Make a
season of it
Christmas Magic
Christmas ExperiencesThere’s Magic
in every season
MAGICAL NIGHTS · FESTIVE MEMORIES
As the seasons change, there’s still plenty to discover at Alderford. Wrap up warm and enjoy crisp lakeside walks, cosy café stops, seasonal events and plenty of reasons to get together with family and friends. From Halloween adventures and autumn workshops to one of our biggest nights of the year at Bonfire Night, autumn at Alderford is anything but quiet. And before you know it, Christmas magic will be taking over the lake…
Autumn & Winter
On The Water
Open water swimming and self-launch continue throughout autumn and winter, whether you’re keeping up your training, embracing colder-water swimming or simply want to get out on your paddleboard or kayak.
Wrap up warm, embrace the season and enjoy Alderford from the water all year round.
Relax and Refuel At Alderford Café
After a morning of swimming, paddling or exploring,
make time to unwind at our café – Alderford’s welcoming restaurant right by the water’s edge.
With stunning views over the lake and a warm, casual atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or a delicious afternoon treat as part of your visit.
Upcoming Events
From seasonal celebrations to family-friendly days out, there is always something happening at Alderford. Explore our upcoming events and find your next reason to visit.
Don’t just take
our word for it
Afternoon Tea
Best afternoon tea for my 20th birthday. Staff always so lovely. Cakes are gorgeous. Can’t wait to go again!!!
Alderfest
We visited for Alderfest, which was a fantastic family festival. It was well organised, with plenty of toilets, eateries & bars. You could use the lake during the day too, making it a fantastic full day & night out.
Alderford Kitchen
We were warmly greated and shown to our table with views over the lake. The menu is varied with allergens clearly marked. Service was prompt with piping hot food. Very reasonably priced for excellent quality. Next time we will look at the other attraction too.
Day out
'Fantastic place to visit! Hands down! The hire of boats etc is a bit pricey, but once in the water, it’s a great place to teach younger kids how to row in a canoe or kayak, food on site (chips, burgers etc) as well as cheeky lakeside drinks. The water was lovely and clean, enough to ‘fall out the boat’ and have a good swim! People who go regularly were lovely and happy to talk to new people and speak highly of this place. Would strongly recommend and cannot wait for our next trip!'
Getting to Alderford
Access
At Alderford all buildings are ground floor only. We do have a small number of steps around site, such as the entrance to the Farm Shop, but we have a ramp available for this. Our outdoor toilets do have a small step, but we have indoor disabled toilets available.
AccessibilitySign a Waiver
All customers using the lake, need to sign a risk acknowledgement form before they come onto site. They last 12 months once signed.
Sign a WaiverWater Safety
At Alderford Lake, your safety is our priority. We regularly monitor water quality and conditions to ensure a safe environment for swimming and watersports, so you can relax and focus on making the most of your time on the water.
SafetyQuestions and answers
Do I have to wear a buoyancy aid?
Yes, tow floats or buoyancy aids are mandatory for all lake users.
We have both of these available to hire on site.
Do I have to wear a wetsuit?
We always advise wearing a wetsuit if you are not acclimatized to cold water. You can hire them on site or bring your own.
Do you serve Afternoon Tea?
We do serve Afternoon Tea daily in the café from 12-3pm. We do ask to pre-book 24 hours in advance.
Our Afternoon Tea is a delicious selection of sandwiches, mini savouries, cakes, freshly baked Alderford scones with clotted cream & jam. Served
with a complimentary tea or coffee.
It is £23.95 per person. You can book on our cafe page.
Do we offer camping or accommodation on site?
Yes, we do now offer camping on site between April-September.
You can either book a camping pitch or stay in one of our beautiful bell tents.
You can book via Pitch Up: https://www.pitchup.com
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