Frequently Asked Questions

No. The public can only launch specific water sports equipment on the main lake; this must be booked via the water sports centre and you must wear a buoyancy aid.

No activity is permitted on the other lakes or on the river. Use of Lilo type craft is not permitted anywhere in the park.

From 2026 the park is not allowing BBQs and associated equipment in the by the public. Open fires or BBQs are not permitted in the park.

You can ride your own horse around the paths in the park, you can park your horse box or trailer, we advise arriving early (before 10.30am) to avoid the parking areas being full when you arrive.

You can walk your horse but please note galloping is not allowed in the park.

Please note the park does get busy on certain days.

Parking is available in the three car parks, one located on the right side of the main road before crossing the bridge to the park (also accommodates larger vehicles, horse boxes, etc), another in the central courtyard area of the park, and the third at the Watersports/Waterfront Café area.

Grass parking is dependent on volume of visitors, weather restrictions, events etc.

Vehicles are charged per hour to a maximum for the day:

You pay your fee at the end of your visit.

Payments can be made by cash or card at the payment machines in the courtyard and water sports activity centre, or by contactless only at the various machines located within the car parks.

Season passes for car parking can be purchased from the main reception in the courtyard, or at the Watersports Centre (when open).

Register your blue badge and vehicle registration number at the park office located in the courtyard area.

The main car park has 2 x 50kW connectors and 12 x 7.4kW sockets operated by BLINK.

In addition, there are 2 x 7.4kW sockets operated by ParkRecharge in the parking areas close to both the Courtyard Area and the Waterfront Café.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate any memorial benches or trees at the present time, as development plans are underway.

We do not hire jet skis. If you have your own jet ski and wish to use the lake you must be a member of Sheffield and District Jet Ski Club, have a licence, relevant insurance and purchase a season pass through the water sports centre. Jet skiers must be accompanied and cannot lone jet ski at Northern Lake.

See the Jet Shed website for more information.

Please use the car parking areas available, follow parking signage and staff guidance. In the winter the ground conditions are not suitable for you to park on the grassed areas.

The gates are locked at the times stated on entry to the park and in the car parks. Any vehicles that do not leave the barrier before closing time will be locked in the park. If so, you will need to leave the park by foot and collect your car the following day.

The opening and closing times of the park, as well as other activity and craft centres, can be found on our Opening Times page.

These times will be updated throughout the season so please check before your visit to the park.

Fishing is allowed on the Northern Lake and Nethermoor Lake and part of the River Rother. Tickets must be purchased in the café or through a ranger at the park. Once you have purchased a ticket you will be granted access.

You fish from the lake edge at the designated fishing areas and not from pegs. Parking is at the main parking areas and not near the fishing areas.

You must have a rod licence from the Environment Agency and maximum of 2 rods / person.

More information can be found on our Course Fishing web page.

Please see individual traders’ websites/social media for specific information. Find opening times on our Opening Times page and on the Art & Craft Units page.

Yes, there is a small free play area located in the northern part of the park, as well as one at the new Waterfront Café.

Dogs are welcome at the park; dogs must be under control by the owner. You can place your dog waste in any of the bins on site.

Please note dogs are not allowed within the fenced children’s play area.