Water/ Lake Sports

There are over 50 reservoirs within the Peak District; many of them have facilities for canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. Check out this list that we provided below and see which reservoirs you enjoy the most!

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Newquay Activity Centre

With over 20 years of industry experience, the longest-running surf school in town, Newquay Activity Centre offers grin-inducing fun for all! They are the winners of the Cornwall and South West Tourism Awards.

Surfing Lessons, Bodyboarding, Coasteering, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Outdoor Training, they do it all and more here in Newquay.  Cornwall’s adventure capital. New skills are gained and great memories are made with Newquay Activity Centre.

As Trip Advisors number 1, it’s not just top-end activities they offer, but career opportunities too.

Whether you want to try something completely new, enjoy the Cornish coastline from a new angle or turn your passion into a profession with our Outdoor Activity Instructor Academy, they have the expertise and experience to deliver unforgettable activities that will give you memories to last a lifetime.

Based in the heart of Newquay just minutes from the town centre and a short walk away from both Towan and Fistral Beach, its location offers the full experience with plenty of surf shops, independent retailers and cafes/restaurants on its doorstep.

Open seven days a week, their fantastic team are industry-leading experts with a wealth of international experience, so what are you waiting for? Get in touch and try the best adventure activities in Newquay today!

How Stean Gorge

A Natural Playground

With a host of exciting and unique outdoor adventure activities on offer,  How Stean Gorge is one of the few places in the UK where you can do both water and rock sports in one day. Take the plunge and abseil off our 45ft bridge into the waters below where you can scramble upstream over the unusual rock formations of the gorge. Discover what lurks beneath your feet and delve deeper into the Yorkshire Dales with a day of caving. Or perhaps you are on the hunt for an experience that’s unlike anything you’ve ever done before? See if you can handle our Via Ferrata – High Wire Course, which is one of only three in the UK. A session of open canoeing takes place in breathtaking scenery on a secluded Yorkshire reservoir. The Big 5 Adventure gives a taste in all 5 of these experiences in one day!

We have outdoor activities for all abilities and our fully-trained, helpful instructors are dedicated to giving you a memorable day full of adventure…. 

Acclimbatize

Rock Climbing • Caving / Potholing •  Ropes Courses •  Gorge Scrambling • Mountain Biking • Canoeing •  Abseiling • Mountaineering • Orienteering • Raft Building • Bespoke Adventure • Archery • Bushcraft
Uniquely structured activity courses and team building events, that accomplish the objectives you wish to achieve.

Rudyard Lake

Rudyard Lake is a scenic reservoir located in Staffordshire, England, nestled amidst the picturesque countryside of the Staffordshire Moorlands. Constructed in the early 19th century, the lake stretches for approximately 2.5 miles and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and walking along its wooded shores. Rudyard Lake offers a heritage steam railway, charming cafes, and boat hire facilities, making it a delightful spot for family outings and leisurely strolls. Its tranquil waters and surrounding woodlands attract visitors seeking relaxation and natural beauty, making it a beloved retreat in the heart of Staffordshire.

Combs Reservoir

Combs Reservoir is a picturesque water reservoir located near the village of Combs in the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England. This artificial lake was constructed in the early 20th century and serves primarily for water storage and recreational purposes. Surrounded by scenic countryside and the Peak District National Park, it offers opportunities for walking, fishing, and birdwatching. Combs Reservoir is appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, attracting visitors seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Peak District.

Damflask Reservoir

Damflask Reservoir is situated in the Loxley Valley, near Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. Constructed in the early 20th century, it serves as a water supply reservoir. Covering approximately 23 hectares, Damflask is surrounded by scenic woodland and hills, offering picturesque views and recreational opportunities such as walking, fishing, and birdwatching. The reservoir is a tranquil escape for visitors, popular for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere amid the rugged landscapes of the Peak District National Park.

Dove Stone Reservoir

Dove Stone Reservoir is located in the Peak District National Park, near Oldham, Greater Manchester, England. Constructed in 1967, it is part of a series of reservoirs supplying water to the surrounding region. The area is popular for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, sailing, and picnicking, with scenic trails that offer views of the surrounding moorland and hills. Managed by United Utilities and the RSPB, Dove Stone also focuses on wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

Torside Reservoir

Torside Reservoir is a large artificial lake located in the Longdendale Valley, Derbyshire, England. Completed in 1864, it is part of the Longdendale Chain of reservoirs supplying water to the city of Manchester. The reservoir also supports recreational activities like fishing, walking, and sailing, and is surrounded by scenic landscapes within the Peak District National Park.

Toddbrook Reservoir

Toddbrook Reservoir is a water storage facility located in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, England. Built in 1838, it supplies water to the Peak Forest Canal. The reservoir gained attention in August 2019 when damage to its spillway threatened to collapse the dam, prompting an evacuation of local residents and extensive emergency repairs to prevent a disaster. It remains a critical infrastructure for regional water management.

Tittesworth Water

Off Buxton Road (A53), Meerbrook, Leek, Staffordshire (ST13 8SW), Tittesworth Water in the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands offers a variety of activities and facilities. Open daily from 7:30 am, with the Visitor Centre opening at 10:00 am (except Christmas Day) and closing times varying seasonally. The site features a children’s play area, refreshment kiosks, a sensory garden, bird hides, walking trails, grassy areas, an undercover BBQ area, and picnic tables. The Visitor Centre includes a redesigned shop, an 80-seater restaurant serving meals and snacks throughout the day, and award-winning toilets with disabled and baby-changing facilities. It also provides easy access for disabled visitors, with designated parking and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and play equipment.

Carsington Water

Carsington Water is situated 12 miles northwest of Derby and 4 miles northeast of Ashbourne, set in the countryside on the edge of the Peak District. It is surrounded by pasture with hedgerows of hawthorn and mature woodlands & younger plantation. The northern area of the reservoir is a wildlife zone with limited access. The rest of the reservoir is used for sailing, angling, and other water sports.