Questions 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.
If you are on the aquapark, and the water temperature is under 15 degrees, you must wear a wetsuit.
If I am doing an activity and want to self launch my craft, which ticket do I need to book?
Simply book your activity tickets, and on the next “add-on” page there will be a bring a craft option (add on as many crafts as you have)
If I’m not doing any activities, do I still have to sign a waiver?
If you are not going into the lake, you do not need to sign a waiver. But if you are swimming or a water activity, you do need to sign a waiver.
How do I book a table?
You can book a table by clicking here or call 01948665914.
Can dogs go over to the islands?
No. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the islands unless they are a registered assistance dog or a guide dog.
What CAN and CANT I bring onto site?
You CAN bring:
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- A Picnic
- Small shelter (no bigger than 3mx3m)
- Umbrellas
- Chairs & blankets
You CAN’T bring:
- Alcohol
- Speakers
- Glass
- Cutlery
- BBQ’s
What is the maximum capacity for the islands?
The capacity for each of the islands is 8.
If you have more than 8 guests, you can book more than one island.
Do you have showers?
Yes, we do have showers on site. These are cold water showers designed for a rinse off after being in the lake.
Do you have any changing facilities?
Yes, we have outdoor changing cubicles.
Is the cafe dog friendly?
Yes, the café is dog friendly however we do ask that they are kept on the lead.
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.
What time do you serve breakfast till?
We serve “brunch” type food all day, but our full english breakfast is served until 11:30am.
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
Can I purchase gift vouchers?
Yes, these can be purchased via the “book” section on our website
Do you do water quality tests?
Yes, we carry out a water quality test regularly, including Algae bloom tests.
The latest swim safety water quality results can be found here.
What happens if you reach capacity? Will I still get in?
We do have a health and safety capacity in place. Should we reach this (which we do regularly) those without pre-booked tickets will not be able to get in.
Always book to come to avoid unnecessary journeys and upset
Do you charge for parking?
Yes, due to a large investment on the driveway & parking areas, we now charge for parking.
Parking fees are as follows:
Up to 3 hours – Free
Up to 4 hours – £3.00
All Day £5.00
Do you offer Blue Light discount?
Unfortunately, we no longer offer blue light discount.
Do you do discount for disabled visitors and carers?
Yes, carers get free admission onto site and discounted tickets for events
You must have proof of eligibility.
What is your current lake temperature?
We provide updates on lake temperature on social media.
Do you have any swim groups?
If you are on Facebook, please visit ‘Alderford Lake – Lake users community’ group. You will find many customers in this group who enjoy and welcome swimmers at Alderford.
What are your opening times?
Open 9am – 4:30pm Daily
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
Cafe
Open 9am-4:30pm
Hot food served until 3:30pm
Why do I need to sign a waiver?
The waiver has been introduced for the safety of both customers and our employees. If you have visited us before you will remember we asked you to read the T&Cs at admissions and wear a wristband to confirm you have read this. We didn’t feel customers had a sufficient amount of time to understand the T&Cs, therefore by moving the waiver digitally, it enables visitors time to digest and understand the information. A copy of our waiver can be found here.
Where can I find your prices?
Please press the ‘book’ button where you can view all activities and prices.
I have booked a full day swim pass, what time can I arrive?
You can arrive anytime between our opening hours & spend as long as you want with us. Your pass entitles you to the full day. By booking your swim pass online this guarantees you entry.
Our typical opening hours are 9am-4:30pm, but we do open earlier and close later for good weather, so keep an eye on our socials for any updates.
Can I fly my drone?
Sorry, no. We don’t allow any drone flying.
Do you offer fishing?
No, we no longer offer fishing at Alderford Lake
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes, you can!
Please note, glass, metal cutlery and alcohol cannot be brought onto site.
Are BBQs allowed?
No, both gas and charcoal BBQs are strictly not allowed.
If you are camping, we do allow these on the designated BBQ section on the campsite.
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.
If you are on the aquapark, and the water temperature is under 15 degrees, you must wear a wetsuit.
Can I bring along my paddleboard?
Yes, we welcome paddleboards, canoes & kayaks. Please select self launch when booking.
Do you take cash/card?
We take cash and card in our admissions block and cafe but everywhere else on site is card only.
Is there food and drinks available when I am there?
Our cafe is open everyday from 9am – 4.30pm. Hot food is served until 3.30pm.
You can also enjoy food from our Lakeside Takeaway all day (weather dependant).
I haven’t tried open water swimming before can I still come along?
Yes you can, however, we would advise you speak to a coach first to assess your ability. Open water swimming is much different to indoor pool swimming.
You can read more about coaching here.
Please read our terms and conditions.
Are there any toilets open?
Yes, we have a toilet block along with changing facilities.
Do I have to book entry and activities?
No you don’t have to book but we do recommend it to guarantee you entry, its faster and cheaper to book online.
Do you take bookings for swimmers/lake users?
Yes we do, please follow the book now button.
You are more than welcome to turn up and pay on the gate. However, we always recommend booking in advance as it is cheaper and it guarantees entry.
Can I book entry and activities?
YES! You can book in advance, please follow the book now button.
All activities include the entry price, so you all activities include full day admission to the lake
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, well behaved dogs are more than welcome. Please keep your dog on a lead, unless they have good recall.
Dogs can swim in the lake however please ensure they are kept on a lead, unless they have good recall. Please keep them away from other lake users.