Mill Waters

Download the Mill Waters site map

Find out about the upcoming Little Festival of Heritage and Nature at Mill Waters

What is Mill Waters?
Mill Waters is found between Ashfield and Mansfield and covers three public open spaces providing a snapshot of the industrial, social and natural heritage along the River Maun Corridor. The three connected sites at Mill Waters offer over 70 hectares to walk, run, and cycle. Visitors can try out many recreational activities including tennis, a skate park, play facilities, and outdoor fitness, within a relaxing, friendly environment. The cafés at the sites provide homemade food and beautiful views at Kings Mill Reservoir and Sutton Lawn.

Investment of £1.45 million has been put into Mill Waters to enhance green spaces along the river corridor, connect people with local heritage, and celebrate the story of the mill industries that were once a major hub of activity and employment in the area. This has been made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ashfield District Council, Mansfield District Council, and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Upcoming events

The Little Festival of Heritage and Nature at Mill Waters is a free event at Kings Mill Reservoir on Saturday, September 14, from 11am to 3pm. Enjoy live music, games, crafts, heritage, nature fun, and abseil down Kings Mill Viaduct. 
How to get to Mill Waters


By car: Exit at Junction 28 on the M1. Follow the A38 and come off at the A617 Sherwood Way South.

By train: Sutton Parkway station, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 5FB.

Parking: There are two main car parks at Mill Waters. One is at Sutton Lawn accessed off Station Road, via Lawn Avenue. The second is at Kings Mill Reservoir accessed off Sherwood Way South that leads down the access drive to the car park.

Volunteer at Mill Waters 
Would you like to become part of the volunteer team at Mill Waters to learn fresh skills, make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors? Volunteer opportunities include volunteer ranger; event volunteer; heritage and conservation volunteer; information and design volunteer; survey volunteer and volunteer walk leader. Email for more information about volunteer roles.
Fill in a volunteer enquiry form

Discover more about Mill Waters

LEARN ABOUT THE KINGS MILL RESERVOIR LEISURE DEVELOPMENT

The Kings Mill Reservoir flagship project for a new boathouse with meeting room and restaurant space will be an important catalyst to boost night time economy in the area. It will bring opportunities for events and meeting space, as well as growth in water sports and recreational activities.

READ THE HISTORY OF MILL WATERS

Mill Waters today is a peaceful haven for wildlife filled with leisure activities, but in the early 19th century the area was a thriving manufacturing hub.

DISCOVER WHY SUTTON IN ASHFIELD HOUSES THE LARGEST GEOTHERMAL LAKE LOOP IN EUROPE 

Thousands of people use King's Mill Hospital every week, but what they maybe don't know is a geothermal system provides cooling for the building by using heat exchangers at the bottom of Kings Mill Reservoir.

VISIT WILDLIFE AT MILL WATERS

Every season throughout the year there is something different to see in nature at Mill Waters with a variety of wildlife, birds, and insects. Learn more about what this exciting destination has to offer.

DOWNLOAD MILL WATERS EDUCATION PACKS 

The Mill Waters education packs are for teachers, parents, and pupils. Designed with and for teachers to apply the area's history to the English School Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2, the packs provide a variety of lesson plans and teaching resources. Teachers can support learning before, during, and after a visit to the Mill Waters site. 

VIEW HISTORIC PHOTOS OF SUTTON LAWN 

Discover historic pictures of Ashfield residents, the stunning scenery, and the fun days had at the beautiful green space of Sutton Lawn, in Sutton in Ashfield. Share your own memories and pictures of your time there

Water Safety
Mill Adventure Base and clubs at Mill Waters follow strict procedures and risk assessments to allow them to use the water for their activities. The public are not allowed to enter the water or launch their own craft onto the water for leisure or sporting activities. If there are any water quality issues identified, signs will be erected to warn the public that people or their animals must not enter the water. If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999, and ask for Fire and Rescue. Learn about the national water safety campaign #RespectTheWater.

Website: Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue on water safety

Love Exploring
Download the Love Exploring App to enjoy a number of interactive nature trails at the Mill Waters heritage site. Visit Google Play store if you use an Android mobile and the Apple store for iPhone.

How do I contact Mill Waters?
Telephone: 01623 556110
Contact Mill Waters by email