Carsington Water Review For Families

We spent the May Bank holiday weekend in the Derbyshire Dales, enjoying everything they have to offer. From the fantastic town of Ashbourne, the cycle haven of the Tissington Trail, right through to a trip to Carsington Water, which has been on our list for some time. It certainly didn’t disappoint.
We camped around 25 minutes away from Carsington, and it was the type of place which persuaded us to start camping. A little too far from home for a day trip, but perfect for a weekend away camping.

If you’re camping nearby or just passing through Derbyshire, Carsington Water is a fantastic destination for a family day out.

Whether you want to cycle, walk, play, or just relax with an ice cream while taking in the view, it’s got you covered. Although we had our bikes with us, we’d done the Tissington Trail the day prior, so we decided to spend our time enjoying the park and taking a leisurely stroll.

We’ll definitely be back, and the bikes will certainly be off the car next time!

Where is Carsington Water Located?

Carsington Water is nestled between Wirksworth and Kniveton in Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District National Park. It’s around a 20-minute drive from both Matlock and Ashbourne, making it an ideal location for families visiting or staying in the area.

The site is well-signposted and easy to reach by car, with clear access to a large visitor car park. There are multiple car parks around the reservoir, but we decided on the main car park as that’s where all the facilities are.

We visited during the May bank holiday while camping nearby and found it really convenient to get to.

History of Carsington Water

Although it feels like part of the natural landscape, Carsington Water is a relatively recent addition. It officially opened in 1992 and was created by Severn Trent Water to help meet the growing demand for water across the region. Interestingly, construction began in the 1970s but was delayed when the original dam collapsed in 1984. A new dam was completed, and the reservoir was eventually filled with water transferred from the River Derwent.

The area once consisted of farmland and small settlements, and today it has been transformed into a thriving spot for wildlife, education, and recreation. The Visitor Centre does a great job of explaining the reservoir’s role in water management, complete with interactive features that made it surprisingly fun for both kids and adults.

I think Carsington is a fantastic example of how construction and progress can bring so much benefit to a local economy. Not only is it a functioning reservoir, but it’s also a tourism hotspot. We spoke with people from all over the country who were visiting family or just coming to sample the Derbyshire Dales.

What is there to do for Families?

We spent about 3-4 hours here and barely scratched the surface. Carsington Water is a brilliant place for children to explore, with something to suit all energy levels and ages. Here’s a deeper dive into the highlights. We didn’t do all of this, but the article will be frequently updated as and when we return (we plan to).

Adventure Playground:

One of the best playgrounds we’ve encountered on our travels. It’s seriously really good.  It’s split into different zones depending on age, but both our children loved all aspects of it. You can start at one end and work your way up through the varying activities. We spent over an hour in the park and could have stayed longer. There’s a bit of everything. We took loads of pictures, which perhaps do it more justice!

There are benches nearby for grown-ups and an open grassy area that’s perfect for a picnic or a runabout. It’s part of what I like about Carsington. When you arrive, the visitor centre and playground are flanked by open grassland, and you have a feel of space.

Interactive Water Exhibition:

Inside the main Visitor Centre, this exhibit was a real surprise hit. It covers everything from the water cycle to how our taps are kept flowing—delivered through touchscreen games, model setups, and fun quizzes. The space is bright, modern, and clearly designed with young learners in mind. It’s free to enter, and you can easily spend half an hour looking around all the interactive options. Both kids really enjoyed it.

Walking & Cycling Trails:

Reservoir Trail (8 miles): A full circular route around the reservoir, ideal for older children or those on bikes.. It’s a mix of tarmac and compact gravel, and although not completely flat, it’s manageable for most active families.

Stone Island Walk: A short, level path starting near the Visitor Centre that loops around Stone Island. It’s ideal for young children, pushchairs, and short legs.

Wildlife Trails & Hides: Along parts of the route, you’ll find bird hides and quiet zones perfect for spotting waterfowl and insects. 

Scooter-Friendly Paths: If your kids love their scooters, the area near the main centre and Stone Island is flat and wide enough to zoom around safely.

Watersports & Boat Hire:

For families with older children or teens, the water sports centre offers paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing and sailing. Lessons and group sessions are available, and it’s worth booking in advance during school holidays.

Seasonal Events:

Depending on when you visit, you might catch wildlife walks, nature craft sessions, or Severn Trent’s family fun days. Keep an eye on their events calendar.

Facilities

Carsington Water is extremely well-equipped for families and caters to most needs:

• Mainsail Cafe: We had a relaxed lunch at the on-site café. There were hot and cold food options, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, burgers, pizzas and more. The café surrounds a large open-air courtyard with lots of seating, perfect for families to unwind after a walk.
• Mainsail Restaurant: There’s actually a restaurant with fantastic views of the reservoir. You can have a main meal here or just coffee and cake. 
• The Parlour Ice Cream shop: Located in the Courtyard, there’s a dedicated ice cream shop called the ‘The Parlour’.
• Treasure chest kiosk: Right next to the Adventure Playground, this kiosk will keep young adventurers fuelled and loyal parents sustained! Coffee, cakes and ice cream available. 
• Toilets & Baby Changing: Toilets are clean and well-maintained, with baby changing facilities available both in the main building and near the playground.
• Gift Shop: A nice range of toys, books, puzzles, and souvenirs. We picked up a bug-spotting guide and a refillable water bottle.
• Bike Hire: Available from the visitor area, including options for children and tag-alongs.

Would you recommend it?

Yes, without hesitation. Whether you’re local or just visiting the area, Carsington Water is the kind of place that feels like a breath of fresh air (literally). I would go as far as saying it’s perfect for a family day out. It has a bit of everything. Fantastic walks, cycling, playground, cafes and education. 

It’s perfect for families with children of different ages, offering adventure, learning, and relaxation in one place. We loved the balance of structured play and open space, and there’s definitely more for us to explore next time. A must-visit if you’re in the Derbyshire area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a café?

Yes! The café serves a range of meals, snacks, and drinks. We had lunch there, and it was tasty, family-friendly, and good value. Outdoor and indoor seating available. 

What was your favourite part?

Definitely the playground—it was large, well-designed, and kept both of our children entertained for ages. 

Is it suitable for dog walkers?

Absolutely. There are lots of dog-friendly paths, and we saw plenty of families out with their four-legged friends. Dogs need to be kept on leads, but it’s a popular dog walking spot.

How much is it?

Entry to Carsington Water is free. You only pay for parking (around £3–5 depending on length of stay) and anything you spend on food or in the shop.

Are there bike trails?

Yes. The 8-mile Reservoir Trail is perfect for a family bike ride, with a mix of surfaces but mostly flat. Shorter trails and scooter-friendly paths are also available near the visitor centre.

Is there suitable parking?

Yes. There’s a large car park near the visitor centre with pay-and-display machines. It’s close to all the main facilities and has disabled parking too.

Are there picnic areas?

Yes, loads! From grassy areas by the playground to benches overlooking the water, there are plenty of spots to enjoy your own food.

Can you swim at Carsington Water?

No, swimming is not allowed for safety reasons. However, there are loads of water-based activities to enjoy with the right supervision.

Are there any indoor activities if the weather is bad?

Yes. The Visitor Centre has an interactive exhibition, a café, a gift shop, and often seasonal events or indoor nature-themed activities for children.

Pros & Cons

Reservoir enjoyment rating

Last Updated on May 6, 2025 by Ryan