Discover
NATURE
What wildlife
to see in Summer
Heritage
Learning from the past,
building for the future
Adventure
Where the adventure
lasts all day
Whatever your area of interest, Stanwick Lakes offers nature, hertiage and adventure activities for all the family. This page will help you plan your day.
CHARITY NO. 1050157
As wetland habitat, Stanwick Lakes is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and provides a home and migratory destination for several key species of waterfowl such as Gadwall (a type of duck) and songbirds such as the Cetti Warbler.
You are able to observe mammals here too, such as otters, squirrels and muntjac deer. There is also the evidence of more inconspicuous animals and insects, which is recorded by regular habitat surveys.
The discovery of several significant finds from important periods in history, the Stanwick Lakes heritage team work to explore the area’s past and bring it to life with events and demonstrations.
With the support of Heritage Lottery.
To create adventure that lasts all day,
Stanwick Lakes offers outdoor play.
You can create your own adventure with a walking route, by following our adventure trail, or even on two wheels!
A TASTER FROM THE BLOG…
Wildlife Volunteer Team Round Up 2022
In the spring of 2022, we set up a new volunteer group– the Stanwick Lakes Wildlife Volunteer Team (WVT). The team meet up on the last Friday morning of the month to undertake tasks that help us to conserve the nature reserve at Stanwick Lakes, including monitoring...
Creating a Moment in History – Stanwick Lakes Heritage
Over the past 12 years, Stanwick Lakes have been fortunate enough to receive Heritage Lottery funding for a number of projects exploring the heritage and history of the site and surrounding valley. Carrying on from the successes of these legacy heritage projects, our new ambitious 3 year venture, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will delve into the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, exploring their monuments and settlements with one aim – to bring the past to life.
Nature Apps
Whether you’re looking for some pocket sized ID or your searching for classroom-friendly tools, there’s an app for everyone. Here’s our roundup of some of the best nature apps. Seek Free on i0s and Android Use Seek’s camera to identify plants and common animals,...
Volunteers Lead Award Success
Our Volunteers Just Won a County-Wide Award - And They Deserve Every Bit of It We’re absolutely delighted to share that Nene Valley 5000 - the official name of our three-year heritage programme – and shaped by volunteers at Stanwick Lakes, has been awarded Best...
Proud to be part of THE HERDS
Stanwick Lakes is proud to be part of THE HERDS, a groundbreaking public art and climate initiative. Since April, life-size puppet animals have been sweeping through city centres on a 20,000km journey from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle, fleeing climate...
World Environment Day
Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution at Stanwick Lakes and Beyond On Thursday the 5th of June 2025 it is World Environment Day and this year the organisation is shining the spotlight on plastic pollution. Research estimates that households across the UK throw away a...
Family Fun – example itnerary
There’s something for everyone at Stanwick Lakes Fundraising Family Fun Day on Sunday 20th July – from live music and Viking reenactments to crafts, axe throwing and lakeside shopping. Entry is free, and your visit supports our fundraising for accessible play spaces for children of all abilities.
Award-Winning Family Day Out
Stanwick Lakes Wins Best Family Experience in 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards We’re proud to share that Stanwick Lakes has been named the 2025 Muddy Stilettos regional winner for Best Family Experience in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. This award means a...
Prehistoric Tales – Stone Age to Iron Age Book List
Are you learning about the changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age? Great! We’ve gathered together a brilliant book list just for you. So grab your (imaginary) spear, throw on your (fictional) deerskin cloak, and get ready to transport your class back...
Our Bronze Age and Iron Age Journey: 2022 – 2025
Over the past three years our heritage team, dedicated volunteers and valued partners, has worked to bring the Bronze Age and Iron Age history of Stanwick Lakes to life through a series of creative, hands-on projects. Nestled in the heart of the Nene Valley, Stanwick...
Stanwick Lakes by Bike: Cycle Hire & Cycling Trails
Explore the beauty of Stanwick Lakes by bike with the convenient cycle hire service provided by AJ Cycles. Available from 1st March to 30th November (weather permitting), you can enjoy family-friendly trails, spot local wildlife, and experience the park in a whole new way. Book your bike hire directly with AJ Cycles and set off on your adventure today!
Boosting Butterflies at Stanwick Lakes: Creating a Wild Habitat for Local Species
Discover how Stanwick Lakes is creating vital butterfly habitats with a dedicated butterfly bank. Learn about our conservation efforts, butterfly monitoring, and how you can help support local species in the face of national decline.