Stanwick Lakes are pleased to confirm that their popular Open Water Swimming sessions are returning for select dates in 2025! Join for open water swim sessions (with lifeguards) in a stunning nature reserve setting. Choose from 1-hour or 2-hour Friday evening swims, with nine dates across 2025. Tow floats (hire available) and bright swim hats required. Booking essential – unsupervised ... Read More
Stanwick Lakes are very pleased to be welcoming back Nick Penny, local composer and naturalist for an informal hour of live music and chat. Nick uses the relaxing and atmospheric sounds of harp, handpan and birdsong to evoke the beauty of the Northamptonshire countryside. “A unique audio-visual presentation”…. “wonderful and uplifting…” “delightful, informative and relaxing”.
Explore the natural and heritage architecture at Stanwick Lakes! From ancient monuments to blacksmithing, traditional crafts to living history displays—discover how people and nature shaped the Nene Valley over the past 5,000 years.
Join the Ranger team in the Visitor Centre to hear about the work they have completed throughout the season, their wildlife highlights so far, and their plans for the upcoming months. The talk will be followed by an optional wildlife-spotting walk around some of the key locations on site where conservation work is underway. And there will be the opportunity ... Read More
Get out of your head and into your hands this Autumn by joining Stanwick Lakes for a full day of Batik Silk Painting. In this workshop Lisa will teach you how to stretch your silk onto a wooden frame and apply melted wax using tjanting tools and paintbrushes. As a result of learning this mindful process, you will also create ... Read More
The oldest flint tools found in Britain date to around 1 million years ago, the latest around 3000 years ago so you will have the chance to try your hand at a process used for 99.7% of human presence in Britain! Experimental archaeologist Dr. James Dilley will guide you through the process of making your own flint tools to take ... Read More
The day will begin with a 1 hour introductory talk to jewellery in the Bronze Age, covering materials, UK artefacts and manufacturing techniques. Participants will then spend the morning practising a variety of techniques to create a shale bead before moving onto working with jet and/or amber to create a replica of their own. In the afternoon there will also ... Read More
In this session, you will combine layered water-based media with drawing tools to create unique and detailed mixed media paintings. You’ll explore various techniques to layer different materials like watercolors, inks, and acrylics, adding depth and texture to your work. Alongside these, you’ll incorporate drawing tools such as pencils and pens to refine and enhance your composition, bringing out intricate ... Read More
Enjoy a guided autumn walk around the quieter areas of the nature reserve at Stanwick Lakes. While we are walking, we will gather seeds as part of the Tree Councils Seed Gathering Season, and sharing tips on growing native trees from seed. More info: https://treecouncil.org.uk/seasonal-campaigns/seed-gathering-season/ Starting from 10:30am the talk and walk should last about 60-90 minutes. What’s Included Tea, ... Read More
A week before the clocks change, the leaves have nearly all fallen to the ground and it’s definitely starting to feel a lot more cosy. Autumn is here and Stanwick Lakes have just the workshop for you. Join on Sunday 19th October, for a hands on workshop where you’ll create your own unique glass candle holder. The perfect addition for ... Read More
Build a den at Stanwick Lakes this half term! A Ranger will lead your group to the den building area and introduce you to the tools and materials available, and discuss the min main properties a shelter should have if it were to be needed in a survival situation. You’ll then be set a challenge to build your den! One ... Read More
Make Your Own Willow Lantern for Halloween! Get ready for some spooky family fun! Use willow stems freshly gathered by the Ranger Team during their conservation work and harvested especially for your workshop. With friendly guidance, you’ll build a lantern frame, add twinkling lights, and cover it with a ghostly white tissue paper canvas. Then it’s time for the best ... Read More
