Pictures of Ladybower Reservoir

in the county of Derbyshire

About Ladybower Reservoir

This beautiful reservoir is found in the undulating Derbyshire countryside. It is the lowest of the Peak districts three reservoirs that occupy the beautiful Derwent valley, the other two being the Howden and Derwent Reservoirs.

Ladybower Reservoir was completed shortly after the end of World War II, when it was opened by His Majesty King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth, our late Queen Mother. It was primarily built to supply drinking water to the north of England and the midlands.

The Howden and Derwent Reservoir's were of particular importance during the war years, for this was the place were 617 Squadron experimented with Barn Wallis's famous bouncing bomb, it is also the place where much of the famous film portraying the story of the "Dambusters" was filmed.

The lovely landscape we see today belies what went before. To build the reservoir whole villages and buildings had to be sacrificed including the lovely villages of Derwent and Ashopton. Derwent Hall, an ancient property of 1672 belonging to the Dukes of Norfolk was submerged, along with farms belonging to the estate, and the parish church. For a while the spire of the church peeked above the water when its levels dropped, but even this evocative sight had to be demolished for reasons of safety.

Ladybower Reservoir is now one of the Peak District National Park's most breathtaking beauty spots, it sits peacefully in an idyllic landscape with beautiful vista's all around.

Visitors to this scenic area will find waymarked walks, cycle routes, glorious wooded areas to wander, wildlife, and plenty of places to enjoy a picnic. There is also a visitor centre from which cycles may be hired. So why not abandon your car to the car park, collect a bike and follow a cycle route to experience close at hand how very picturesque this lovely landscape is.

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History of Ladybower Reservoir

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Nearby travel help

Hope Station

Bamford Station

M1 Junction 35

M1 Junction 35A

Sheffield City Airport

Manchester Airport

Hotels near Ladybower Reservoir

	Best Western George Hotel Main Road, Hope Valley, Hathersage, Derbyshire, England (4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction SE) A Derbyshire hotel ideally located for walking, bird watching and cycling in the heart of the Peak District, Derbyshire. Formerly a 500 year old inn, this highly rated Derbyshire hotel in the hea... More info and book online.. Price from £58.00
	Sir William Hotel Sir William Hill Road, Grindleford, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, Derbyshire, England (5.8 miles, 9.4 km, direction SE) This family owned country hotel is situated in the heart of the Peak National Park. The hotel offers a variety of menus to suit all tastes. You can dine either in the Olive Restaurant or enjoy a tr... More info and book online.. Price from £70.00
	The Maynard Arms Main Road, Grindleford, Derbyshire, England (6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction SE) The Maynard Arms has a reputation for fine food and quality accommodation. The hotel is situated in the heart of the Peak National, and has fine views of the Derbyshire Hills. Set in glorious surrou... More info and book online.. Price from £65.00
	Robin Hood Inn Greaves Lane, Little Matlock, Stannington, South Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, England (7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction E) This privately owned country inn rests on the edge of beautiful woodland at the edge of the Peak District, only a 10 minute journey from Sheffield city centre. Here, boutique style accommodation h... More info and book online.. Price from £70.00
	Norfolk Arms Hotel 2 Ringinglow Village, Sheffield, Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, England (8.4 miles, 13.4 km, direction E) This old coaching inn rests on the border with the Peak District National Park, just 5 miles from the centre of Sheffield. The Norfolk Arms Hotel dates from 1805, now offers en suite bedrooms with ... More info and book online.. Price from £60.00