Stanwick Lakes

Santa's Grotto
2025-12-07 10:00 - 16:30, 2025-12-13 10:00 - 16:30, 2025-12-14 10:00 - 16:30, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 16:30, 2025-12-21 10:00 - 16:30, 2025-12-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-23 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Santa arrives on the 29th November and is here until 23rd December.
Bring your little ones along to meet the man himself, Father Christmas, in his wonderful and magical festive grotto at Stanwick Lakes this Christmas season. Children will get to make their own natural Christmas decoration and meet Santa himself in his beautiful traditional barn.
Individual, Group and Quiet Santa Sessions available.
For more information, dates, availability and to book tickets, click here.

The Festival of Midwinter
2025-12-14 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
A mystical day for the whole family filled with festivities and enchanting entertainment, celebrating thousands of years of traditions and ancient beliefs.
Join us from midmorning until sunset to celebrate the season.
Reserve your free tickets in advance to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind event. This event reached capacity last year and we are expecting the same this year, so book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information, and to book your free tickets, click here.
Normal parking charges apply.

Lantern Walk & Lakeside Carols - Saturday - SOLD OUT
2025-12-20 17:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Join us this December for a magical walk around Solstice Lake and carols in our outdoor theatre. Festive food and refreshments will be available to purchase and entertainment will be provided.
There are two dats to choose from – spaces fill up fast so book now to avoid disappointment!
Please wrap up warm and bring a torch or lantern to walk with (perhaps you made one at our Lantern workshops in October half term).
Dogs are allowed to this event. Due to our environmental status dogs must be on leads at all times at Stanwick Lakes. For this event, we recommend and kindly request dogs are on short leads for safety.
5pm – 8pm.
The car park will be free to ticket holders on the evening of this event.
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
Below, you are booking tickets for the Lantern Walk & Lakeside Carols on Saturday 20th December.
Please note that Stanwick Lakes is a charity. We’re unable to offer refunds once a booking has been made. However, we may be able to transfer your booking to an alternative date.
If you’d like to discuss this, please get in touch.
For more information on our other festive activities head onto our website Christmas at Stanwick Lakes 2024 | Stanwick Lakes | Nature, Heritage, Adventure

Lantern Walk & Lakeside Carols - Sunday - SOLD OUT
2025-12-21 17:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Join us this December for a magical walk around Solstice Lake and carols in our outdoor theatre. Festive food and refreshments will be available to purchase and entertainment will be provided.
There are two dats to choose from – spaces fill up fast so book now to avoid disappointment!
Please wrap up warm and bring a torch or lantern to walk with (perhaps you made one at our Lantern workshops in October half term).
Dogs are allowed to this event. Due to our environmental status dogs must be on leads at all times at Stanwick Lakes. For this event, we recommend and kindly request dogs are on short leads for safety.
5pm – 8pm.
The car park will be free to ticket holders on the evening of this event.
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
Below, you are booking tickets for the Lantern Walk & Lakeside Carols on Sunday 21st December.
Please note that Stanwick Lakes is a charity. We’re unable to offer refunds once a booking has been made. However, we may be able to transfer your booking to an alternative date.
If you’d like to discuss this, please get in touch.
For more information on our other festive activities head onto our website Christmas at Stanwick Lakes 2024 | Stanwick Lakes | Nature, Heritage, Adventure

Lantern Walk & Lakeside Carols - Monday - SOLD OUT
2025-12-22 17:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Join us this December for a magical walk around Solstice Lake and carols in our outdoor theatre. Festive food and refreshments will be available to purchase and entertainment will be provided.
This is a NEW additional date, as our first two SOLD OUT – spaces fill up fast so book now to avoid disappointment!
Please wrap up warm and bring a torch or lantern to walk with (perhaps you made one at our Lantern workshops in October half term).
Dogs are allowed to this event. Due to our environmental status dogs must be on leads at all times at Stanwick Lakes. For this event, we recommend and kindly request dogs are on short leads for safety.
5pm – 8pm.
The car park will be free to ticket holders on the evening of this event.
We’re delighted with the response to our Lantern Walk & Lakeside Carols events, thank you for your support. After the original tickets sold out so quickly, we’re pleased to be able to release additional tickets for the Saturday and Sunday dates. To get tickets, book here:
Monday: SOLD OUT. Below, you are booking tickets for the Lantern Walk & Lakeside Carols on Monday 22nd December.
Please note that Stanwick Lakes is a charity. We’re unable to offer refunds once a booking has been made. However, we may be able to transfer your booking to an alternative date.
If you’d like to discuss this, please get in touch.
For more information on our other festive activities head onto our website Christmas at Stanwick Lakes 2024 | Stanwick Lakes | Nature, Heritage, Adventure

Winter Bird Walk
2026-01-04 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Winter Bird Walk on Sunday 4th January
Join members of the RSPB Mid Nene Local Group on a 2 hour walk around Stanwick Lakes nature reserve. Curious about spotting and identifying wetland birds? This beginner-friendly walk is the perfect opportunity! Designed for beginners, but all are welcome. Bird guides and binoculars will be available to borrow on the day.
Walk starts at 10:00am, meet outside the Visitor Centre.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Please check the date and time carefully as no refunds can be given.
Children must be accompanied by an adult on this walk. Most suitable for those aged 7+.
Usual parking charges apply.

Glass Fusion Workshop - Flowers
2026-01-17 10:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
A wonderful beginner’s class, in this workshop you will have the choice of making a flower wave sculpture or a flower candle holder. You will have access to all materials to decorate your glass including pre fired glass beads and frit. After the workshop, your pieces will be taken to Sally’s studio where they will be fired twice in her kiln. They will be ready within 14 days and can be collected from Stanwick Lakes or posted out to you for the cost of the postage.
For health and safety reasons please do not wear sandals or open toes shoes.

Big Garden Birdwatch
2026-01-18 08:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
JOIN US AT STANWICK LAKES TO GET READY FOR THE WORLD’S LARGEST WILDLIFE SURVEY!
EDIT 17.01.26 The bird ringing demonstration part of this event has been cancelled due to flooding in a part of the nature reserve. The children’s activities, bird identification information, Qs & As about the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and guided bird walks will still be taking place and we look forward to seeing you! (For those coming for a general visit, Solstice Lake paths are passable and the Visitor Centre remains open.)
Are you ready for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch?
Our Big Garden Birdwatch ‘warm-up’ event on the 18th of January is the perfect way to prepare! Enjoy guided bird walks, fascinating bird ringing demonstrations (weather dependent), children’s activities running throughout the morning, and helpful bird ID information available to take home.
Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or just starting out, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy birds and get ready to take part in the official big count – an important nationwide survey – the following weekend!
Things to look forward to on the day:

Guided bird walks with the RSPB 9.30am and 11am
Bird ringing demonstrations from 8am *weather dependent)
FREE activities for children 10am -1pm
Bird identification information.

Find out more here at the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch
Usual parking charges apply.

An Afternoon with The Maestro: Lincoln Noel
2026-01-18 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Treat yourself to a relaxing Sunday, with live piano music with the Maestro, at the Stanwick Lakes Cafe

Join us on Sunday 18th January as renowned pianist Lincoln Noel, a favourite musician of ours, once again brings his artistry to our lakeside cafe, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere. His music, shaped by his experience in theatre, jazz, and event performance, will bring warmth and charm to winter afternoons, blending a wide repertoire of jazz-infused melodies, classic show tunes, and light pop favourites.
For lunch, indulge in a classic afternoon tea while Lincoln plays from 2pm to 4pm. Sittings are 1:30pm – 2:45pm or 3pm – 4:15pm and soak up the atmosphere. Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointed. A deposit is required at the time of booking.
Afternoon Tea from £24.95 per person.
Can’t make this date? Don’t worry, he’s coming back for another musical feast on Sunday 8th February!

Shibori Dye Workshop for Beginners
2026-02-07 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London)
Japanese Shibori Dye Workshop for Beginners.
Shibori is a Japanese resist dyeing technique that uses hand sewing and indigo dye. Participants will create simple shapes on fabric using indigo dyes to resist the dye. This shibori workshop is designed to allow free-form creation rather than following traditional techniques. This workshop is ideal for beginners. Participants will receive an A4-sized shibori piece and take their sashiko needles home.
For more information on our Japanese Textiles Workshops or artist Emi Fujisawa – visit: Japanese Textiles | Stanwick Lakes

Heritage Walk - From Iron to Empire
2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Find out more about our heritage project: From Iron to Empire!
Find out about the Iron Age and Roman history of Stanwick Lakes on this informative guided walk with Heritage Coordinator Nadia Norman, marking the official launch of the From Iron to Empire heritage project.
Explore how the ancient landscapes of the Bronze and Iron Ages shaped a successful farming valley, and how changes in technology, culture and land use transformed everyday life over time. Tracing the story from early farmsteads to the rise of a Roman villa estate, this walk reveals how the people of the Nene Valley adapted to profound cultural and environmental change — leaving traces that still shape the landscape we see today.
Attendee Info:
Meet outside the Visitor Centre for a prompt 10am start.
The walk is approximately 1.5 miles long. Dogs (on leads), buggies and children welcome (no tickets required for under 12s)

Parking included with your ticket. Please supply your vehicle registration when you purchase your ticket.
Please wear suitable clothing for the weather. Pathways are on gravel but may be wet.

An Afternoon with The Maestro: Lincoln Noel
2026-02-08 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Treat yourself to a relaxing Sunday, with live piano music with The Maestro at the Stanwick Lakes Café

Join us on Sunday 8th February, as renowned pianist Lincoln Noel, a favourite musician of ours, once again brings his artistry to our lakeside cafe, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere. His music, shaped by his experience in theatre, jazz, and event performance, will bring warmth and charm to winter afternoons, blending a wide repertoire of jazz-infused melodies, classic show tunes, and light pop favourites.
For lunch, indulge in a classic afternoon tea while Lincoln plays from 2pm to 4pm.
Sittings are 1:30pm – 2:45pm or 3pm – 4:15pm and soak up the atmosphere.
Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointed.
A £10 deposit is required per person at the time of booking.
Afternoon Tea from £24.95 per person.
Sparkling Afternoon Tea – £31.95 per person

Valentine’s Blacksmithing Workshop
2026-02-14 09:00 - 2026-02-15 15:30 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
A Blacksmithing Workshop designed for couples or pairs
A unique, hands-on experience that combines heritage, creativity, and a touch of fire! In this special Valentine’s workshop, you and your partner will learn traditional blacksmithing skills and create your own individual heart-shaped keepsake from a recycled horseshoe, symbolising love, sustainability, and craftsmanship. You’ll even have the option to intertwine your horseshoes with your partner’s, creating one shared piece to take home and treasure.
No previous experience is needed – just join us for a relaxed and memorable session full of sparks, laughter, and shared creativity. This workshop is perfect for couples, friends, or anyone wanting to make something meaningful together.
What You’ll Learn
• How to safely use blacksmithing tools and equipment
• Heating, shaping, and forming steel in the forge
• Ways to personalise your finished piece
What’s Included
• A 2 ½ hour workshop for two people
• All materials, tools, and safety equipment
• Guidance and instruction from an experienced blacksmith
• Your finished heart-shaped keepsakes to take home
What to Bring
• Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and full-length trousers
• Avoid wearing transition lenses or auto-darkening glasses
PLEASE NOTE: Each booking below is for each couple. The price is £95 per booking for two.

Fantastic Feathers Trail
2026-02-14 09:30 - 2026-02-22 16:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Join our Fantastic Feathers Half-Term Trail!

Enjoy some fresh air with your children this February half term and follow the Fantastic Feathers trail around the nature reserve at Stanwick Lakes. Stroll around the lake, spot the birds, match them to their feathers and win a lovely wooden bird prize.
The trail is on an accessible circular path around Solstice Lake and is 1 mile long – perfect for explorers with little legs.
The trail is available from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February between 9.30am and 4pm. No need to book, just drop in and buy your trail for £4 from the Visitor Centre.
Usual parking charges apply.

Introduction to Glass Fusion: Light Catchers and Hearts
2026-02-14 10:30 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
If you’ve ever fancied having a go at making something in glass but not sure if you want to commit to a longer, more expensive workshop why try a 2.5 hour taster workshop and make some hanging light catchers. During the session you will make up to 3 pieces.
You will have access to a wide choice of coloured transparent glass and pre-fused cabochons which you can use to design your own piece of art and our tutor Sally will teach you how to cut glass and will help you design your hanging decorations
After the workshop your pieces will be taken to Sally’s studio where they will be fired in her kiln. They will be ready in 14 days when they can be collected from Stanwick Lakes. Suitable for adults of all abilities.
For health and safety reasons please do not wear sandals or open toes shoes.

Guide in the Hide CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER
2026-02-15 11:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER
Have you ever wanted to try birdwatching, but not sure where to start?
Come along and join our Guide in the Hide, Lara Jones, SPA Engagement Officer, for chat about our feathered friends, and a helping hand to improve your bird ID skills.
What is an SPA Engagement Officer?
Lara, is a nature conservation officer whose role focuses specifically on the management, protection, and enhancement of a Special Protection Area (SPA). SPAs are internationally important sites designated under the EU Birds Directive to safeguard rare and vulnerable wild birds and their habitats, and we’re proud that Stanwick Lakes is one of them.
For further information, please visit: https://www.wildlifebcn.org/blog/la/what-special-protection-area-northamptonshire

Free event. Usual parking charges apply.

Feathery Forest Fun with the Rangers
2026-02-17 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Time to go down into the woods?
Come to the woods with the Stanwick Lakes Ranger team for birdy themed forest fun. Families can connect with nature, listen to the birds, create natural birdy crafts and cook marshmallows on the campfire.

Suitable for families with children aged 4-11. All children must be accompanied for the duration of the event.
Booking essential. Usual parking charges apply.
Please wear suitable clothing for being outdoors. As this is an outdoor event, it will take place in most weathers, but if we do need to cancel due to extreme weather conditions we will contact families and provide a refund.

Mixed Media Bird Art Workshop for Young People (aged 10 - 18)
2026-02-17 13:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Join artist Louise Berrill to create a unique piece artwork of a beautiful bird.

The workshop will combine drawing, painting and collage to produce a mixed media masterpiece.
This workshop has been designed especially for children aged 10 and over, teenagers and young adults, and will take place in the Discovery Zone at Stanwick Lakes. Please note, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty as you’ll be using paints and glue at this workshop.
(Under 18s who take part in this workshop will need an accompanying adult to be on the site at Stanwick Lakes for the duration of the workshop.)
Usual parking charges apply.

Big Birdy Craft Club
2026-02-18 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Join us for our very first BIG BIRDY CRAFT CLUB
Looking for something creative and cosy to do this half-term? Warm up this February half term with birdy arts and crafts in our cosy visitor centre at Stanwick Lakes. Perfect family fun, whatever the weather!
On Wednesday 18th February, prebook onto one of our 3 crafting sessions, at which you’ll have the choice to create lots of brilliant birdy themed crafts, including:

Making your own bird book and cardboard binoculars ready to spot birds on the nature reserve
Use the power of the winter sun to create a feather print bookmark
Craft a bird that will become your pet!
Make a bird feeder using recycled materials
Fold an origami bird to take home or join our fabulous flying flock

Session timings below:

EARLY BLACKBIRDS: 10.00am -11.45am
LUNCHTIME LAPWINGS: 12.00pm – 1.45pm
AFTERNOON EGRETS: 2.00pm – 3.45pm

Tickets are £10 per child, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Your ticket for this event gains you access to the BIG BIRDY CRAFT CLUB in your prebooked session time and allows your child to do as many crafts as they wish in the 1 hour and 45 minute session.
The crafts that are part of this event are designed for children aged 4-11, but all ages welcome. (Accompanying adults and children under 2 years old do not need a ticket)
Usual parking charges apply.

Discover the Nene Valley Special Protection Area (SPA)
2026-02-18 11:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Do you know just how special the Nene Valley is?

It’s SO special that it is designated as an SPA (Special Protection Area) and Stanwick Lakes is part of it.
Drop into the Visitor Centre on Wednesday 18th and Friday 20th February to meet Lara Jones, SPA Engagement officer, who will tell you all about the SPA, the amazing wildlife that makes it their home. and what is being done to protect it.
Usual parking charges apply.
Find out more:
https://www.wildlifebcn.org/blog/la/what-special-protection-area-northamptonshire
https://www.wildlifebcn.org/upper-nene-valley-special-protection-area

Build a Bird Box with the Rangers
2026-02-19 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Build a Bird Box for your garden!

As part of our Feathered Friends event and National Nest Box week celebrations, come along and build a wooden bird box at Stanwick Lakes this half term. Then once it’s complete, take it home to provide a nesting place for your garden birds.
The Stanwick Lakes Ranger team will guide you, helping you put your box together and use the tools to make it the perfect home for baby birds.
Please note, the building of the bird boxes will take place in our Trading Places Barn which can get a bit chilly, so please wrap up warm!
Usual parking charges apply.

Owl Pellet Dissection Workshop
2026-02-20 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Fancy becoming an owl detective?

Find out what owls have been eating by dissecting their pellets. Will you find a mouse, a vole or maybe a shrew skeleton? This event is perfect for young budding scientists aged 7 and over.
This workshop is led by the RSPB Mid Nene Group and is part of the Nene Valley Mammal Youth Group programme of events.
The Nene Valley Mammal Youth Group provides opportunities for young people to discover,, learn about and record mammals and is part of the Mammal Society’s Local Group Network. Find out more about their group here: https://mammal.org.uk/
Usual parking charges apply.

B17: A Wartime Tragedy Exhibition - February 2026
2026-02-22 10:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Anniversary Exhibition
To mark the anniversary of a mid-air collision that occurred between two B17 Flying Fortress aircraft on the 22nd February 1944, a one-day exhibition to commemorate this tragic event will be open to the public.
Situated in The Solstice Suite in the Visitor Centre, the exhibition will offer insights into the bravery and sacrifice of our Allied forces as well as the way of life in Northamptonshire during “The Big Week” and the united operations that followed throughout 1944.
The exhibition also explores the history of the 384th Bombardment Group at Grafton Underwood and highlights the dedication of their volunteers in fundraising and establishing a permanent museum on the airbase site.
Through personal stories and local heritage, the exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of the 384th and ensures this chapter of USAAF history is remembered.
This free to enter exhibition will be held in The Solstice Suite, organised by the 384th Bombardment Group Museum .
Join us at 9am outside the Visitor Centre to be led on a short walk to the Stanwick Lakes memorial, for a short reading and remembrance led by volunteers. The exhibition has been compassionately researched and curated by dedicated volunteers, including the poignant additions of the journeys and lives of the airmen involved, thanks to the unwavering support of the families in the US who graciously granted permission and blessings.
We are honoured to be supported in this exhibition by the team at The 384th Museum, Grafton Underwood.
Admission is to the exhibition will be free, although car parking charges for Stanwick Lakes still apply.
The exhibition will be open 10am – 3pm on Sunday 22nd February 2026.
Memorial

This historic event holds great significance in both local and wartime history.
A successful fundraising appeal in 2024 enabled Stanwick Lakes to construct a permanent memorial as a lasting tribute located in a peaceful, reflective spot overlooking Brightwater Lake.
To visit the memorial, follow the main pathway towards Sandmartin Bridge and the assault course. It’s just a few minutes walk from the visitor centre.
To find our more about our B17 heritage research and memorial journey, visit our dedicated page here: B-17 Exhibition: Virtual Gallery | Stanwick Lakes | Nature, Heritage, Adventure

Games from the Past: Nine Men's Morris
2026-02-28 09:30 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Stanwick Lakes, NN9 6GY
Explore the games from the past with Nine Men’s Morris!
On Saturday 28 February, step into our Heritage Museum to meet Phil Gorf from Illuminatio and discover the ancient game of Nine Men’s Morris.
Learn how the game was played in the past and have the chance to play it yourself!
Drop in anytime and enjoy a free children’s scavenger hunt around the museum, alongside exploring how the game links to our fascinating archaeology, including the mysterious “Norman Morris”.
The “Norman Morris” is our chosen artefact for the Beyond the 100 exhibition, delivered in partnership with Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

Phil Gorf is the medieval craftsperson and re-enactor behind Illuminatio, specialising in historic games and hands-on activities that bring the past to life. Friendly and engaging, Phil enjoys showing visitors how people played, learned, and connected through games in everyday life. https://illuminatio-lanterns.square.site/

Usual parking charges apply on the day.
