Stanwick Lakes

13/06/2026

Looking for a great day out this weekend? We're all set! The Green Living Day is back at Stanwick Lakes TOMORROW (Sunday 14th June), 10am-4pm, packed with ideas, activities, and inspiration for more sustainable living.

Browse eco-friendly stalls and independent makers offering ethical, handmade goods, and discover simple ways to make greener choices at home.

Families can get involved in plenty of hands-on activities, from creative crafts and face painting to nature-based fun. The Nature Zone is a must-visit, with a wildlife quiz, microscope discoveries, butterfly spotting, and make-and-take nature crafts.

This event is based in the Green Living space, where you’ll find workshops, practical sustainability ideas, and plenty to explore. Taking centre stage - don’t miss our event teepee, showcasing how Stanwick Lakes can be the perfect venue for events, set within a natural environment that puts sustainability and nature connectedness at its heart.

Free entry (standard parking charges apply).

12/06/2026

Are Fridays for an extra helping of coffee and cake... or freshly made pizza? 🍰🍕

During the summer months, our café is often open later on Fridays when organised open water swimming sessions are taking place (usually until around 8pm), creating a lovely space to relax by the water, watch the sun go down and enjoy the evening atmosphere. Whether you're swimming, spectating or simply stopping by for a treat, it's a wonderful way to end the week.

However, next week things are a little different...

For our Solstice Celebration, we'll be open late on Saturday instead of Friday (until around 10pm), and the spotlight is firmly on pizza. 🍕

After a day of solstice festivities, the café will stay open serving freshly made pizzas, alongside creative evening workshops and a very special midnight swim.

We can't think of a better way to celebrate the summer solstice!

11/06/2026

Dragonflies and damselflies are dancing across the lakes, so there's no shortage of inspiration to be found for our Willow Dragonfly Workshop.

Join us for this workshop on Sunday 28th June at Stanwick Lakes and learn a traditional countryside craft while creating a beautiful sculpture for your garden, fence, wall or outdoor space.

Spend a couple of hours slowing down, learning a new skill, working with natural materials and celebrating one of summer’s most captivating insects.

Using natural willow and guided by experienced tutor Chaz Friend from Wayside Willow, you'll weave your own striking dragonfly to display and enjoy for years to come.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced maker, you'll leave with a unique creation and a new craft technique to take away with you.

Morning and afternoon sessions are available.

Places are limited - book now: https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/project/willow-weaving/

10/06/2026

Are you ready for our Green Living Day & Summer Fair this weekend?

It's set to be a celebration of practical, positive ways we can all live more sustainably and care for the world around us.

During your visit, be sure to stop by the nature zone to discover some of the amazing animals that make Stanwick Lakes their home.

You'll be able to...
- test your knowledge with our nature quiz
- use our microscope to take a closer look at nature
- pick up a butterfly spotter sheet
- make a pipe cleaner dragonfly to take home!

Set within our green event space, you'll also have the chance to explore our event tipi and discover how our venue can be used for special occasions and events that make the most of Stanwick Lakes' beautiful natural surroundings.

While you're there, don't forget to browse our summer craft stalls too.

Whether you're looking for sustainable shopping, fresh inspiration, or practical advice, Green Living Day offers a welcoming space to explore how small changes can make a big impact.

09/06/2026

☀️🌙 Solstice Night Swim

As the final activity of our Solstice celebrations, join us for a magical night swim at Stanwick Lakes (on Saturday 20th June).

Open water swimming is an exhilarating adventure and a fantastic way to unwind, enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. For this special swim , you'll experience the lake after dark, heightening the senses and creating a unique swimming experience beneath the midsummer sky.

Enjoy a one-hour fully supervised swim (at 10.30pm) followed by a hot drink and a campfire snack as you soak up the atmosphere and welcome the Summer Solstice with like-minded souls.

Bring your head torch or fairy lights and make the most of this special opportunity to round off a day of Solstice celebrations.

Your ticket also includes safety briefing, lifeguards present throughout your swim, glow safety light and free parking. (Tow-floats required but can be hired).

The Visitor Centre Café will also be open later than usual serving pizzas and snacks, whether you've been with us throughout the day or are joining us just for the swim, so you can enjoy a bite before you take to the water.

Places are limited and booking is essential.
https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/solstice-at-stanwick-lakes/ -swim

08/06/2026

As part of our Solstice at Stanwick Lakes celebrations on Saturday 20th June, enjoy a special evening of creativity and relaxation with a midsummer mood.

Following a day of living history, traditional crafts and seasonal festivities, settle in for a complimentary drink lakeside before taking part in your choice of after hours workshop:

🌾 Corn Dollies: Mordiford Heart
Learn the traditional craft of straw plaiting and create your own heart-shaped corn dolly to take home.
(Just 2 places remaining!)

🎨 Lino Fabric Printing
Join artist Lizzie Ault of Tales from the fen to create a unique printed tote bag or tea towel using hand-carved lino designs.

🖌️ Paint & Sip: Watercolours
Relax with resident artist Louise Berrill and paint a beautiful lakeside scene inspired by the scenery.

Whether you're looking for a creative evening with friends, some time for yourself, or a chance to embrace the spirit of Solstice, these workshops offer the perfect way to welcome the season.

Suitable for ages 16+. Parking included in your ticket price. Places are limited, so book now for this midsummer evening.

Book your place here: www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/solstice-at-stanwick-lakes

07/06/2026

🐶 Calling all local pups (and their humans)...

A secure dog walking field is planned for Stanwick Lakes - a private, enclosed space where dogs can enjoy the freedom to run, sniff, explore and play off-lead - and we'd love to know who's interested!

Designed with both dogs and wildlife in mind, it could offer a new way for you to enjoy Stanwick Lakes while helping us protect the habitats that make the reserve so special.

Interested?
Wag your tail!! And join our mailing list to be among the first to hear more and help us shape what's to come. You can also find out a little bit more about our new 'Ambassadog' community. 🐾

www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/dog-walking-field

06/06/2026

Planning a visit to Stanwick Lakes tomorrow (Sunday 7th June)? Just a note that our Summer Run is taking place during the morning.

With more than 400 runners expected across 5k, 10k and half marathon distances, there'll be a little more activity than usual around the reserve and Visitor Centre.

Spectators are very welcome to come along and cheer them on. 👏

The Northamptonshire Emergency Service Cadets will be volunteering as race marshals throughout the event. They'll also be hosting a meet-and-greet behind the Visitor Centre, next to the start/finish area.

It's a great opportunity for younger visitors to get up close to fleet vehicles, ask questions, sound a siren and learn more about local cadet groups. 🚨

Runners will begin gathering from around 10am, with the event hub at its busiest during the late morning before things gradually quieten down into the afternoon.

Whether you're running, supporting, or simply enjoying a walk around the lakes, please take care around the busier areas and we hope you have a fantastic visit. 😎

05/06/2026

Leading up to the longest day of the year, join us on Saturday 20th June for a new celebration inspired by one of the oldest seasonal traditions in the calendar - Summer Solstice - a time of gathering, creativity and celebration of the natural world.

From 12-8pm, discover living history with The Longthorpe Legion Roman Camp and The Bifrost Guard Viking Camp, explore ancient and modern pagan traditions with Northampton Pagans, and learn more about the customs and beliefs that have surrounded midsummer for centuries.

Enjoy drop-in crafts to make your own solstice decorations - corn and raffia dolly making with Windhover Crafts and embossed sunshine crafting with Tales from the fen, both running until 6pm.

(Embossed decoration workshops are pre-bookable, with limited spaces available on the day.)

Watch traditional craft demos throughout the day, and learn to play the medieval strategy game Nine Men's Morris with Illuminato

As the sun lingers, make the most of a rare chance to enjoy Stanwick Lakes into the evening. With the site open late, there'll be plenty of opportunities to soak up the midsummer atmosphere, with evening workshops, food and drink from the Visitor Centre, and other special experiences including a Solstice night swim...

More to this to come... ☀️🌛 👀

For more info and to book workshops, visit www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/solstice-at-stanwick-lakes

Welcome to Stanwick Lakes,
where the adventure lasts all day!

04/06/2026

Looking for simple ways to make a positive difference? Join us for our Green Living Fair at Stanwick Lakes on Sunday 14th June.

Discover ideas, inspiration and practical tips for living a little more sustainably, with eco-friendly activities, family-friendly crafts, ethical stalls, and opportunities to learn more about caring for our environment.

We’ll also be welcoming a range of independent makers and small businesses offering handmade, ethically produced goods. It’s a great opportunity to browse unique products, support local creators, and find thoughtful alternatives to mass-produced items.

Set against the backdrop of our 750-acre nature reserve, it’s a chance to spend time outdoors, meet like-minded people, pick up useful tips, and enjoy a relaxed day out with family and friends. From small lifestyle changes to bigger environmental ideas, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to take home with you.

Whether you’re already passionate about green living or just looking for a few easy changes to make at home, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The Green Living Fair takes place from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 14th June. Entry is free, with standard car parking charges applying.

Come along, get inspired, and see how small actions can make a big difference.

Welcome to Stanwick Lakes,
where the adventure lasts all day!