Get a glimpse of our fantastic wildlife and enjoy the fresh air at one of the many nature reserves and country parks. Please ensure you help to safeguard our wildlife by keeping dogs on leads and staying on official paths.
Pocket Parks
Enjoy natural areas of countryside which are owned, looked after and cherished by the local community. The pocket parks can vary in size from 0.04 hectares to 35 hectares and are found in all types of locations from town centres to quiet villages.
Barnwell has much to offer the visitor which includes nature trails, waterside walks, bird hides, visitor centre, ice cream parlour and picnic and barbecue areas. The large woodland play area is a favourite with children of all ages while the fishing lakes attract anglers from all over the country.
Irchester Country Park
A former ironstone quarry that has a children’s play area as well as a network of long and short trails through 83 hectares of mixed woodland. The park is home to the Quarryman’s Rest Cafe, Jungle Parc UK and the Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Museum.
Sywell Country Park
Sywell Country Park offers meadowland and lakeside walks, with a small arboretum of exotic trees and Edwardian buildings still surviving from its past role as a water supply reservoir with a water works heritage trail to guide you round.
Off the Northampton to Mears Ashby Road, near Earls Barton crossroads on the A4500
01604 810970
sywell@northamptonshire.gov.uk
Sywell Country Park
Ferry Meadows
The ideal place for family day out. One of the largest country parks in the region. Situated at the heart of Nene Park, its varied landscapes make it the favourite destination for thousands of visitors throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to walk, cycle, ride a train, sail a boat, enjoy a cup of tea in the café or go fishing. Ferry Meadows is the place to explore endless meadows, lakes and woodland – all less than three miles from Peterborough city centre.
Ham Lane, Peterborough
PE2 5UU
01733 234193
visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk
Ferry Meadows
Fermyn Woods Country Park is a gateway to the ancient Rockingham Forest. The Skylark cafe and visitor centre (open 10:00am to 4:00pm) is the ideal place to have a bite to eat and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. The play area is also a fantastic place to let the children run off some steam!
Stanwick Lakes
Stanwick Lakes has an abundance of species within its 750 acres, and is particularly known for wintering waterfowl. It has one of the largest reedbeds in Northamptonshire which is home to a variety of birds and invertebrates. Wildflower meadows support a wealth of butterflies and bees whilst Kingfishers are regularly spotted along the river banks.