Weather Related Update!
We’re ready for our fundraising Family Fun Day – come rain or shine!
Given the Great British weather is looking as if it might not play ball – and so, to help everyone enjoy the event – we’ve made a few amendments, bringing things under cover where we can. Here’s what to expect:
- Stalls will be closer to the Visitor Centre, similar to our winter events.
- Live music will now take place in the Visitor Centre. Instead of singing in the rain, we’ll be singing in the Solstice Suite! Those with music passes have been emailed more information about the changes.
- Nature engagement activities and face painting will be indoors in the Discovery Zone.
- Ranger Rita’s Animal Adventure will take place in the Party Tent located by the Walkers rest and AJ Cycle Hire.
- The Vikings will brave the elements – as any self respecting warrior would – they say it builds character and they’ve faced worse than a bit of British weather!
- Picnic box collections will be from inside the Visitor Centre.
- If you’ve booked axe throwing, we’ll be in touch directly with you, as we’ve had to cancel that part of the day.
We’re looking forward to a brilliant day together, whatever the weather!
Make the Most of Family Fun Day at Stanwick Lakes – Just One Week to Go!
Sunday 20th July | 9.30am – 4pm
If you’re the one always looking for great ideas to keep the family entertained, you’ll love this: a full day out at Stanwick Lakes Family Fun Day where the activities are all laid out for you. With everything organised and plenty to choose from, you can simply show up and enjoy, while supporting our fundraising campaign to create accessible play spaces for children of all abilities.
A Guide to Plan Your Day: What to See, Do and Book
Free to attend, the day holds a packed line-up of activities and performances happening throughout the site. Some elements are drop-in, while others benefit from booking in advance, so a little forward planning will help you squeeze the most out of the day.
To help you make the most of it, we’ve mapped out a perfect example itinerary for your Sunday:
7:00am – Arrive Early for the Best Advantage
Yes, really – the car park opens at 7am! If you’re up with the larks (or a toddler), early is a brilliant time to arrive, stretch your legs and scope out your perfect picnic spot. Let the little ones burn off some energy in the playground. The paths are quiet, and the play tower awaits, along with a whole load of fresh air before the day’s fun begins.
9:30am – Fuel Up at the Café and Check for Last-Minute Availability
Grab a coffee or breakfast at the café. You can even pick up a packed lunch. Grab an Event Guide to learn more about the activities and our fundraising campaign, but ask the team about any weather related changes!
10:00am – Browse and Buy from Local Makers and Support Small Businesses
Take a stroll along the lakeside stalls and meet the talented local makers behind a beautiful selection of gifts, homewares and handmade treasures. From ceramics and soaps to nature-inspired prints, it’s a lovely way to support independent businesses and pick up something special.
10:55am – Collect Your Pre-Ordered Picnic
If you’ve pre-ordered a picnic box, now’s the perfect time to collect it – whether you’ve chosen the classic Ploughman’s, a child’s lunchbox filled with familiar favourites, or the afternoon tea selection of sweet and savoury treats, each one is freshly prepared with local ingredients and ready to enjoy by the stage, beside the lake, or in a shady picnic spot of your choice.
Didn’t pre-order? Don’t panic, we have a mixture of sweet and savoury snack available in the cafe!
11:00am – Sing Along with Disney and Musical Favourites
Make your way to the Solstice Suite for the first of the day’s free musical performances. West End performers Charlie and Sophie will delight younger children with familiar Disney tunes and showstoppers.
Although there is no charge for live music, donations are welcome, and booking a FREE Live Music Pass will help us manage capacity on the day – but please be patient as we manage the location change, due to the unfavourable forecast.
11:30am – Get into the Spirit with Face Painting Fun
Pop over to face painting where children (or big kids alike!) can be transformed with colourful designs and a touch of sparkle. It’s a brilliant way to add some extra magic to the day – and make sure the camera comes out for some selfies!
12:15pm – Relax to the Sounds of the Lincoln Noel Jazz Trio
Pianist Lincoln “The Maestro” Noel takes to the stage with his jazz trio, bringing smooth, feel-good tunes and a generous dose of charm. A beloved performer across Northamptonshire and beyond, Lincoln’s signature blend of musical brilliance and playful personality makes his set a hit with all ages. Expect familiar jazz favourites, toe-tapping rhythms and a few unexpected twists – perfect for a relaxing picnic in the sunshine.
1:30pm – Join Ranger Rita’s Animal Adventure
Laugh Out Loud Theatre Company’s Ranger Rita leads an engaging and fun journey into the animal kingdom. These interactive performances mix comedy and education, sparking children’s imaginations with fascinating animal facts – a perfect boost for mid-afternoon energy.
2:30pm – Witness the Vikings in Action – Swords, Shields and Stories
Step into the world of the Bifrost Guard as they bring the age of Vikings to life. With re-enactments, battle drills and hands-on history, their presence gives children (and grown-ups too) a chance to experience what it was like to live in Viking times. Whether you’re into history or just love a bit of spectacle, a meeting with a Viking is a must-do moment of the day.
3:00pm – Keep the Fun Going and get crafty…
There’s still plenty to enjoy as the afternoon rolls on. Children can get creative with nature-themed craft activities – make a paper puppet or a pipe-cleaner dragonfly! If the weather allows and you haven’t bounced yet, the inflatables are the place to be – perfect for jumping, tumbles, and laughs as you use up the last of your energy.
Top Tips to Make the Most of Your Family Fun Day
- – The event is free to attend, but please remember parking charges apply
- – Some activities have a small fee to raise funds, and pre-booking some activities will help avoid disappointment
- – Bring cash as well as cards; some stalls may only take cash payments
- – Dress for the weather – whether it’s sunny or rainy, stay comfortable throughout the day
- – If you can’t make it on the day, please consider supporting the campaign by donating online:
– https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/donations/accessible-play-equipment-donate/
To book activities: https://stanwicklakes.org.uk/family-fun-day/
Make Your Visit Count – Help Build a More Inclusive Play Area
Your time at this event helps bring the inclusive play area closer to its fundraising goals. Thanks to donations during and since last year’s event, we’ve been able to install an accessible swing and a wheelchair-friendly roundabout, but there’s more to be done. This event this year aims to raise a further £20,000 for safe surfacing and new equipment.
You’ll find donation buckets around the site on the day, and you can visit our membership stall to see how your support makes a difference.



