Which Rutland Water Car Park Should You Choose? (Updated)

Whether you’re visiting for the day, or staying for longer, I know firsthand that parking at Rutland Water can be sometimes be a concern for visitors.

Finding the right car park is essential as they’re all different, and it makes sense to head for the one where you plan to spend your day.

Fortunately, I’m able to give you expert advice as I know all of the car parks at Rutland Water really well, and use them all throughout the year.

There are a number of Rutland Water car parks, including Whitwell, Barnsdale, Normanton, and Sykes Lane. All of them provide easy access to the various attractions and activities at the reservoir.

But how do you know which one to head for?

This guide will provide an overview of the best Rutland Water Car Park for you, and what visitors can expect from each one.

Prices vary depending on the length of stay, and visitors should be aware of the opening hours of each car park.

Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about parking at Rutland Water.

1. Sykes Lane Car Park Rutland Water (LE15 8QL)

Situated on the North Shore close to the village of Empingham, Sykes Lane is a great parking spot for families looking for a fun day out at Rutland Water.

There’s easy access to several attractions such as mini-golf and a large and popular children’s adventure play area. This is also the best Rutland Water Beach car park and is close to Rutland Live, the outdoor gaming centre.

It’s also ideally situated at one end of the dam, which makes for a pleasant walk/cycle across the width of the reservoir, with superb views back towards Oakham.

Visitors can take a break and grab a bite at Four Foxes Café. Or if you’re wanting to find out more about Rutland, it’s here you’ll find the Rutland Water Visitor Centre.

Pick up information about the park, maps, and souvenirs. The Visitor Centre also has a toilets, making it a great start or end point for your visit to Rutland Water.

Depending on the weather at Rutland Water, there are also designated areas for BBQs, which must be raised off the grass.

2. Normanton Car Park Rutland Water (LE15 8HD)

This Car Park is an excellent starting point for a walk around the reservoir, fishing, or water sports.

The car park provides easy access to several attractions, including the Specialized cycle store, Rutland Water Fishing Lodge, and the historic Church.

Those looking for a leisurely boat ride can hop on the Rutland Belle – although check the timetable as not every sailing stops here, and you should make sure you don’t get stranded!

The Waterside Café provides food and drink and a place to relax. There’s also popular catering kiosks and a small amount of seating close by.

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3. Whitwell Car Park Rutland Water (LE15 8BL)

Whitwell is probably the car park I used the most often, as it’s the closest to my home in Oakham.

It’s also the place I’m most likely to take friends and family as it’s one of the two places where you can hire a bike, and is also the starting point for the popular Rutland Belle boat trips.

Whitwell is one of the bigger sites at Rutland Water and is an excellent parking spot for those looking to have an active day out.

You can try your hand at watersports or perhaps throw yourself around the inflatable Aqua Park adventure course.

There’s also an outdoor gym for fitness enthusiasts and a playground for children.

And when it’s time to take a break, The Harbour Bar Café and Four Foxes Café are available to provide a choice of food and drink.

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4. Rutland Water Barnsdale Car Park (LE15 8AB)

This is the closest car park to Oakham, but also the one with fewest facilities.

It occupies a secluded spot and is only open between the middle of March and the end of October. It also closes slightly earlier than all of the other sites.

Rutland Water Car Park Opening Times

All of the car parks at Rutland Water open from 9am each day.

Car Park Closing Times

These are the latest car park closing times. But be sure to check the latest on the Anglian Water website or noticeboards at each car park if you’re not sure.

Closing times for Normanton, Sykes Lane & Whitwell are as follows. These are the 2024 times.

From 5th February	Car parks close at 17:00
From 8th March	Car parks close at 18:00
From 29th March	Car parks close at 19:00
From 3rd May	Car parks close at 20:00
From 2nd September	Car parks close at 19:00
From 1st October	Car parks close at 18:00
From 28th October	Car parks close at 16:00

Barnsdale Car Park closes 30 minutes before all of the above times.

Car Park Charges

All of the Rutland Water Car Parks have a barrier ticket system.

When you arrive, you pull up alongside the barrier and take a ticket. Keep hold of this, and before you leave visit one of the machine and pay for your parking. Cash, card or contactless payments are accepted.

You then have about 10 minutes to leave the car park. Drive up to the barrier, and it should recognise your ticket and automatically open.

As of 2024, the charges are as follows:

Duration	Price
Up to 15 minutes	No charge
Up to 1 hour	£2
Up to 3 hours	£4
Up to 5 hours	£8
Over 5 hours (all day)	£12

The car park also offers an annual car parking permit for £75, which provides access to the following Anglian Water Water Parks: Rutland Water, Alton Water, Grafham Water, Ravensthorpe Reservoir, Taverham Mill, or Pitsford Water Park.

You can buy a pass from the Visitor Centre at Sykes Lane, the Watersports Centre at Whitwell or the Fishing Lodge at Normanton.

Nearby Towns

Spending a day at Rutland Water is great fun, but why not make the most of your trip and visit either Oakham or Uppingham.

Here’s some information I’ve put together on both, which will hopefully persuade you to make a trip.

Oakham

Oakham is the county town of Rutland and well worth a visit. There’s plenty of things to do in Oakham.

Go to Oakham Castle, with its unique horseshoe collection hanging from the walls.

Then take a leisurely stroll around Oakham’s quaint streets and admire the town’s historic architecture, including the Buttercross and Oakham School.

Oakham is home to a lots of independent shops, pubs and restaurants. Sample a pork pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, or head to the Grainstore for some Rutland beer.

Uppingham

A small market town just south of Rutland Water, there is plenty of things to do in Uppingham.

From the stunning architecture of Uppingham School, to hidden antique shops, the quaint local streets are just waiting to be explored.

Spend time exploring the Market Place, in the heart of the town. Here you’ll find independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Just around the corner is the Goldmark Art Gallery, with its extensive collection of contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery.

And why not finish your trip with a visit to either The Falcon Hotel or The Vaults, two popular pubs where you can enjoy locally brewed beer and some great food.

Frequently Asked Questions