Spa Ponds

Set of 4 ponds draining into the River Maun. Lovely, peaceful spot. You might see the odd kingfisher flying around if you’re lucky. Great place to walk but can get a bit muddy after heavy rain.

Beautiful spot, four ponds draining into the River Maun, reminds me of a mini Linacre Reservoirs!

On the western edge of the former royal deer park of Clipstone, in the heart of Sherwood Forest- are a series of large ponds fed by a spring and a tributary of the River Maun. They are overlooked by steep slopes of ground to the east which once housed a fortification built by Edward II in the early 14th century.

This fortification was Clipstone Peel- built as a refuge during a time of political turmoil. The peel was constructed in timber except for a stone gatehouse. When the peel was dismantled during the reign of Edward III, the gatehouse was left standing, and the small ruin known as Beeston Lodge is now all that remains.

Overlooked by this fortification the ponds were kept for provision of fish for the king- and represent a massive undertaking by the crown. They are a hugely important part of local medieval heritage, and are an important part of a national story relating to the time of Edward II.