Southwater Country Park
Location
Cripplegate Lane
Southwater
West Sussex
RH13 9UN
Enquiries - Tel: (01403) 215256
Cafe - Tel: (01403) 734607
Email: parks@horsham.gov.uk
Location map (This is an off-site Google map)
Opening Times
Every day, 8am till dusk
Admission to the Country Park is free. There is a charge for the car park as follows:
1st April – 31st October, 10 am – 6pm
50p up to one hour
£1.50 up to 3 hours
£3.00 all day
1st November – 31st March, 10 am – 4pm
Weekdays
Free Parking
Weekends
50p up to one hour
£1.50 up to 3 hours
£3.00 all day
Annual permits are available at £30 from parking@horsham.gov.uk
Parking
A temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) authorised by West Sussex County Council has been put in place which will enable council officers to enforce on-street parking restrictions along the lane and therefore ease congestion and improve the quality of life for residents. Find out more here.
Please do not park on the surrounding roads.
About the site
This 90 acre (36 ha) site, created from a former brickworks, has level surfaced paths which provide an easy-going lakeside walk. It offers a selection of outdoor activities including an adventure-style play area, orienteering course, tuition in canoeing and sailing.
The park also includes a beautiful wildlife area 'The Quarry', which is managed for nature conservation and supports wildlife such as lizards, Kingfishers, Nightingales and various butterflies and dragonflies.
The adjacent Downs Link Bridleway passes through the Park, making it a base to explore further afield on foot, bike, or horse.
Dinosaur Island Play Area
Admission is free.
To celebrate Southwater's dinosaur history the Country Park has a 'Dinosaur Island' adventure play area, with dinosaur bones to discover in the sand, aerial walkways, jungle swings and a climbing volcano all set within a prehistoric swamp landscape.
All weather pathways, accessible ramps, a wheelchair accessible roundabout, dinosaur sculptures and musical instruments all contribute towards an inclusive play experience for children with a wide range of abilities.
Visitor Centre and Cafe
Tel: 01403 734607
The Centre offers information, toilets and a cafe and is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. The opening hours are:
April - September 10am - 5pm
October - March 10am - 4.30pm
Watersports
For watersports and tuition and hire of craft contact www.southwatersports.co.uk.
Fishing
Lennox Wood Lake can be fished on a day ticket available on the bank. This mixed coarse fishing lake contains Carp, Crucians, Roach, Perch, Pike, Tench and some Eels.
Cycling
Cycling is not allowed within the Park itself, but is allowed on the Downs Link which runs adjacent to the park. Cycles can be hired from Southwater Watersports, tel: 01403 734424 or visit website (see above link).
Dog Owners
Between April and September all dog owners must keep their dogs on leads whilst walking in Southwater Country Park. This is to protect the local wildlife and is in the interest of other users of the Park as well as for the dog's own safety.
Your Views Count
If you have any comments, concerns or suggestions on how we can improve our services to you across our Parks and Countryside sites, or would like further details about any of the leisure activities made available by Horsham District Council, please contact us on (01403) 215256 or email parks@horsham.gov.uk.