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.