Stanwick Lakes

Did you know? On Fridays, our café stays open a little later to go alongside our open water swimming sessions. You don’t have to be a swimmer to get involved and enjoy things though - you’re very welcome to come down, watch what’s happening on the water, or just take in the scenery as the sun starts to go down.

Settle in with a coffee, a slice of cake, a light snack, or perhaps a glass of wine, and find a spot with a view.
It’s a nice, easy way to ease into the end of the week!

A note on swimming...
Due to the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status of the nature reserve, our swimming sessions are organised with special permission from Natural England. Swimming must be booked in advance and wild swimming is prohibited at any other time.

It’s also worth knowing that we’re not able to accept walk-ins on the evening, so if you fancy a dip, visit our website to reserve a spot!

This weekend, many mosaic tiles will come together to create something much bigger… And we need you!

Join us at Stanwick Lakes and help build replica Roman mosaics alongside Lisa from Earthly Arts Studio - a chance to contribute to a community artwork inspired by the site’s fascinating past. Add a tile, create a pattern, or simply stop by to see the artwork grow throughout the weekend.

Watch our Roman kiln build take shape!
Our volunteers and Derek Roberts from Udig Excavations will be continuing with the construction of this magnificent piece of experimental archaeology.

You can also catch traditional boat-building in action with Ancient Craft - Dr. James Dilley and volunteers as our jetty project progresses. Stop by and discover how ancient crafts and techniques helped shape life along the river centuries ago.

Alongside the mosaic and boat build, there’ll be heritage activities, reenactors, crafts and living history to explore across the site - and there’ll also be a chance to “cast” your opinion and help shape the future of this heritage site.

There’s plenty to explore, perfect for those looking for something a bit different to do with the family.

Free activities for all ages, running Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May from 10am.
Usual parking charges apply.

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

Scorching sunshine? Storms? Who knows! ☀️⛈️
One thing’s for sure though - we’ll be getting some beautiful evening skies as we head into our final workshop of May half term: a Mixed Media Sunset session. 🌅🎨

Perfect for young people who love art and trying new techniques, this creative workshop is all about experimenting with colour, texture and imagination.

Participants will combine paints, drawing materials and collage techniques to create their own colourful sunset artwork - so make sure you wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

This one-off workshop takes place inside, in our lovely Discovery Zone, on Friday, 29th May, and spaces are limited - and just a few left.

For more info and to book, visit:
https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/events/mixed-media-sunset-workshop/

We (and the butterflies, bees and hoverflies!) are delighted to let you know that we have received funding to make the nature reserve a pollinator’s paradise.

Gap Charitable Trust has given Stanwick Lakes a grant to support the creation and improvement of wildflower meadows and a butterfly bank on the site.

Over the next 15 months, new meadows will be created by sowing native wildflower seed mixes while an existing meadow will be improved with a combination of extra seed and continued specific management to increase the diversity of the wildflowers. The butterfly bank will also be enhanced by sowing seeds and planting wildflower plant plugs to attract a wider range of pollinator species, particularly butterflies. Regular surveys of the meadows will take place throughout the project, supported by some of our brilliant volunteer team who have botanical expertise.

New Gap Charitable Trust is a Northamptonshire charity dedicated to making a positive impact on their local environment. We are very grateful for this funding which will enable us to continue to improve habitats at Stanwick Lakes.

Half term is here and there’s a great holiday vibe at Stanwick Lakes this week ☀️

Still looking for plans? We’ve got wildlife adventures, creative activities and a few indoor sessions offering a welcome break from the heat too 👀

🦟 Pond Dipping with the Rangers - Tues & Thurs
Just the odd space left, with most sessions now sold out - be quick to book!

🕷️ Big Creepy Crawly Craft Club - Wednesday
Bug-themed crafting fun in the Visitor Centre

🌅 Mixed Media Sunset Workshop - Friday
Painting, collage and creativity in a relaxed indoor setting

🏺 Heritage Build Weekends - Sat & Sun -FREE!
See heritage projects taking shape in the Nene Valley.

Plus pottery painting, playgrounds and nature trails throughout the holidays!

Book now & find full details:
https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/may-half-term-2026

Join us for an energising yoga flow workshop on Sunday the 14th of June. This beautiful session will give you the chance to reconnect with yourself, unwind and connect with nature in a beautiful setting.

Each session will last 45 minutes and is suitable for beginners and seasoned yogis alike. Sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+.

Please visit our website for further information:

https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/events/vinyasa-flow-yoga-workshop/

Looking for something different to do this half term?

Come along and help create a lasting piece of our heritage by contributing to our replica mosaics. From just one tile to many, spend as little or as long as you like creating alongside Lisa from Earthly Arts Studio in our large craft barn.

Drop in throughout the weekend and get involved - take part for FREE, and this activity is open to all ages!

While you're here, take it all in:

- Watch our replica Roman kiln take shape with volunteers and Udig Excavations
- Discover traditional boat-building techniques with Ancient Craft - Dr. James Dilley
- Meet the Northants Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers and explore ancient textiles - and have a go at natural dyeing!
- Meet the Longthorpe Legion reenactment group and chat to the Romans themselves
- Explore our Heritage Gardens and discover how people lived and worked in the Nene Valley through the ages.
You might even spot our infamous Dragon Lily in bloom...!

Our volunteers and specialists will be on hand throughout the weekend to share stories, skills and discoveries from the site's incredible past as part of the "From Iron to Empire" heritage project.

Activities run on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May from 10am and are free to attend, making it a perfect family day out over half term.

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. Usual parking charges apply.

Final few days to vote for us! ❤️

We’re absolutely thrilled that Stanwick Lakes has reached the finals of the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Awards for Northants, Leicestershire & Rutland in the Best Family Experience category - and there’s still time to support us.

If you’ve enjoyed family adventures here, explored the trails, visited the play areas, discovered wildlife, or joined us for an event, we’d be so grateful for your vote in this final stage.

✨ Voting closes at 1pm on Tuesday 26 May 2026 ✨

Vote here:
https://northantsleicsrutland.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/vote/

Simply select Stanwick Lakes under Best Family Experience and remember to verify your vote.

Every single vote really does make a difference - thank you so much for your support! ❤️



The .northants.leics.rutland Awards are in partnership with local sponsor, Tollers Solicitors.