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.
Close
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.
Close
Summer Solstice at Stanwick Lakes
- Living history by day, creative workshops by evening and open water swimming at night
Saturday 20th June
Join us for a full day of midsummer celebrations at Stanwick Lakes, with living history, heritage crafts, evening workshops and a magical night swim beneath the stars.
From family activities in the afternoon to creative workshops at sunset and late-night swimming after dark, there’s plenty to discover as we get ready for the longest day of the year.
Celebrations begin from 12 noon
Evening experiences from 8pm
(parking charges may apply)
The Daytime Festival (12pm, – 8pm) — FREE ENTRY
Enjoy a vibrant afternoon of history, craft and ancient tradition. Inspired by our From Iron to Empire heritage project, the day brings together living history, hands-on craft activities and stories of seasonal celebration from across the ages. Suitable for all ages.
Solstice Lates: Evening Workshops (8pm – 10pm)
As dusk falls, settle into a creative evening in the Visitor Centre with a welcome cocktail or Nosecco and your choice of one of three craft workshops. Sessions are small groups, so book early to avoid disappointment. Book an evening workshop and get parking included.
Book tickets >
Solstice Night Swim (10:30pm – MIDNIGHT)
Celebrate the Solstice with a magical night swim at Stanwick Lakes. Once dark, the lake takes on a completely different atmosphere, with softly lit water and a rare sense of calm across the reserve. Bring your head torch or fairy lights and join a glowing swim beneath the midsummer sky.
Your ticket includes a full safety briefing, one-hour supervised swim, glow safety light, hot drink, campfire snack and free parking.
Book tickets >
While the daytime festival is free to enter (usual parking applies), evening crafts and the night swim require tickets (free parking included) and must be booked in advance.
Event Highlights
Roman Camp: Longthorpe Legion
Step into Roman Britain and discover life in the valley nearly 2,000 years ago. Meet soldiers and civilians as they demonstrate daily routines, equipment and skills, offering a glimpse into the Roman world as part of our From Iron to Empire project. Explore how people lived, worked and adapted to the seasons in this ever-changing landscape.
Solstice Craft Activities
Create your own solstice-inspired keepsakes using natural materials and traditional techniques – from woven corn dollies to sun-shaped crafts. Perfect for families and creative visitors of all ages. Small charges apply.
Corn Dollies – drop in
Embossing – pre book
Children’s Solstice offering – drop in
Ancient Traditions with Northampton Pagans
Gather around the fire and explore the deeper meaning of the solstice through ancient beliefs and seasonal traditions. Enjoy oracle readings, storytelling and rhythmic drumming while learning about midsummer customs from Roman-era and pre-Christian cultures.
Viking Camp: Bifrost Guard
Venture into a Viking encampment and discover traditional crafts, tools and everyday skills. Learn how communities across history marked the changing seasons and celebrated the power of the sun.
Heritage Craft Demonstrations
Watch live demonstrations including pole lathe woodworking and traditional textile techniques, and learn about natural dyeing and ancient materials with the Northampton Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers.
These heritage crafts connect directly to the landscape, materials and traditions at the heart of our From Iron to Empire project.
Summer Solstice at Stanwick Lakes is a new annual celebration inspired by ancient seasonal traditions, heritage crafts and the natural landscape of the Nene Valley.
The event brings together history, creativity and outdoor experiences, with activities running from midday right through to midnight. You might spend the afternoon exploring Roman and Viking camps, join an evening workshop at sunset, or finish the day with a swim beneath the stars.
Delivered with the support of our partners and National Lottery funding, Summer Solstice at Stanwick Lakes offers a chance to experience the nature reserve in a completely different atmosphere as day turns into night.
Tickets
Reserve free tickets in advance to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind event.
Solstice Lates Workshops – £35 per person
Book early to secure your place at one of our small evening workshops.
Corn Dollies: Mordiford Heart
Traditional straw plaiting to create a heart-shaped corn dolly to keep or gift.
Lino Fabric Printing
Create and print your own design onto a tea towel or tote bag with artist Lizzie Ault.
Paint & Sip: Watercolours
Relax with resident artist Louise Berrill and paint a lakeside-inspired watercolour with a welcome cocktail (or Nosecco).
Solstice Night Swim – £24 per person
A guided night swim at Stanwick Lakes as the water takes on a calm after-dark atmosphere. Bring a head torch or fairy lights and swim beneath the midsummer sky.
Includes a full safety briefing, one-hour supervised swim, glow safety light, hot drink, campfire snack and parking. Suitable for adults aged 18+.
Useful information:
-Parking
Parking charges apply during the daytime festival, with all proceeds supporting the Rockingham Forest Trust’s heritage education and conservation work at Stanwick Lakes.
Parking is included with Solstice Lates workshop tickets and Solstice Night Swim tickets.
Family-Friendly
The daytime festival is suitable for all ages, with activities and entertainment designed for families, adults and curious visitors alike.
Please note that evening workshops are recommended for ages 16+, and the Night Swim is strictly 18+.
What to Bring
Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear suitable for outdoor paths and grassed areas.
If attending the Night Swim, swimmers should bring:
- – Swimwear
- – Warm clothes for afterwards
- – A tow float
- – Head torch or decorative lights if desired
Cancellation Policy:
In the event of adverse weather conditions, this event may be adjusted or cancelled to ensure the safety of visitors and volunteers on the day.
Stanwick Lakes nature reserve and countryside attraction is managed as a social enterprise by Rockingham Forest Trust. Income from our visitors directly supports the cost of running the site, which is self-financing.
Website design ©2023 Stanwick Lakes. All rights reserved.
Stanwick Lakes nature reserve and countryside attraction is managed as a social enterprise by Rockingham Forest Trust. Income from our visitors directly supports the cost of running the site, which is self-financing.
Website design ©2023 Stanwick Lakes. All rights reserved.
Stanwick Lakes nature reserve and countryside attraction is managed as a social enterprise by Rockingham Forest Trust. Income from our visitors directly supports the cost of running the site, which is self-financing.
Website design ©2023 Stanwick Lakes. All rights reserved.