Carsington Water or Carsington Reservoir in Derbyshire was opened in May 1992 by Her Majesty the Queen and has remained a very popular visitor attraction. In 2021 it will hold many events including numerous charity walks, cycles and fun runs.
Carsington Water is owned and operated by Severn Trent Water and exists to store water pumped from the River Derwent at times of high rainfall, to store the water and return it to the river when the river level would otherwise be too low to allow water extraction for treatment further downstream.
Carsington Visitor Centre holds a permanent exhibition explaining the role of water in our daily lives, the history and purpose of the reservoir and the role Severn Trent plays in conservation. A range of information sheets and booklets are on offer to help you understand the site and make the most of the recreational facilities.
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
Carsington Water |
In 2021 the recreation facilities available on site include:
Purpose built Visitor Centre with accessible toilets
Watersports, cycle hire, sailing club and fishing
Adventure playground
Water Rail outdoor clothing outlet, gift shops, book & craft shops
120 seater restaurant, outdoor café and kiosks
Picnic areas
Dogs allowed - if kept under control
Wheelchair friendly and mobility scooter hire
Free admission, a car parking charge applies
Located in the courtyard of the visitor centre at Carsington Water is a Kugel Stone, a sculpture consisting of a large granite ball supported by a very thin film of water. By giving it a gentle nudge you can make it spin in different directions.
Carsington Water is home to local and migrating bird species all year round, which can be observed from the site’s bird-watching hides and wildlife centre.
For the more active the site has numerous cycle paths and trails, an adventure playground for the young and a full calendar of outdoor activities at the water sports centre. Bicycle hire is also available.
Carsington Water is licensed to perform civil weddings.
Carsington Water is open seven days a week from 10.00am (closing times vary-please check) Closed Christmas Day.
Address
Carsington Water Visitor Centre
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 1ST
Tel: 01629 540 696
A visit to Carsington Water is much more than a fun day out in the country. It offers a wealth of teaching opportunities supporting key curriculum themes in a number of areas. It also demonstrates the importance of water in our lives and the issues facing all young people as the world becomes more populated in the years to come.
See also
Carsington Village
Wirksworth
Brassington Village
Hognaston Village
Accommodation in the area can be found at
Accommodation in Derbyshire and the Peak District
