For information about any of the facilities please ask contact us using the details on the right.
Things to do
- Have an adventure - the safe, enclosed children's play area has equipment suitable for children up to 12 years old.
- Relax in the peace and quiet of Sywell's meadows, marshland and woodland.
- Join in one of the events held at the park as part of Northamptonshire County Council's annual events programme.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of our grassy meadows or bring your BBQ for use in our special BBQ area.
- Find out more about the park and its wildlife or buy a souvenir of your visit from the Visitor Centre.
- Go for a 'dip' in the Amphibian Pond – can you spot any of the pond's tinier inhabitants? Bring your own net or take part in one of our special pond-dipping sessions. (Please remember to return all the creatures to the water afterwards).
- Navigate your way around the park – Orienteering Packs available.
- Watch the bird life – look out for terns, swallows, and many different ducks and geese on the reservoir. Sywell has two bird-hides (one wheelchair accessible).
- Enjoy a light snack - drinks, biscuits, sweets and ice- creams available from the Visitor Centre.
- Stroll through the trees - the area below the dam contains a collection of exotic trees including Monterey Pine, Japanese Larch and Wellingtonia. Tree Trail leaflet available from the Visitor Centre.
- Search for the clues to Sywell's past - look out for the remains of the Edwardian Reservoir and follow the Water Works Heritage Trail.
- Get Hooked - Sywell Reservoir is a coarse fishery nationally renowned for its Tench which can be over 5.4 kg (12.12 lb) in size. Day and Season Fishing Tickets available.
- Play a game of French Boules (ask at Visitor Centre for Boules hire).
Get involved
Northamptonshire County Council manages Sywell Country Park for the benefit of both its wildlife and its human visitors. The Countryside Rangers and our many volunteers are constantly striving to develop and enhance facilities at the park. We need your help to continue this work – why not join our team of volunteers? Call (01604) 810970 for more details. Schools or other community groups can take part in Environmental Activity Sessions run by the Countryside Rangers. Contact us for more information or to book an activity session.
The filter beds
The three disused filter beds have all been given new uses...
Children's Play Area
- Adventure playground
- Swings, tunnels, play tower
- Safe, enclosed area
- For children up to 12 years old
- Shaded areas
- Dog free
Amphibian Pond
- Accessible board walk
- Dragonflies
- Frogs and newts
- Pond Dipping permitted
Butterfly Garden
- A low-lying sun trap
- Butterfly-friendly planting
- Seats
- Information Board
Visitor centre
Housed in the original waterworks pumping station and still containing the electric turbine pump, the Visitor Centre is open between 11 am and 5 pm weekends and school holidays.
- Displays and information
- Souvenirs and gifts
- Walking & countryside publications
- Light refreshments – crisps, cold drinks, ice-cream and sweets
- Hot drinks machine