Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Entertainment
Rachel Gorman

Water parks, boating lakes and paddling spots in and around Nottingham

Summer is here (allegedly) so fingers crossed for some bright, sunny and, dare we say, even a few hot days here in Nottingham.

If the temperatures do heat up, there are plenty of places in and around the county to cool off in and on the water.

From activities for the adventurous to gentle hours spent dreaming of DH Lawrence drifting along in the great outdoors, there really is a place for everyone to dip their toe over the next few months.

Here are a few to get you started (you may have to travel a bit for a few... but it'll be worth your while).

Paddle in the Park

 

 

This weekend (June 1-2), Paddle in the Park, British Canoeing’s annual paddlesport festival returns to the National Water Sports Centre.

From newcomers to the more experienced, everyone is invited to get involved and the event promises fun for all the family, with plenty to see and do both on and off the water.

Entry is £5 entry per day for a Start Paddling Pass, or £15 to include the Lagoon Wipeout inflatable obstacle course.

If you prefer to stay dry, simply go along and watch the action for free or take a walk around the trade village, food and drink stalls.

Aqua Park Rutland

 

 

The UK'S biggest inflatable outdoor aqua park has now re-opened for the summer - and it has a brand new layout. Measuring a massive 100 metres by 80 metres, it features climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, slides and blast bags.

For the first time the Rutland Water attraction, just a short distance from its neighbouring beach, will be open to visitors as young as six.

Obstacles include the UK's tallest obstacle, The Rutland Mammoth, and a 5.5 metre free fall as well as the Action Tower XL and the Tornado Tower.

Tickets for the park are priced at £20 off-peak and £22 peak for a 50-minute session at aquaparkgroup.co.uk.

 

 

 

Skegness splash zone

 

 

The popular Fairy Dell paddling pool, near the Skegness boating lake and next to South Parade, has sprinklers and an ornamental fountain at it centre, making it the perfect way to cool down in the summer months.

After originally opening nearly 100 years ago, the pool has been welcoming locals and tourists since the 1920s.

 

 

 

Highfield Boating Lake

 

Family fun on Highfields boating lake as the weather picks up (Nottingham Post)

 

Situated near the University of Nottingham campus, this park is well-known for its boat hire on the lake, adventure golf and the variety of events at the Lakeside Arts centre.

With easy access, and plenty to keep everyone occupied, you can soon while away the hours at Highfields.

 

Victoria Embankment Park

 

 

There's no denying on a summer's day the banks of the River Trent can be the perfect picnic spot.

But if it does get a little too hot don't forget that the Victoria Embankment Park has now re-opened for the summer season, with the sizeable free paddling pool filled and ready for visitors.

 

 

 

Rutland Water Beach

 

 

Rutland Water beach, on Rutland Water’s North Shore, provides 140 metres of sandy shoreline and a 2,800m area for you to paddle and swim in.

The bathing area will open weekdays 1pm - 5pm and weekends 10am - 6pm from Saturday, June 29 until Sunday, July 14.

It will then be open daily 10am - 6pm from Monday, July 15 until Sunday, September 1.

All times are dependent on the weather, so make sure you check the  Facebook page  before travelling.

Markeaton Park

 

 

It a little bit of a trek to to this Belper park but it's certainly worth the journey. Little ones can play and explore the bandstand and there are great views over the Derwent.

You can hire a rowing boat for a small fee but it can be as much fun to watch inexperienced rowers struggle.

Belper River Gardens

 

Belper River Gardens, a tranquil area off Maltock road in Belper (Andrew Hudson from Heanor)

 

While you're in Belpher...

During the summer there is a free paddling pool and in the grounds there is always something going on.

Feed the ducks at Markeaton Lake and for a price, you can hire a rowing boat or pedalo.

Entry is free and there are refreshments available on site.

Get the most important news straight in your inbox before 9am every day - sign up to Nottinghamshire Live's newsletter. No complicated forms to fill out, just enter your email address in the black box at the top of this page.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.