Carsington Water Visitor Centre Ashbourne, Upper Town

Reviews

1. Kevin Moore ★★★★★

   Carsington Water is a great place to visit. The scenery is stunning. There are bicycles available to hire, as well as canoes, rowing & sailing boats, and paddle boards. This is also a great venue for fly fishing. There are usually special events held on Bank Holidays and other dates. There are three car parks, and a circular walking route around the Reservoir, which will take you several hours to complete. It is dog friendly, but they must be on a lead at all times. There is a visitor's centre, shops, cafes and ice cream. There are large open spaces and two great children's play areas. It is a wonderful place to spend a few hours, or all day. There is plenty of parking at 3 sites, with payment at exit for a reasonable cost. Toilets are available at both the main site & Millfields Parking.

   almost 6 months ago
2. J BM ★★★★★

   We had a lovely day at Carsington! The spooky trail, playground, and visitor centre were all fantastic — lots to see and do for the kids. The weather was beautiful, and we really enjoyed spotting all the birds around the reservoir. A great place for families to visit — highly recommend!

   almost 8 months ago
3. Martina Noskova ★★★★★

   Great place for cycling and walking. Nice playground for the children. We have parked in Sheepwash Carpark for £4 all day (it has been recommended as one of the cheaper ones). Lovely touch is a little black shed with refreshments where you can make a coffee or get drinks/snacks from vending machines. There's also water for dogs.

   almost 10 months ago

1. Andy Ward (smallscalemodels.co.uk) ★★★★★

   Carsington Water truly exceeded our expectations during our recent bike ride around the reservoir. It's an absolutely superb destination for cyclists and nature lovers alike. The cycle pathways are exceptionally well maintained, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride throughout the entire loop. It's clear a lot of care goes into keeping them in top condition, making it accessible and pleasant for all skill levels. What truly sets Carsington Water apart are the stunning views that unfold as you pedal along. Every turn offers a new picturesque vista of the water and the surrounding Derbyshire countryside. We found ourselves frequently pausing just to take it all in. Conveniently, there are plenty of benches strategically placed along the route, which allowed us to stop, rest, and really soak up the beautiful surroundings without feeling rushed. If you're looking for a refreshing outdoor activity with breathtaking scenery and excellent facilities, a bike ride around Carsington Water is an absolute must. We had a brilliant time and can't wait to go back!

   almost 11 months ago
2. Nishinoya ★★★★☆

   A perfect day out in nature! Carsington Water Visitor Centre is a fantastic place for a relaxing and enjoyable visit. Whether you're into walking, cycling, water sports, or just bird watching, there's something for everyone here. The views around the reservoir are absolutely stunning, and the fresh, clean water adds to the peaceful vibe. It's very quiet and calming ideal if you're looking to escape the noise of everyday life. The atmosphere is family-friendly, and there's a great play area for kids too. You'll also find a few shops, a nice cafe for a bite to eat, and plenty of picnic spots. Facilities are very clean, and the staff are friendly and helpful. It's a brilliant spot to visit with both family and friends. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a mix of nature, fun activities, and great scenery.

   1 year ago
3. Eliott Aston ★★★★★

   Really good visitor centre with a couple of small shops and a learning zone inside to see what happens to your water. Lovely walk around the lake on an even reasonably flat path (a few small hills) you are able to borrow/hire a mobility scooter if you have the need to and I think they also hire out bikes. It's around 8 miles all around the lake so a good walk, there are plenty of benches and a few stops with picnic benches dotted around the route.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Tom Donson ★★★★★

   Absolutely love this place. Beautiful Derbyshire scenery. Completes the reservoir course was a gentle ride I would say it's perfect for beginners. To finish off treat yourself to some Kelly's ice-cream, it is a little pricey at £4.50 for two scoops. The visitor center is also really good to go and explore. The park has been recently updated and has a cool children's slide.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Andrew McCord ★★★★★

   Large reservoir with plenty of wildlife trails to walk including one all the way round about 8 miles. A few bird hides. Large children play ground and picnic area near to centre. Lovely restaurant upstairs in centre with viewing platform. Takeaway cafe downstairs. Safe zone for water sports. A great day out

   almost 4 years ago
3. Ginger Worth ★★★★★

   Lovely area with a fantastic visitor centre. Great water sports for kids and adults. Fantastic play area with swings and slides and lovely walks. A lovely restaurant and cafe on site. Definitely worth a visit to enjoy your meal and the view from the outside balcony.

   almost 4 years ago

1. City Girl ★★★★★

   Great trails good paths all the way around I did the 12k circular route fantastic scenery all the way around lots of wildlife. Hides are great additions. Lots of parking £5 all day. Visitor centre has toilets cafe and ice-cream shop. Large assorted kids playground. Would recommend

   almost 4 years ago

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