"We recently visited Sywell Country Park and found it to be one of Northampton’s most enjoyable outdoor destinations. The park offers ample parking with a fee of £3.50 for up to 12 hours, making it a convenient choice for a full-day visit.

Among its attractions, the children’s play area is engaging, while the butterfly garden adds a charming touch to the experience. However, the true highlight is the stunning reservoir, which offers a peaceful and scenic setting for walking or running.

The walkway around the reservoir is well-maintained, with plenty of benches along the way—ideal for rest breaks or simply enjoying the view. The refreshing breeze from the water adds to the park's serene atmosphere.

Overall, Sywell Country Park is a fantastic spot for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unwind in a beautiful natural setting."

Abins Ta

"How lovely! Nice and local to Northampton centre. 15mins away with good parking at £3.50 for 12hours. Well maintained paths, playground and a cafe with vegan treats. Thoroughly enjoyed the views. We even saw some grazing cows."

Melissa. Nic

"Sywell Country Park is the sort of place where dogs think they’ve died and gone to heaven. Long winding paths, open spaces to tear around, and a reservoir big enough to make them dream of a career in wildfowl management. If your dog loves a good walk, this is basically Disneyland. You’ll see everything from tiny dachshunds strutting like they own the place to labradors leaping into the water with the grace of a cannonball.

The trails are great for humans too. They’re easy enough that you can stroll along happily with a coffee, but varied enough to make you feel like you’ve actually achieved something by the end. There are woods, lakeside stretches and enough benches to stage a sit down protest if your legs give up.

Families love it here as well. The kids’ play areas are the sort of contraptions that would make most adults secretly want to have a go, and there’s enough space for little ones to burn off every ounce of sugar they’ve ever eaten. Meanwhile, parents can collapse with a coffee from the café and watch the chaos unfold.

Speaking of the café, it’s a handy pit stop and the cake portions are generous enough to make you forgive the occasional goose giving you side eye for not sharing. Bring snacks, bring patience and bring a camera because there’s always something entertaining going on – whether it’s a spaniel launching itself joyfully into the reservoir or a toddler trying to befriend a duck.

Sywell is funny, friendly and full of life. It’s the perfect mix of nature, play and people watching, and you always leave with a happy dog, tired kids and the smug glow of having “done a proper walk.” Five stars and one honorary medal to the geese for keeping everyone on their toes."

Neil F