Which Rutland Water Car Park Should You Choose? (Updated)
There’s a great choice of Rutland Water Car Parks, but it’s important to choose the right one, depending on what activities you’re looking to do. Read on to find out why…
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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 Rutland Water Car Parks really well, and use them all throughout the year.
My Top 3 Tips for Visitors
- Best for BBQ’s: Head to Sykes Lane for family activities and plenty of BBQ stands ready for you grill your food safely
- Best for Cycle Hire: Both Whitwell and Normanton have cycle hire shops, so head there if you’re planning on heading out on two wheels
- Best for busy summer days: Barnsdale is the quietest of the car parks, as there’s not much there. But it’s only a short walk from Whitwell so park there to avoid the crowds on busy summer days
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?
Rutland Water Car Park Guide
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.
Which Rutland Water Car Park?
| Car Park | Head here for… |
|---|---|
| Sykes Lane, Empingham Postcode: LE15 8QL (jump to full review) | Dog walking area Rutland Water Beach Mini Golf Tourist Information Centre Children’s Adventure Playground Rutland Live Action Gaming Cafe |
| Normanton Postcode: LE15 8HD (jump to full review) | Normanton Church Bike Hire (Specialized) Fishing Lodge Rutland Belle (pick up point) Waterside Cafe Takeaway food kiosk |
| Whitwell LE15 8BL (jump to full review) | Aqua Park Rutland Belle Rutland Watersports Bike Hire (Rutland Cycling) Children’s Play Area Harbour Bar Cafe Takeaway Cafe Outdoor Gym |
| Barnsdale LE15 8AB (jump to full review) | Children’s Play Area |
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.
Insider Tip
Smaller children on bikes or scooters will LOVE going across the dam. It’s dead straight for about a mile, smooth and an easy ride.
2. Normanton Car Park Rutland Water (LE15 8HD)
This Rutland Water 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.
Insider Tip
The grassed area that heads down to the water from the car park is a lovely elevated position to enjoy a picnic, and watch the world go by on Rutland Water.
3. Whitwell Car Park Rutland Water (LE15 8BL)
Whitwell is probably the Rutland Water 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.
Insider Tip
If you’re wanting to hire a bike at Rutland Water, then I’d strongly advise you do so in advance, to avoid dissapointment.
4. Rutland Water Barnsdale Car Park (LE15 8AB)
This is the closest Rutland Water 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.
Insider Tip
Barnsdale is a great option in the busy summer months and only a short walk from Whitwell. I’d much prefer to park here and walk, and avoid the crowds.
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 |
Rutland Water Car Parks 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
What are the parking charges for Rutland Water in 2024?
We’re still waiting for confirmation – but it was as follows for 2023. There is no charge for up to 15 minutes, it costs £2.00 for up to 1 hour, £4.00 for up to 4 hours, £8.00 for up to 5 hours, and £12.00 for over 5 hours. You can also pick up an annual pass for £75.00.
What is the postcode for Rutland Water car parks?
The postcode for the main car parks at Rutland Water are Sykes Lane (LE15 8QL), Whitwell (LE15 8BL) and Normanton (LE15 8HD). Check out our handy guide to work out which is the best car park for you to head for.
Where is the best Rutland Water Car Park?
The best place to park at Rutland Water depends on your destination and activity. If you are visiting the visitor centre, the Sykes Lane car park is the closest and most convenient. If you are planning to hire a bike, then Normanton or Whitwell are the best options.
Final Thoughts
The importance of choosing the best car park at Rutland Water cannot be underestimated. The activities and attractions at each site can be quite different, so working out what you want to do and where is really important. There’s usually plenty of parking, but weekends during the summer school holidays can get very busy – so we’d advise arriving before 10am.
