By Rebecca Brown
Once you are done shopping at the retail centre and eating at one of the Rushden Lakes complex restaurants, it is leisure time. Those less adventurous can take advantage of the leisure terrace and some of its offerings, such as an indoor golf course and the Cineworld cinema. Still, for those of you who really want to bond with nature, many outdoor activities can help you make the best of both worlds, combining your passion for fashion and your need to connect with nature all in one place.
Rushden Hall Park
To get you started, you could give Rushden Hall Park a try. It is excellent for couples and families with children as well, since it has a designated play area where kids can have their share of fun.
This place is also dog friendly, so your four-legged pal can have a great time as well. There are plenty of trees and green scenery with just the right amount of wildlife to remind you that you are in nature, even though you can enjoy all the benefits of civilization.
Stay for a couple of days
There is so much to do, see and experience at the Lakes. Spending just one afternoon there simply wouldn’t be enough.
Consider finding accomodation and spending a few days at Rushden Lakes, preferably in a rustic log cabin. Just like the lakes, cabins offer the perfect mix of convenience and nature. By staying in a log cabin, you’ll get to connect with nature, while simultaneously getting all the benefits that modern living has to offer.
The Stanwick Lakes to Rushden Lakes walk
If a scenic walk through nature is something that is more to your liking, this is the right option for you. This is a more peaceful alternative for those who love to take in their surroundings and enjoy nature, perfect to go on lovely walks.
This is the choice to make if you want to watch the wildlife or just keep the kids entertained in the large playpark. The visitor center provides toilets, a coffee shop, and a small shop.
If you don’t feel like walking but want to experience nature firsthand, there is also an option to rent a bike and see the trail that way.
Nene wetlands
This portion of the Rushden Lakes is yet another one that offers a combination of nature and modern living. The trails are mostly flat, so you can take toddlers and small kids in a pram there or drive an electric scooter if you don’t feel like walking.
Whenever there is a holiday approaching, there is a themed activity that kids can partake in. The area offers a lovely walk with lots of wildlife to see, making it great for little explorers and grownups alike. There are also animals carved out of the wood to see along the trails at Nene wetlands.
Spencer Park
If you are in the mood for a group activity rather than going solo, this might be the right park for you. It has a pavilion, tennis courts, two football pitches, three children's play areas with equipment from the Wicksteed Park suppliers, a BMX track, and more attractions created for group activities.
You can see lots of rabbits along the hedges, as well as squirrels and the occasional deer or two. The park has many different paths that make it suitable for all-weather walking. They can mostly be accessed by wheelchair and pushchair.
Ditchford Lakes and Meadows Nature Reserve
This place is great for birdwatchers, as it allows you to observe a large number of migratory birds that arrive throughout the year.
There are two areas designated as human-made beaches that are small but nice for kids or dogs to play at. If you want to experience the lake, there is an option to rent pedalos or a canoe and have your fun that way.
If all you want is a nice picnic with your family and friends, there are plenty of picnic tables and benches on the premises. The Wildlife Trust has a shop and cafe on the Boardwalk at Rushden Lakes for families with kids. There you can get information about animals and birds that live in the area. You can also learn more about all events and education options currently available.
Skew Bridge Ski Lake
As you might have guessed by its name, back in the 1950s, Skew Bridge Ski Lake was used for waterskiing and later had a dry ski slope added to use for motocross.
Today, it is yet another beautiful part of the Rushden Lakes complex. It is home to various forms of wildlife, including ducks, swans, geese, and moorhens.
Besides all the activities that most of the places listed here offer, you can also enjoy canoes and pedalos here.
No matter if you are coming there on your own, or if you are bringing your friends, family, or even pets to have an outdoor adventure, Rushden Lakes has something for everybody.
Depending on how adventurous you are feeling when you come to visit, you can make the whole experience as independent as you want it to be. And, best of all, wherever you are, you won’t be too far from the shops, restaurants, and other perks that civilisation has to offer. Truly the best of both worlds.
I’m Rebecca, a translator and avid traveller, a book worm and horror flick enthusiast. My job has given me the amazing opportunity to travel to dozens of countries around the world, and writing on Rough Draft gives me a chance to try to showcase some of them.
