
Charlton Lakeside
A diverse park with a boating lake, adventure golf, and wildlife, perfect for family fun and nature walks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful nature and fewer crowds

Charlton Lakeside
Best Time
Peaceful nature and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A diverse park with a boating lake, adventure golf, and wildlife, perfect for family fun and nature walks.
"Definitely worth a visit with the kids, a beautiful location you must stop if you're passing by."

🚗 Parking Tips
Limited parking at the lakes. Consider side roads away from the park for unrestricted parking if the main lot is full.
📞 Call Ahead for Boating
Boating lake may not operate on Saturdays due to staffing. Best to confirm hours before your visit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boating Lake Adventures
Boating Lake
Enjoy a leisurely paddle on the water with pedalos and boats available for hire. A perfect way to see the lake from a new perspective.

Adventure Golf Fun
Charlton Lakeside Pavilion
Challenge friends and family to a round of mini-golf. A fun-filled activity for all ages, with a refurbished 18-hole course.

Wildlife Watching
The Lake
Observe a variety of waterfowl, including swans, ducks, and moorhens, in their natural habitat. A peaceful spot for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Check Opening Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Limited parking at the lakes. Consider side roads away from the park for unrestricted parking if the main lot is full.
📞 Call Ahead for Boating
Boating lake may not operate on Saturdays due to staffing. Best to confirm hours before your visit.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, and ice cream at the cafe. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great play area for children, plus mini-golf and boating for family entertainment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Limited parking at the lakes. Consider side roads away from the park for unrestricted parking if the main lot is full.
📞 Call Ahead for Boating
Boating lake may not operate on Saturdays due to staffing. Best to confirm hours before your visit.
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, and ice cream at the cafe. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great play area for children, plus mini-golf and boating for family entertainment.
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Beautiful lake and parkland perfect for dog walking and leisurely strolls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Charlton Lakeside is a diverse and enjoyable destination, particularly praised for its family-friendly activities like adventure golf and a children's play area. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty of the lake and its waterfowl, as well as the convenience of the on-site cafe. However, potential visitors should be aware of limited parking and the possibility of certain attractions, like the boating lake, having restricted operating days.
"A diverse place to visit in the Andover area. Swans, ducks, moorhens and canadian geese. Mini golf, pitch and putt, play area with reasonable facilities nearby. Definitely worth a visit with the kids."
David Smith
"Beautiful location. You must stop if you're passing by. We dont live in Andover but are regulars to the area as this is just a few minutes walk from the gym where our son trains for gymnastics. We frequently pop along to the lakes and park with our picnic blanket and a flask of coffee. Lovely. See you there, maybe? 😉👍"
Antonio McCoy
"Lovely, friendly staff. Best place in Andover for hot chocolate. Tables inside and out also toilets inside. The cafe is next to the children's enclosed playground and to a lake with Summer pedalos and boats. There is a 18 hole (all par 3) golf coarse, reburbished crazy golf and plenty of grass areas for football and walking dogs. A BMX bike track lies at the far end of the park. There is limited parking at the lakes."
Gill Griffin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Charlton Lakeside is located in the Andover area. While public transport might be affected by disruptions, driving is a common option. Parking is available, though it can be limited, especially on busy days. Consider exploring side roads for alternative parking if the main lot is full.
Yes, there is limited parking available directly at the lakes. For more options, especially on matchdays or busy weekends, travelers suggest parking on side roads away from the immediate park area where there are fewer restrictions.
While specific cycle paths aren't detailed, the park is a great destination for a leisurely ride. The surrounding areas offer pleasant cycling routes, and you can often find bike racks near popular attractions.
The park is easily accessible by car, with designated parking areas. For those looking for a more active approach, cycling or walking to the park can be very enjoyable, especially on pleasant days.
Public transport options may exist, but it's advisable to check local services as disruptions can occur. Driving or cycling are generally more reliable ways to reach Charlton Lakeside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Charlton Lakeside park itself is generally free, allowing access to the walking paths and general park areas. However, specific activities like boating and adventure golf may have separate charges.
While booking isn't always required, it's highly recommended to check operating hours and availability for the boating lake, as it may not run on Saturdays due to staffing issues. Calling ahead is a good idea.
The cafe is typically open during park hours and serves hot chocolate, snacks, and ice cream. It's located next to the children's playground and offers indoor and outdoor seating.
The children's play area is usually free to access as part of the park's amenities, offering a fun space for kids to enjoy.
Yes, there are adult gym equipment facilities available outdoors within the park, which are free to use for visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Charlton Lakeside offers a variety of activities including a boating lake with pedalos and boats, adventure golf, a children's play area, outdoor adult gym equipment, and pitch and putt. There are also ample grassy areas for picnics and dog walking.
Absolutely! Families love Charlton Lakeside for its dedicated children's play area, the fun of adventure golf, and the excitement of the boating lake. It's a diverse place with something for everyone.
Yes, Charlton Lakeside is a dog-friendly park, with plenty of grassy areas perfect for walking your canine companions. Remember to keep them under control and clean up after them.
The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl, including swans, ducks, moorhens, and Canadian geese, making it a lovely spot for nature observation.
Yes, there are toilets available within the park, conveniently located near the cafe and children's playground.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe located next to the children's playground that serves hot chocolate, snacks, and ice cream. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
Definitely! There are plenty of grassy areas perfect for picnics. Many visitors bring their own blankets and flasks of coffee to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
The cafe offers a selection of hot drinks like hot chocolate, as well as snacks and ice creams, making it a convenient spot for a treat during your visit.
While the cafe provides refreshments, you might find more dining options in the wider Andover area if you're looking for a full meal.
Yes, the cafe is the primary spot for purchasing drinks, including hot chocolate and other refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself, with its waterfowl and reflections, offers beautiful photo opportunities. The adventure golf course and the general park scenery also make for great shots.
Yes, with swans, ducks, and moorhens, Charlton Lakeside is a wonderful spot for capturing images of local wildlife in a serene setting.
The Charlton Lakeside Pavilion can host events, and while specific photography rules might apply for private events, general visitor photography is usually permitted.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial photography or if an event is taking place, it's always best to inquire about specific permissions.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow, especially around the lake.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the structured activities, the park's open spaces are perfect for picnics and casual games. Visitors often praise the variety of attractions that keep children engaged throughout the day. Remember to check the boating lake's operating schedule, as it may not be available on Saturdays.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Dog Walkers
Charlton Lakeside is also very dog-friendly, with ample space for dogs to roam and explore on their leads. It's a popular spot for dog walkers looking for a pleasant and safe environment. Remember to be considerate of other visitors and clean up after your pet.
couples
Grab a hot chocolate or a snack from the Lakeside Cafe and find a spot to sit together, either indoors or outdoors, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The adventure golf can also be a fun, lighthearted activity to share. It's a great spot for a casual date or a quiet afternoon escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Activities for Everyone
Beyond the main attractions, visitors can enjoy the children's play area, which is a safe and engaging space for younger ones. Adults can also take advantage of the outdoor gym equipment scattered throughout the park. The presence of various waterfowl like swans, ducks, and moorhens adds a delightful natural element, making it a peaceful spot for nature observation and photography.
It's worth noting that some attractions, like the boating lake, may have specific operating days and times, and it's advisable to check in advance, especially if visiting on a Saturday, due to potential staffing issues. This ensures you can make the most of your visit and enjoy all the activities Charlton Lakeside has to offer.
The Lakeside Cafe Experience
Visitors appreciate the cafe's friendly staff and the option to sit either indoors or outdoors, allowing them to enjoy the views regardless of the weather. Its location makes it an ideal spot to refuel while keeping an eye on children playing in the nearby playground. The cafe contributes significantly to the overall pleasant experience at Charlton Lakeside, providing a convenient and welcoming amenity for all visitors.
Navigating Charlton Lakeside
For those relying on public transport, it's important to be aware that services can be subject to disruption, as noted by some travelers. Therefore, driving or cycling are often considered more reliable methods of reaching the park. The park itself is well-laid out, with clear paths leading to the various attractions like the boating lake, adventure golf, and play areas. The cafe and toilet facilities are also centrally located, making navigation straightforward once you're within the park grounds.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit