Carsington Water
Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
About Carsington Water
Located a short distance from the Peak District National Park, Carsington Water is a great place for a family day out. Our visitor centre is open at the times shown. Our car parks are open from 7. 30am and close at 7pm.
Carsington Water Description
Opened by the Queen in 1992 Carsington Water has become a popular place for tourists and locals alike and today welcomes almost a million visitors every year.
Why was Carsington Water created here?
The area was largely just arable land and part of the rationale to build in the Scow Brook Valley was that it only involved the inundation of two farms, minimising the social impact to the area. The Field Barn or Chapel in the valley was dismantled piece by piece and was reconstructed near to the Visitor Centre, to match exactly the original building. The land was used very much as the surrounding land is today, for livestock grazing.
Carsington Water has great regional significance for Severn Trent as it is in the heart of the company’s developing grid supply system. This grid links Clywedog Reservoir in Central Wales, the Lower Severn and East and West Midlands through Leicestershire. It therefore plays an important part in guaranteeing water at times of drought to the furthermost points of the Severn Trent compass.
What was here before?
The earliest occupation of the Carsington area dates back to around 2000BC. A Bronze Age barrow (burial mound) was discovered near to the site of the Visitor Centre and during excavations in 1986 the archaeologists found human remains and a scatter of flints, including knives and scrapers. Pollen from those times was also found, showing that during the Bronze Age the landscape was mostly covered with hazel, oak, lime and other trees that were tolerant of boggy conditions.
In Roman times the area north of Carsington was an important lead mining centre and it is believed that the valley could be the site of Lutudarum, a distribution centre at the junction of two major roman roads. Two Roman sites were discovered before the reservoir was built and three archaeological excavations have recorded and saved the artefacts of our distant past and the finds are on display at Buxton Museum.
How long did it take to build the dam?
The project to build Carsington Water started in 1980 and the site was officially opened by the Queen in May 1992, some 12 years later. Prior to the building taking place, three public enquiries had looked out, and discarded, alternative proposals. Work was at an advanced stage when part of the original dam collapsed in June 1984, after a period of prolonged heavy rain, halting further construction work until 1989. Following further public enquiries it was agreed that the project should continue. The remaining dam was levelled to its foundations and a new dam was built in its place – flatter, containing more than twice the material and with double the width of the old dam at the base. Construction was finished in autumn 1991 and the first water entered the reservoir on 16 October 1991.
What is Carsington Water’s role in the water supply network?
Carsington Water is the ninth largest reservoir in England it increased Severn Trent raw water storage capacity by 10% . To meet the growing demands of over three million customers in the nearby cities and towns the reservoir was built as a large storage facility that can supply them with up to 206 megalitres a day, which is almost a third of the water needed in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Carsington reservoir is also linked to Ogston reservoir which supplies water to Chesterfield and the surrounding area.
Where does the water come from?
An aqueduct, comprising 9 kilometres of tunnel and 1. 5 kilometers of pipeline, connects the reservoir to the River Derwent. The tunnel has a diameter of approximately 2 metres and is lined with concrete. The water is taken out at Ambergate Pumping Station, which was adapted specifically for this role when the reservoir was built, and travels along the aqueduct before entering the reservoir through the Control Tower. When the flow is down, water is returned by gravity from Carsington to the Derwent, ensuring ample supplies all the year round at the abstraction point downstream at Little Eaton, near Derby. From there, water is pumped to treatment works at Little Eaton and Church Wilne.
How deep and big is the reservoir?
At its highest level the reservoir can hold 7800 million gallons of water. At maximum capacity the reservoir is 300 hectares (741 acres) and 700 football pitches could fit on the surface. When full the reservoir is 31metres deep – the height of seven double decker buses.
Reviews
For anyone avoiding the World Cup and paying us a visit this evening please be aware that the Wirksworth Running Club will be on site from 18:00. This means the tracks will be a little busier than usual, especially around the Millfields and Visitor Centre car parks.
Anyone for a story? The open book features the opening line of a story. Find the sculpture and you can make up the rest...
This is just one of the new sculptures installed to celebrate our education partnership with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.
The half term holidays are nearly here and if you’re looking for ways to keep your little ones entertained then why not join the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for a Wild Wednesday on the 30th of May for crafts, activities and campfire cooking!
Tune in to BBC East Midlands Today where we’ll be talking about the brand new sculpture trail (with a little help from the pupils of Hulland Ward Primary School!) Here’s Diane from the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust talking about how our fantastic Education Partnership inspired the latest additions to the site!
Check out the new wildlife totem at the Sheepwash car park and see if you can find each of the creatures hidden nearby. The totem is part of our new sculpture trail to celebrate our work with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and it will be officially opened next week!
It’s a great weekend to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful bluebells. You’ll find a carpet of blue in the Sheepwash Woods and at Fishtail Creek but the best spot is right here in Hall Wood.
A beautiful calm start to the day after a very busy Bank Holiday weekend! If you prefer the peace and quiet you’ll find our car parks are opened from 7:30am every day, or just turn on the sound and enjoy the birdsong...
Phew! It's a scorcher! If you're visiting our reservoirs today please don't be tempted to take a dip. The water may look inviting but there are dangerous currents and unseen hazards below the surface. Stay safe and stay out of the water.
The sculpture trails won’t be finished for a couple more weeks but you can get a sneak-peak of some of our sculptures this Bank Holiday weekend. Here’s a story-telling chair which doubles as a handy throne for any passing princesses!
The sculpture trails are a joint project with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to celebrate our education partnership.
The sunshine and showers have done wonders for the wildflowers and we have drifts of cowslips buzzing with life and brightening up the fields around the reservoir. Enjoy them with a walk in the sunshine this Bank Holiday.
The first of our new wooden sculptures has found a home on Stones Island and he’s been joined by his pet. Feel free to drop by and say hello but don’t wake the dragon!
The new sculptures are to help celebrate our education partnership with our friends at the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Look out for a VERY large spider who should be arriving soon!
Say hello to another of our new sculptures! This wizard will soon be taking up residence on Stones Island and encouraging us all to stop and enjoy the views. He’s yet to be given a name so your suggestions are very welcome.
Our new sculpture trail will celebrate Severn Trent and the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s education partnership and we’ll be sharing more photos soon.
It’s #nationalpetday and we know lots of you enjoy bringing your dogs to Carsington Water. But did you know we now have a fantastic RSPCA shop here on site too? As well as gifts for the people in your life they have tonnes of toys and accessories for your four-legged friends.
Meet the latest addition to our sculpture trail! Our giant troll will be taking up residence under a bridge on site very soon and lying in wait for anyone brave enough to cross.
It’ll be coming to site as part of two new sculpture trails to celebrate Severn Trent’s education partnership with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.
A beautiful start to the day with mist, bright morning sunshine, and a dawn chorus of willow warblers, chiffchaffs & blackcaps
The rangers are out clearing the snow this morning to get the site open as usual today. If you are visiting us today be extra careful on the roads and if you’re heading out for a walk be prepared for slushy snow on the paths! On the bright side you can avoid the showers in the the courtyard shops, the Wildlife Centre & the Exhibition, and warm up with a hot drink in the Mainsail Restaurant.
When the clouds clear it’s looking rather nice out there! The views from the Millfields car park are especially good and it’s a great place to watch the comings and goings in the black-headed gull colony.
A beautiful start to Thursday and just one more day until that long weekend! Join us this Easter for walking, cycling, wildlife watching, egg hunting and winning views along the way.
Today we’ve put up a few extra boxes by the path to Wildlife Centre to help you identify some of the different types of box you’ll spot around the reservoir. Let’s hope the local wildlife can read the labels!
Wonderful, wonderful wonderful.. well worth the visit. We visited on 18th April 2018 1st day of real Sun it filled my heart up. Love the walks, loved the lake, love the wildlife although I will say beware of the swans I was feeding a male and he pulled at my trousers then bit my arm cos I wasn't feeding him fast enough.
We went to Hopton Hall first for snowdrops! Amazed at how much it has improved with gravel and bark paths , lake walks and general up keep , not been for years it is so worth a visit, then to Carsington to eat , as Hopton Hall was full in cafe, so popular. Thanks Alan
We visited with 3 children under the age of 5 and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. The halloween trail was fun and the treat at the end was definitely worth it. We enjoyed building trenches with the rocks. The visitors centre was informative and interactive. The play area was good although there are a lot of gates to watch with young children. We look forward to visiting again and maybe cycling all the way around.
We love it here, we came for the Halloween hunt yesterday and we have been for the Easter hunt 2 years running. Sometimes we come for a bike ride or a walk and play on the park.
Very clean, lovely views also plenty of different shops and cafes nice day out for the family
This is a lovely place, spent the weekend celebrating our Ruby Wedding Anniversary with family. The children enjoyed the water and we spent our time walking and having a lovely lunch with ice creams afterwards. The weather was fantastic and the only very slight downside was that some cyclists thought some of the tracks were their domain.
One of my favourite places � The area is beautiful, with some fantastic walks to do. Food is great with a good selection of Gluten free, service is great, staff are friendly and there's always something to do. I've been coming here since I was very little and still find it just as beautiful every time I go! :)
Lovely place to walk round facilities exceptionally clean lots for all ages to do and enjoy wildlife great to see
Lovely place for every one grandkids love it as well good walk round lake and interesting items made of wood we liked the house made wood quite interesting worth visit x
Lovely day out with the dog lovely views and great family day out
Lovely area, great for walks, took my dog and she loved it too �
Just the most delightful few hours. Came for a nosy really but will definitely be back. Weather was just so pleasant. Walked about 2.5 miles around lake and then decided to walk back the way we had come. Lots of birds busy chattering and found the whole experience a delight. Popped into the cafe for a pasty and cuppa before did the walk and then came back for one of their selections of ice cream.....a few visitors but being retired we avoid bank holidays! Enjoyed the history of the place too!
Just a lovely place for a gentle stroll with our dog's....so beautiful
I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to the walkers and staff at Carsington Water who helped me last weekend after I fell off my bike riding around the lake. Definitely can't wait to come back, although I'll be bringing a full face helmet with me next time haha! ��
Had a good day at Carsington Water and was lucky with the weather. Lovely place to go. Will go again.
Great place for our day trip. Excellent choice and quality of food in the restaurant. Good fun on the water in a family rowing boat. Had a lot of fun. Would recommend for all ages and abilities.
Great place for families and dogs, fantastic walks and lots of space for kids to run around, great for portable babies too.
Great day. Plenty of picnic space and walks.
First really good of sunshine all year so I decided to take my mother to carsington water for a few hours on Sunday 6th may 2018. Weather was brilliant, had a great walk around stones island and saw the first of the new statues only problem with the rest is to see them when they are all in place you have to walk all the way around carsington water. When’t to the mainsail restaurant for dinner and the food is brilliant, had the salmon salad myself(haven’t had a meal that good in a long time) will certainly recommend it to all my friends.
Carsington Water is a lovely place to enjoy activities, by taking part or just relaxing and watching people enjoy themselves in whatever activity they choose to do. There are a diverse number of people visiting with their families of whatever culture, religion or colour they are. Disability is not an issue either and you can get around quite easily. Barbecues taking place creating wonderfully seasoned smells. All are welcomed. I definitely recommend Carsington Waters as a summer venue to visit as a couple, as a family or as a group of friends.
Big thanks to the staff in the bike hire place for sorting my front derailleur.
Beautiful place will definitely visit again
Beautiful place for a walk or picnic or just to sit and take in the fresh air. Lovely cafe shop and gift shop will definitely be visiting again x
Beatiful afternoon in the sunshine.
Went for. SUP taster session. Great fun £17 for an hour inc wet suit. Good value would defffo recommend. Trails for walking and biking and play area for the kids. Nice centre with food and some stores - not cheap but the paninis we tried were ace. Had a cheeky beer too!
Attended classic car show it was so hot but have to say what a fantastic day. Had my dog with me and there were water bowls everywhere for them which was nice to see them catered for. Another nice thing was that the toilets were spotlessly clean too. The scenery here is amazing and no doubt will be back
Absolutely stunning place we done the circular walk about 3 and half hours at a resonable pace. Nice to see loads of families cycling and walking around and looks great for water sports will be returning very soon
A great family day out with a whole range of activities available including walking, cycling and water sports. Plus there are 3 great playgrounds, 3 different car parks depending upon how far you want to walk (the whole route round the reservoir is ~8 miles), a great restaurant, cafe and a selection of shops with loads of space for picnics too. You could easily spend many family days out here.
A great day out. Present walk. Cafe by the court yard excellent.
good family day out. would definitely recommend. parking a little expensive.
When the sun's shining, as it is now, there not a lot more you need. Views over water always lift the spirit and being here during the week it's not too busy. It's great to see school trips here with children learning and enjoying. The visitor centre is good with a few shops and a nice cafe with patio area. I walked around the reservoir - 9 miles in all - and seeing the reservoir from every angle is a delight. Lovely villages on the periphery with pubs and tea rooms are accessible too. This country is beautiful if you only can see it.
Nice walk for all types of people. Only one gripe, I think all the benches around the water should be looked after, the grass is overgrown around the seats.
I went on may 7th bank holiday Monday and it was very busy , but the walks are good and I ride a bike which is a good way to get around the reservoir the only thing I find bad about these sort of places is the cost of food and drinks so always be prepared to take your own
Great place to visit and walk around reservaur
Enjoyed a bike ride around the lake, nice (fairly) easy ride....and a cuppa in the cafe after
Well worth the visit. We were camping and decided to take the dogs for a long walk to the visitor centre. The views were fantastic across the reservoir, especially as the weather turned out good. The coffee and cake at the visitor centre was OK and there was seating outside (no dogs inside 😕) but couldn’t fine a dog water bowl (so many cafés and places of interest do these days).
We visited Carsington water on Sunday 1st July and it was very busy but thoroughly enjoyable. The part l did not like was still having to pay £3 parking to be parked in an overspill car park....a field on the other side of the main road with no facilities.
Tucked the bikes away in a courtyard plenty of space near the cars �
Just a heads up.... be careful...2 cars were broken into yesterday in Sheepwash car park.... suit cases etc stolen and dumped in Hopton. The car windows were smashed... sad but true
An excellent activity centre for young people as well as the more mature reveller. There is something for every a lovely restaurant as well as coffee and ice cream parlours, well supported charity shops and activity wear. It’s a very educational place with lots of interesting information. A great day out and well worth a visit 😀
Wonderful, wonderful wonderful.. well worth the visit. We visited on 18th April 2018 1st day of real Sun it filled my heart up. Love the walks, loved the lake, love the wildlife although I will say beware of the swans I was feeding a male and he pulled at my trousers then bit my arm cos I wasn't feeding him fast enough.
We went to Hopton Hall first for snowdrops! Amazed at how much it has improved with gravel and bark paths , lake walks and general up keep , not been for years it is so worth a visit, then to Carsington to eat , as Hopton Hall was full in cafe, so popular. Thanks Alan
We visited with 3 children under the age of 5 and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. The halloween trail was fun and the treat at the end was definitely worth it. We enjoyed building trenches with the rocks. The visitors centre was informative and interactive. The play area was good although there are a lot of gates to watch with young children. We look forward to visiting again and maybe cycling all the way around.
We love it here, we came for the Halloween hunt yesterday and we have been for the Easter hunt 2 years running. Sometimes we come for a bike ride or a walk and play on the park.
Very clean, lovely views also plenty of different shops and cafes nice day out for the family
This is a lovely place, spent the weekend celebrating our Ruby Wedding Anniversary with family. The children enjoyed the water and we spent our time walking and having a lovely lunch with ice creams afterwards. The weather was fantastic and the only very slight downside was that some cyclists thought some of the tracks were their domain.
One of my favourite places � The area is beautiful, with some fantastic walks to do. Food is great with a good selection of Gluten free, service is great, staff are friendly and there's always something to do. I've been coming here since I was very little and still find it just as beautiful every time I go! :)
Lovely place to walk round facilities exceptionally clean lots for all ages to do and enjoy wildlife great to see
Lovely place for every one grandkids love it as well good walk round lake and interesting items made of wood we liked the house made wood quite interesting worth visit x
Lovely day out with the dog lovely views and great family day out
Lovely area, great for walks, took my dog and she loved it too �
Just the most delightful few hours. Came for a nosy really but will definitely be back. Weather was just so pleasant. Walked about 2.5 miles around lake and then decided to walk back the way we had come. Lots of birds busy chattering and found the whole experience a delight. Popped into the cafe for a pasty and cuppa before did the walk and then came back for one of their selections of ice cream.....a few visitors but being retired we avoid bank holidays! Enjoyed the history of the place too!
Just a lovely place for a gentle stroll with our dog's....so beautiful
I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to the walkers and staff at Carsington Water who helped me last weekend after I fell off my bike riding around the lake. Definitely can't wait to come back, although I'll be bringing a full face helmet with me next time haha! ��
Had a good day at Carsington Water and was lucky with the weather. Lovely place to go. Will go again.
Great place for our day trip. Excellent choice and quality of food in the restaurant. Good fun on the water in a family rowing boat. Had a lot of fun. Would recommend for all ages and abilities.
Great place for families and dogs, fantastic walks and lots of space for kids to run around, great for portable babies too.
Great day. Plenty of picnic space and walks.
First really good of sunshine all year so I decided to take my mother to carsington water for a few hours on Sunday 6th may 2018. Weather was brilliant, had a great walk around stones island and saw the first of the new statues only problem with the rest is to see them when they are all in place you have to walk all the way around carsington water. When’t to the mainsail restaurant for dinner and the food is brilliant, had the salmon salad myself(haven’t had a meal that good in a long time) will certainly recommend it to all my friends.
Carsington Water is a lovely place to enjoy activities, by taking part or just relaxing and watching people enjoy themselves in whatever activity they choose to do. There are a diverse number of people visiting with their families of whatever culture, religion or colour they are. Disability is not an issue either and you can get around quite easily. Barbecues taking place creating wonderfully seasoned smells. All are welcomed. I definitely recommend Carsington Waters as a summer venue to visit as a couple, as a family or as a group of friends.
Big thanks to the staff in the bike hire place for sorting my front derailleur.
Beautiful place will definitely visit again
Beautiful place for a walk or picnic or just to sit and take in the fresh air. Lovely cafe shop and gift shop will definitely be visiting again x
Beatiful afternoon in the sunshine.
Went for. SUP taster session. Great fun £17 for an hour inc wet suit. Good value would defffo recommend. Trails for walking and biking and play area for the kids. Nice centre with food and some stores - not cheap but the paninis we tried were ace. Had a cheeky beer too!
Attended classic car show it was so hot but have to say what a fantastic day. Had my dog with me and there were water bowls everywhere for them which was nice to see them catered for. Another nice thing was that the toilets were spotlessly clean too. The scenery here is amazing and no doubt will be back
Absolutely stunning place we done the circular walk about 3 and half hours at a resonable pace. Nice to see loads of families cycling and walking around and looks great for water sports will be returning very soon
A great family day out with a whole range of activities available including walking, cycling and water sports. Plus there are 3 great playgrounds, 3 different car parks depending upon how far you want to walk (the whole route round the reservoir is ~8 miles), a great restaurant, cafe and a selection of shops with loads of space for picnics too. You could easily spend many family days out here.
A great day out. Present walk. Cafe by the court yard excellent.
good family day out. would definitely recommend. parking a little expensive.
When the sun's shining, as it is now, there not a lot more you need. Views over water always lift the spirit and being here during the week it's not too busy. It's great to see school trips here with children learning and enjoying. The visitor centre is good with a few shops and a nice cafe with patio area. I walked around the reservoir - 9 miles in all - and seeing the reservoir from every angle is a delight. Lovely villages on the periphery with pubs and tea rooms are accessible too. This country is beautiful if you only can see it.
Nice walk for all types of people. Only one gripe, I think all the benches around the water should be looked after, the grass is overgrown around the seats.
I went on may 7th bank holiday Monday and it was very busy , but the walks are good and I ride a bike which is a good way to get around the reservoir the only thing I find bad about these sort of places is the cost of food and drinks so always be prepared to take your own
Great place to visit and walk around reservaur
Enjoyed a bike ride around the lake, nice (fairly) easy ride....and a cuppa in the cafe after
Well worth the visit. We were camping and decided to take the dogs for a long walk to the visitor centre. The views were fantastic across the reservoir, especially as the weather turned out good. The coffee and cake at the visitor centre was OK and there was seating outside (no dogs inside 😕) but couldn’t fine a dog water bowl (so many cafés and places of interest do these days).
We visited Carsington water on Sunday 1st July and it was very busy but thoroughly enjoyable. The part l did not like was still having to pay £3 parking to be parked in an overspill car park....a field on the other side of the main road with no facilities.
Tucked the bikes away in a courtyard plenty of space near the cars �
Just a heads up.... be careful...2 cars were broken into yesterday in Sheepwash car park.... suit cases etc stolen and dumped in Hopton. The car windows were smashed... sad but true
An excellent activity centre for young people as well as the more mature reveller. There is something for every a lovely restaurant as well as coffee and ice cream parlours, well supported charity shops and activity wear. It’s a very educational place with lots of interesting information. A great day out and well worth a visit 😀
Wonderful, wonderful wonderful.. well worth the visit. We visited on 18th April 2018 1st day of real Sun it filled my heart up. Love the walks, loved the lake, love the wildlife although I will say beware of the swans I was feeding a male and he pulled at my trousers then bit my arm cos I wasn't feeding him fast enough.
We went to Hopton Hall first for snowdrops! Amazed at how much it has improved with gravel and bark paths , lake walks and general up keep , not been for years it is so worth a visit, then to Carsington to eat , as Hopton Hall was full in cafe, so popular. Thanks Alan
We visited with 3 children under the age of 5 and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. The halloween trail was fun and the treat at the end was definitely worth it. We enjoyed building trenches with the rocks. The visitors centre was informative and interactive. The play area was good although there are a lot of gates to watch with young children. We look forward to visiting again and maybe cycling all the way around.
We love it here, we came for the Halloween hunt yesterday and we have been for the Easter hunt 2 years running. Sometimes we come for a bike ride or a walk and play on the park.
Very clean, lovely views also plenty of different shops and cafes nice day out for the family
This is a lovely place, spent the weekend celebrating our Ruby Wedding Anniversary with family. The children enjoyed the water and we spent our time walking and having a lovely lunch with ice creams afterwards. The weather was fantastic and the only very slight downside was that some cyclists thought some of the tracks were their domain.
One of my favourite places � The area is beautiful, with some fantastic walks to do. Food is great with a good selection of Gluten free, service is great, staff are friendly and there's always something to do. I've been coming here since I was very little and still find it just as beautiful every time I go! :)
Lovely place to walk round facilities exceptionally clean lots for all ages to do and enjoy wildlife great to see
Lovely place for every one grandkids love it as well good walk round lake and interesting items made of wood we liked the house made wood quite interesting worth visit x
Lovely day out with the dog lovely views and great family day out
Lovely area, great for walks, took my dog and she loved it too �
Just the most delightful few hours. Came for a nosy really but will definitely be back. Weather was just so pleasant. Walked about 2.5 miles around lake and then decided to walk back the way we had come. Lots of birds busy chattering and found the whole experience a delight. Popped into the cafe for a pasty and cuppa before did the walk and then came back for one of their selections of ice cream.....a few visitors but being retired we avoid bank holidays! Enjoyed the history of the place too!
Just a lovely place for a gentle stroll with our dog's....so beautiful
I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to the walkers and staff at Carsington Water who helped me last weekend after I fell off my bike riding around the lake. Definitely can't wait to come back, although I'll be bringing a full face helmet with me next time haha! ��
Had a good day at Carsington Water and was lucky with the weather. Lovely place to go. Will go again.
Great place for our day trip. Excellent choice and quality of food in the restaurant. Good fun on the water in a family rowing boat. Had a lot of fun. Would recommend for all ages and abilities.
Great place for families and dogs, fantastic walks and lots of space for kids to run around, great for portable babies too.
Great day. Plenty of picnic space and walks.
First really good of sunshine all year so I decided to take my mother to carsington water for a few hours on Sunday 6th may 2018. Weather was brilliant, had a great walk around stones island and saw the first of the new statues only problem with the rest is to see them when they are all in place you have to walk all the way around carsington water. When’t to the mainsail restaurant for dinner and the food is brilliant, had the salmon salad myself(haven’t had a meal that good in a long time) will certainly recommend it to all my friends.
Carsington Water is a lovely place to enjoy activities, by taking part or just relaxing and watching people enjoy themselves in whatever activity they choose to do. There are a diverse number of people visiting with their families of whatever culture, religion or colour they are. Disability is not an issue either and you can get around quite easily. Barbecues taking place creating wonderfully seasoned smells. All are welcomed. I definitely recommend Carsington Waters as a summer venue to visit as a couple, as a family or as a group of friends.
Big thanks to the staff in the bike hire place for sorting my front derailleur.
Beautiful place will definitely visit again
Beautiful place for a walk or picnic or just to sit and take in the fresh air. Lovely cafe shop and gift shop will definitely be visiting again x
Beatiful afternoon in the sunshine.
Went for. SUP taster session. Great fun £17 for an hour inc wet suit. Good value would defffo recommend. Trails for walking and biking and play area for the kids. Nice centre with food and some stores - not cheap but the paninis we tried were ace. Had a cheeky beer too!
Attended classic car show it was so hot but have to say what a fantastic day. Had my dog with me and there were water bowls everywhere for them which was nice to see them catered for. Another nice thing was that the toilets were spotlessly clean too. The scenery here is amazing and no doubt will be back
Absolutely stunning place we done the circular walk about 3 and half hours at a resonable pace. Nice to see loads of families cycling and walking around and looks great for water sports will be returning very soon
A great family day out with a whole range of activities available including walking, cycling and water sports. Plus there are 3 great playgrounds, 3 different car parks depending upon how far you want to walk (the whole route round the reservoir is ~8 miles), a great restaurant, cafe and a selection of shops with loads of space for picnics too. You could easily spend many family days out here.
A great day out. Present walk. Cafe by the court yard excellent.
good family day out. would definitely recommend. parking a little expensive.
When the sun's shining, as it is now, there not a lot more you need. Views over water always lift the spirit and being here during the week it's not too busy. It's great to see school trips here with children learning and enjoying. The visitor centre is good with a few shops and a nice cafe with patio area. I walked around the reservoir - 9 miles in all - and seeing the reservoir from every angle is a delight. Lovely villages on the periphery with pubs and tea rooms are accessible too. This country is beautiful if you only can see it.
Nice walk for all types of people. Only one gripe, I think all the benches around the water should be looked after, the grass is overgrown around the seats.
I went on may 7th bank holiday Monday and it was very busy , but the walks are good and I ride a bike which is a good way to get around the reservoir the only thing I find bad about these sort of places is the cost of food and drinks so always be prepared to take your own
Great place to visit and walk around reservaur
Enjoyed a bike ride around the lake, nice (fairly) easy ride....and a cuppa in the cafe after
Well worth the visit. We were camping and decided to take the dogs for a long walk to the visitor centre. The views were fantastic across the reservoir, especially as the weather turned out good. The coffee and cake at the visitor centre was OK and there was seating outside (no dogs inside 😕) but couldn’t fine a dog water bowl (so many cafés and places of interest do these days).
We visited Carsington water on Sunday 1st July and it was very busy but thoroughly enjoyable. The part l did not like was still having to pay £3 parking to be parked in an overspill car park....a field on the other side of the main road with no facilities.
Tucked the bikes away in a courtyard plenty of space near the cars �
Just a heads up.... be careful...2 cars were broken into yesterday in Sheepwash car park.... suit cases etc stolen and dumped in Hopton. The car windows were smashed... sad but true
An excellent activity centre for young people as well as the more mature reveller. There is something for every a lovely restaurant as well as coffee and ice cream parlours, well supported charity shops and activity wear. It’s a very educational place with lots of interesting information. A great day out and well worth a visit 😀
More about Carsington Water
Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00