Southwater Lake West Sussex
A picturesque 90-acre park with a lake, playground, and water activities, perfect for family outings and outdoor recreation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Southwater Lake West Sussex
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque 90-acre park with a lake, playground, and water activities, perfect for family outings and outdoor recreation.
"Highly recommended for families, with a great playground and lovely walks around the lake."
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is available and reasonably priced, making it convenient for visitors. :parking:
🏖️ Beach Note
The 'sandy' beach is actually stony, both on the shore and in the water. :beachwithumbrella:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Island Playground
Near Cripplegate Lake
An adventure playground that delights kids with its prehistoric theme. A must-visit for families!
Cripplegate Lake
Centerpiece of the park
A scenic 90-acre lake perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, and water sports.
Paddling Beach
Lakeside
A unique spot for little ones to splash and play, though note it's stony, not sandy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Family Fun & Accessibility
Water Activities & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tobacco Caye or South Water Caye?
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is available and reasonably priced, making it convenient for visitors. :parking:
🏖️ Beach Note
The 'sandy' beach is actually stony, both on the shore and in the water. :beachwithumbrella:
South Water Caye
Looking for place to stay to fish or snorkel every day
☕ Cafe Prices
The lakeside cafe is scenic but can be expensive for food and ice cream. Consider bringing your own snacks. :moneywithwings:
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Flat, paved paths are great for walks, jogging, cycling, and strollers. :athletic_shoe:
Can't decide between Placencia, Hopkins, Amerbrgis, or one of the lesser known Cayes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is available and reasonably priced, making it convenient for visitors. :parking:
🏖️ Beach Note
The 'sandy' beach is actually stony, both on the shore and in the water. :beachwithumbrella:
☕ Cafe Prices
The lakeside cafe is scenic but can be expensive for food and ice cream. Consider bringing your own snacks. :moneywithwings:
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Flat, paved paths are great for walks, jogging, cycling, and strollers. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Southwater Lake is widely praised as a beautiful park, especially for families, with its fantastic Dinosaur Island playground and accessible paths. While the stony beach and pricier cafe are noted drawbacks, the overall experience is highly recommended for a day out.
"Southwater Country Park Lake is a picturesque 90-acre site near Horsham, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The centerpiece is Cripplegate Lake, a man-made body of water surrounded by flat, paved paths suitable for leisurely walks, jogging, or cycling. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing, with equipment rentals available on-site. The park features a sandy paddling beach, Dinosaur Island adventure playground, and picnic areas, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. A lakeside café provides refreshments with scenic views. The park is accessible via public transport, with a bus stop nearby. Parking is available, and facilities include toilets and BBQ hire. The park also hosts seasonal events and community activities, enhancing its appeal as a local leisure destination."
Darrell Denner
"Very nice place, close to lake there is beautiful playground DINOSAUR ISLAND. The beach is with small stones, there is no sand at all, even inside water"
Egle Kareivaite
"Beautiful park, great childrens playground. Highly recommended."
Johanne Pope
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southwater Lake is accessible by car with parking available. There's also a bus stop nearby for public transport options.
Yes, it's a well-known 90-acre site near Horsham, West Sussex, making it straightforward to locate.
Absolutely! The park features flat, paved paths ideal for cycling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is generally free, though parking fees may apply.
Equipment rentals for activities like paddleboarding and kayaking are usually available on-site, but it's wise to check for booking requirements during peak times.
The park is typically open daily, but specific facility hours (like the cafe or rental services) may vary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and visiting the Dinosaur Island playground and paddling beach.
Yes, it's highly recommended for families due to the excellent playground and paddling beach.
Yes, toilet facilities are available within the park.
BBQ hire is available, making it a great spot for a picnic.
No, the paddling beach is stony, not sandy, both on the shore and in the water.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lakeside cafe offering refreshments with scenic views.
Reviews suggest the cafe can be expensive for food and ice cream, so bringing your own snacks is a good idea.
Absolutely! There are picnic areas, and BBQ hire is also available.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself offers beautiful reflections, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Dinosaur Island playground provides fun, candid shots of children.
The expansive lake and surrounding greenery offer pleasant landscape photography opportunities, particularly with the changing seasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Visitors & Cyclists
🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Adventures at Southwater Lake
Beyond the dedicated play areas, the 90-acre Cripplegate Lake itself provides a beautiful backdrop for family outings. You can enjoy leisurely walks around the water's edge, or even try some gentle kayaking or paddleboarding if your children are old enough and adventurous. The availability of picnic areas and BBQ hire further enhances the family-friendly nature of the park, allowing for relaxed meals amidst nature. Remember to pack accordingly, as the cafe can be a bit pricey for snacks and treats.
Water Sports and Recreation
The park's design, with its accessible paved paths, makes it easy to reach the lake for launching watercraft or simply enjoying the lakeside ambiance. While the lake is a man-made body of water, it’s well-maintained and offers a pleasant environment for both active pursuits and relaxed enjoyment. It’s advisable to check rental availability and any specific rules or licenses required for fishing before your visit, especially during busier periods.
Social
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