
'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds'- interior On World Environment Day 2021, the Oak Project launched its first artist commission hosted at YSP by Heather Peak and Ivan Morison.

The artists have developed a sculptural space made of natural materials including timber and thatch that acts as an extended open pavilion and becomes a framework and quiet space set within nature. Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds is installed alongside Upper Lake at YSP within a stand of birch trees and aims to create solitary communion with the natural world.

(Description taken from the YSP website)

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6972589">SE2812 : 'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds'</a> for an external view.
'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds'- interior
On World Environment Day 2021, the Oak Project launched its first artist commission hosted at YSP by Heather Peak and Ivan Morison. The artists have developed a sculptural space made of natural materials including timber and thatch that acts as an extended open pavilion and becomes a framework and quiet space set within nature. Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds is installed alongside Upper Lake at YSP within a stand of birch trees and aims to create solitary communion with the natural world. (Description taken from the YSP website) See SE2812 : 'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds' for an external view.
'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds'- walkway On World Environment Day 2021, the Oak Project launched its first artist commission hosted at YSP by Heather Peak and Ivan Morison.

The artists have developed a sculptural space made of natural materials including timber and thatch that acts as an extended open pavilion and becomes a framework and quiet space set within nature. Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds is installed alongside Upper Lake at YSP within a stand of birch trees and aims to create solitary communion with the natural world.

(Description taken from the YSP website)

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6972589">SE2812 : 'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds'</a> for an external view.
'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds'- walkway
On World Environment Day 2021, the Oak Project launched its first artist commission hosted at YSP by Heather Peak and Ivan Morison. The artists have developed a sculptural space made of natural materials including timber and thatch that acts as an extended open pavilion and becomes a framework and quiet space set within nature. Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds is installed alongside Upper Lake at YSP within a stand of birch trees and aims to create solitary communion with the natural world. (Description taken from the YSP website) See SE2812 : 'Silence - Alone in a World of Wounds' for an external view.
'Night & Day' by Marialuisa Tadei This is the 'day' side of the sculpture in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5835071">SE2812 : Yorkshire Sculpture Park: "Night and Day"</a>
'Night & Day' by Marialuisa Tadei
This is the 'day' side of the sculpture in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. See also SE2812 : Yorkshire Sculpture Park: "Night and Day"
"Vulcan" by Eduardo Paolozzi  It is based on the god of fire and metalworking of Roman mythology.
"Vulcan" by Eduardo Paolozzi
It is based on the god of fire and metalworking of Roman mythology.
Bretton Country Park View of Lower Lake from Cascade Bridge
Bretton Country Park
View of Lower Lake from Cascade Bridge
Middle Park Bridge Royd Wood in the distance
Middle Park
Bridge Royd Wood in the distance
Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is situated in the grounds of Bretton Hall, an 18th-century estate near Wakefield which was a family home until the mid-20th century when it became Bretton Hall College. The park functions as a 500-acre open-air gallery showing work by British and international artists, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The park's collection of works by Moore is one of the largest open-air displays of his bronzes in Europe (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/henry-moore" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/henry-moore">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  YSP)
Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP)
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is situated in the grounds of Bretton Hall, an 18th-century estate near Wakefield which was a family home until the mid-20th century when it became Bretton Hall College. The park functions as a 500-acre open-air gallery showing work by British and international artists, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The park's collection of works by Moore is one of the largest open-air displays of his bronzes in Europe (LinkExternal link YSP)
All Schools Should be Art Schools Exhibit from Robert and Roberta Smith at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
All Schools Should be Art Schools
Exhibit from Robert and Roberta Smith at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Exhibit at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibit at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibit at Yorkshire Sculpture Park The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is situated in the grounds of Bretton Hall, an 18th-century estate near Wakefield which was a family home until the mid-20th century when it became Bretton Hall College. The park functions as a 500-acre open-air gallery showing work by British and international artists, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The park's collection of works by Moore is one of the largest open-air displays of his bronzes in Europe (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/henry-moore" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/henry-moore">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  YSP)
Exhibit at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is situated in the grounds of Bretton Hall, an 18th-century estate near Wakefield which was a family home until the mid-20th century when it became Bretton Hall College. The park functions as a 500-acre open-air gallery showing work by British and international artists, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The park's collection of works by Moore is one of the largest open-air displays of his bronzes in Europe (LinkExternal link YSP)
Exhibit at Yorkshire Sculpture Park The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is situated in the grounds of Bretton Hall, an 18th-century estate near Wakefield which was a family home until the mid-20th century when it became Bretton Hall College. The park functions as a 500-acre open-air gallery showing work by British and international artists, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The park's collection of works by Moore is one of the largest open-air displays of his bronzes in Europe (<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/henry-moore" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/henry-moore">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>  YSP)
Exhibit at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is situated in the grounds of Bretton Hall, an 18th-century estate near Wakefield which was a family home until the mid-20th century when it became Bretton Hall College. The park functions as a 500-acre open-air gallery showing work by British and international artists, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The park's collection of works by Moore is one of the largest open-air displays of his bronzes in Europe (LinkExternal link YSP)
Show me another place!

Bretton Lakes is located at Grid Ref: SE2812 (Lat: 53.607242, Lng: -1.5677361)

Division: West Riding

Unitary Authority: Wakefield

Police Authority: West Yorkshire

What 3 Words

///floating.cowboys.disgraced. Near Clayton West, West Yorkshire

Related Wikis

Bretton Hall College of Education

Bretton Hall College of Education was a higher education college in West Bretton in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. It opened as a teacher training...

Bretton Hall, West Yorkshire

Bretton Hall is a country house in West Bretton near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. It housed Bretton Hall College from 1949 until 2001 and was a...

St Bartholomew's Chapel, West Bretton

St Bartholomew's Chapel is a former estate church in the grounds of Bretton Hall, in West Bretton near Wakefield in West Yorkshire, England. The redundant...

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is an art gallery, with both open-air and indoor exhibition spaces, in West Bretton, Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, England...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.607242,-1.5677361
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 53.6055064/-1.5620078
Promenade
Artist Name: Anthony Caro
Artwork Type: sculpture
Tourism: artwork
Website: http://www.ysp.co.uk/whats-on/open-air/anthony-caro
Lat/Long: 53.6094597/-1.573861
Hanging Trees
Artist Name: Andy Goldsworthy
Artwork Type: sculpture
Tourism: artwork
Website: http://www.ysp.co.uk/whats-on/open-air/andy-goldsworthy
Lat/Long: 53.6029596/-1.5687184
Seventy-One Steps
Artist Name: David Nash
Fixme: Steps on the path, nit sure how accurate the path is though, 20-30m i'd guess
Tourism: artwork
Website: DAVID NASH Seventy-One Steps
Lat/Long: 53.606754/-1.5643568
Open Air Bronze Collection
Artist Name: Henry Moore
Artwork Type: sculpture
Material: bronze
Name En: Reclining Figure and Arch Leg
Tourism: artwork
Website: http://www.ysp.co.uk/whats-on/open-air/henry-moore
Lat/Long: 53.6096743/-1.5684518
Name En: Large Totem Head by Henry Moore
Tourism: artwork
Lat/Long: 53.6110613/-1.5687425
Name En: Large Two Forms by Henry Moore
Tourism: artwork
Lat/Long: 53.6110055/-1.5680298
Speed Breakers
Artist Name: Hemali Bhuta
Artwork Type: sculpture
Fixme: Can't remember if it's in this wood on the path, or the one approx 100m S/W towards the Hanging Trees
Material: bronze
Tourism: artwork
Website: http://www.ysp.co.uk/ysp-media/press-releases/hemali-bhuta-connects-deep-roots-of-history-with-speed-breakers
Lat/Long: 53.6055458/-1.565571
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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