Rother Valley Country Park

The Rother Valley Country Park near chesterfield, Sheffield and Rotherham where you can enjoy windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, running, walking, cycling, charity events and much more.

The Rother Valley Country Park is a country park covers 3 square kilometres (740 acres), has four artificial lakes, recreational activities and nature reserves. The majority of the park is on the site of a former quarry, with the main excavation sites filled by the artificial lakes. There is still much of the original quarry machinery below the water.

The park was officially opened on 27 May 1983, at a cost of £4 million. The park aimed to provide an area for recreational pursuits, encourage wildlife to return to the area, and provide a flood protection plan for the areas downstream. When the construction was finished, the lakes were filled with fresh water from The Moss (about 2.5 km away) because the River Rother was so heavily polluted at that time.

The park was formerly meadows before the quarry opened and started excavation. At the eastern side of the lake stands the Bedgrave Mill courtyard, where the visitor centre is located displaying the flood defence map and the original mill mechanism "flour into grain" exhibition from when it was a water mill, also there is a craft centre and "The Stables" cafe there.

An 800m long narrow-gauge railway was opened on the east side of the main lake in 2009.

Rother Valley Country Park – Water sports

There is a stunning range of equipment available for you to hire. From sailing, windsurfing and canoeing to rowing, pedal boats and zorbing there is something for everyone.

If you are looking for more than hire, then the professional team of instructors can provide you with a wide cross section of experiences from nationally recognised courses, introductory sessions to corporate, school and youth activity days.

The Centre is open from 9.30am from mid-February to early December. Sessions start from 10.00am and run throughout the day. Please note that seasonal variations apply for daily opening and evening closure.

The start line is at the Northern Lake, near the top end of the park. When entering into the park from the main entrance, turn right by the café and follow signage.

This is a great family friendly venue so don't forget to bring your friends and family along to support you. There will also be some extra activities and items to buy so please remember to bring some spare change.