Stanwick Lakes
A 750-acre country park offering adventure playgrounds, scenic walks, fishing, and nature education.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Stanwick Lakes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 750-acre country park offering adventure playgrounds, scenic walks, fishing, and nature education.
"One of the best days out with gorgeous, well-maintained paths and wonderful staff."
🎯 Pack a Picnic Blanket
With limited bins on walkways, a blanket is handy for enjoying food by the lakes.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the extensive walking routes and adventure trails with ease.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Adventure Playgrounds
Various locations around the lakes
Engaging play areas with slides, climbing frames, and water features, perfect for toddlers and older kids alike.
Scenic Walking Trails
Circumferential paths around the lakes
Well-maintained paths offering beautiful views of the lakes, bird hides, and diverse wildlife. Ideal for leisurely strolls.
Water Play Area
Designated zone
A fantastic spot for children to splash and play during warmer months, featuring running water and sand.
Fishing Opportunities
Designated fishing lakes
Stanwick Lakes Fisheries is a popular spot for carp fishing, attracting anglers with its challenging catches.
+3Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Visit
+1Parking and Access Tips
+2 Some visitors mention a lack of bins on walkways, so bringing a picnic blanket and carrying out any rubbish is a good idea. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic Blanket
With limited bins on walkways, a blanket is handy for enjoying food by the lakes. +1
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the extensive walking routes and adventure trails with ease.
🚗 Check Parking Fees
Entry is free, but parking charges apply based on duration.
🎣 Anglers: Check Rules
Stanwick Lakes Fisheries is popular for carp fishing; familiarize yourself with local regulations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic Blanket
With limited bins on walkways, a blanket is handy for enjoying food by the lakes. +1
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the extensive walking routes and adventure trails with ease.
🚗 Check Parking Fees
Entry is free, but parking charges apply based on duration.
🎣 Anglers: Check Rules
Stanwick Lakes Fisheries is popular for carp fishing; familiarize yourself with local regulations.
🚲 Bike Hire Available
Enjoy cycling around the lakes; bike hire is often available on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stanwick Lakes for its beautiful natural setting, excellent facilities, and wide range of activities for families. The adventure playgrounds and water play area are particularly popular with children. Staff and volunteers are frequently commended for their friendliness and passion. Some minor points of improvement mentioned include a desire for more bins along walkways and occasional crowding during peak times.
"Love visiting here! Went to a netwalking event held in their conference room with walk around small lake. Facilities were clean and food was delicious (bacon sandwich). Great provision for tea, coffee and selection of cold drinks for the event. Staff were friendly and helpful. Outside facilities are the best part, beautiful nature and well kept paths. Usually you need to pay for car park but as we were at an event, parking was free."
Helen Staniforth
"Honestly one of the best days out I've ever had with my daughter. Gorgeous, well maintained paths everywhere. Bird hides to watch over the lakes (while she napped). A big, airy cafe with delicious coffee. Lovely museum with staff who clearly adore what they do!
We had so much fun talking to the people who were making a dugout canoe with bronze age tools, and exploring the garden, especially after seeing the spinning and weaving and learning about the plants that make the dyes.
My daughter adored playing in the adventure play, of course. There's running water and sand, cute little play beach huts, a mural, slides, more than enough to entertain a toddler for hours! It was really lovely and plenty of seating and shade all around.
We will definitely be back with my husband for another full day and hopefully add in some cycling 😊😊
Overall, really cannot say enough about how great the site was but even more so how wonderful every staff and volunteer was everywhere we went during our visit. The kindness, patience, and passion was just beyond what you could ask and we really appreciate it!"
Jill S
"What a great place! So much for the kids to do and see. The water feature is great, the climbing frame is well kept and very safe. The toilets are always kept clean and there is a great choice for food and drinks. Actually they have really nice coffee which is rare. Would be good with a few more benches as there is only a few compared to how many visitors they get but bring a picnic blanket and you'll be fine"
Katrina Cameron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stanwick Lakes is accessible by car, with parking available on-site (charges apply). It's located in Northamptonshire. For those using public transport, check local bus routes as direct services might be limited.
Yes, there is parking available at Stanwick Lakes. Fees are based on the length of your stay.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Stanwick Lakes, and bike hire is often available. The paths are well-suited for cycling.
Absolutely! Stanwick Lakes boasts extensive and well-maintained walking routes around the lakes, offering beautiful scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities. +1
Yes, Stanwick Lakes is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a variety of activities for all ages, from playgrounds to nature walks and fishing. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Stanwick Lakes itself is free to enter. However, there are charges for parking, which vary depending on how long you stay.
No, general entry to Stanwick Lakes does not require pre-booked tickets. Parking fees are paid on arrival or via a parking app.
Stanwick Lakes is generally open daily, but specific facilities like the cafe or visitor centre may have varying hours. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Stanwick Lakes frequently hosts special events, including nature workshops, home education meetups, and races like 5k and 10k runs.
Fishing at Stanwick Lakes Fisheries typically requires a permit or day ticket. It's advisable to check with Stanwick Lakes Fisheries directly for current pricing and booking information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Children can enjoy extensive adventure playgrounds, a water play area (seasonal), nature trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Arts and crafts sessions are also sometimes available. +2
Yes, there is an on-site cafe offering a selection of food and drinks, including coffee, sandwiches, and snacks. Many visitors also bring picnics to enjoy. +1
Yes, dogs are welcome at Stanwick Lakes, and there are even dog washing stations available. Please ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife and play areas.
Facilities include toilets, a cafe, parking, and often bike hire. There are also bird hides and areas for picnics.
Yes, Stanwick Lakes has bird hides overlooking the lakes, making it a good spot for bird watching and observing local wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic lake views, walking trails, and the adventure playgrounds offer great photographic opportunities. The bird hides also provide unique perspectives.
With its lakes and bird hides, Stanwick Lakes is a decent location for wildlife photography, especially for bird species.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's recommended to check with the management of Stanwick Lakes regarding any restrictions on drone photography before flying.
The water play area in summer, the adventure playgrounds, and the natural landscapes around the lakes provide diverse photo opportunities throughout the year.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The walking trails are also great for little legs, with some featuring interactive elements. +1 Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic surroundings, as there are many lovely spots. 🎣 Anglers
+3 The waters can be challenging, offering a rewarding experience for those who enjoy a good fight. +3 Many anglers share their successful tactics online, which can be a great resource for planning your trip. 🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
+1 The flat, well-maintained paths around the lakes are ideal for running, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Even if there isn't an organized event, it's a pleasant place for a personal run or cycle. 🚶♀️ Nature Lovers and Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Fishing at Stanwick Lakes Fisheries
+3 The waters are known for pressured fish, meaning anglers need to be strategic and meticulous in their approach. +3Anglers often share detailed insights into their rigs and baiting strategies on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
This community-driven knowledge can be invaluable for those looking to improve their catch rates. Remember to always practice responsible angling, including catch and release where appropriate, and to leave the fishing spots as you found them. Beyond carp fishing, the lakes offer a natural environment that attracts various wildlife, making it a pleasant spot for observers even if fishing isn't your primary interest.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the playgrounds, families can enjoy exploring the extensive walking trails, which often include adventure trails with hidden play equipment.
+1 Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained paths, making it easy to navigate with strollers or for younger children to walk. The on-site cafe provides convenient refreshments, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for families looking for a day out in nature.
Nature and Wildlife
Educational aspects are also a part of the experience, with mentions of nature education services and crafts courses.
This focus on learning about the natural environment adds an enriching layer to a visit, particularly for families. The site's commitment to maintaining its natural beauty ensures a peaceful and engaging experience for those who appreciate the outdoors. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit