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Summer hours are now in effect! (from March 23rd). Please note that the car park is open until 7pm. The Visitor centre still closes at 5pm.

Please note the water play area is closed on Monday mornings for routine cleaning and maintenance.

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May Half Term!

Home > May Half Term 2026

Join us at Stanwick Lakes this May half term for a week of family-friendly activities and adventures! From pond dipping to crafts and ranger-led sessions, there’s something for children of all ages to enjoy amidst the picturesque scenery of the lakes.

Pond Dipping

Tues 26th & Thurs 28th May
Guided by one of our Ranger team, you’ll learn about pond-dwelling creatures, why they are key to the environment, and the importance of handling them carefully. Then you’ll be given pond dipping kits and take it in turns to dip. Identification keys are available and and a ranger will be on hand to share knowledge and hear about your discoveries!

children at a lake with nets dipping and looking for pond life

Big Creepy Crawly Craft Club

Wednesday 27th May
Join us for our Big Creepy Crawly Craft Club this half term. Get creative with a selection of crafts and choose from pipe cleaner dragonflies, rock ladybirds, origami boats and many more exciting crafts at our arts and crafts activity. Taking place in our bright and welcoming Visitor Centre, it’s perfect family fun for all ages this May half term! 

crafted creepy crawlys

Mixed Media Sunset Workshop

Friday 30th May
This creative workshop will combine drawing, painting and collage to produce a mixed media sunset masterpiece. The activity has been designed especially for children aged 10 and over, teenagers and young adults (10-18 years), and will take place in the Discovery Zone at Stanwick Lakes. For further information please click on the booking link.

child holds up a painting to her face
For history fans…

Also happening over half term are two very special heritage events:

Young persons blacksmithing (ages 12-17)

Get fired up and step into the world of blacksmithing! This hands-on taster workshop is a thrilling introduction to the ancient art of forging, specially designed for young people. You’ll discover the basics of working with hot metal – heating, shaping, twisting, and scrolling. There are two sessions available on Monday the 25th May: 10.00am – 12.30pm, and 1.30pm – 4.30pm. Spaces are limited so please book early to avoid disapointment.

From Iron to Empire – Heritage Build Weekends

This half term watch our volunteers and experts as they undertake ambitious heritage build projects exploring the history of the Nene Valley! Work is beginning on these projects on the 30th May from 10:00 am and will end on the 31st May at 5pm. There will be plenty to see from the construction of a replica Roman Kiln, heritage gardens and ancient textiles to the designing and build of a wooden Bronze Age jetty!

This is a free event and there is no need to book.

No need to book!
Drop-in activities in the Visitor Centre throughout half term:

We have some fantastic self-led activities for you to choose from this May half term. Available everyday during Visitor Centre opening hours, just ask a member of the team to get you set up!

Pottery Painting

Pottery painting is a wonderful opportunity to get creative this half term!

£9 – £20
Pottery Painting
The colours of spring!

Choose a design from our selection of pottery and add a splash of spring colour to bring your design to life! Paint a pattern on a plate or mug and enjoy some relaxed time together.  Your painted pieces are glazed and fired for you and are a wonderful keepsake from your visit to Stanwick Lakes.

No booking necessary, but we recommend you arrive before 3pm to secure a table.

Allow a couple of hours to fit a pottery painting activity into your day – how long your session lasts depends on the piece you pick and the design you paint!

Play Areas & Adventure Trails

The playground and play tower await you this half term, alongside water play for little ones, and lots of sand, plus the assault course is only a short walk away. Our food and drink outlets are  ready to keep you refreshed and our café menu will ensure you’re satisfied! Explore more – along our adventure trail – with climbing rocks, rope bridge and zip line.

More from the Visitor Centre during the half-term holidays

Cafe...

A delightful assortment of cookies and cakes, freshly baked and ready to sweeten your half-term break at our café!

Gift Shop...

A charming array of gifts waiting to add a touch of whimsy and wonder to your home – find them in our gift shop!

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