Located a short drive away from York, Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is a must-visit destination, offering an exciting blend of nature and adventure. Its sprawling 53 acres of picturesque landscapes and a wealth of activities make it an ideal spot for families looking for an engaging day out. This Allerthorpe Lakeland Park review aims to provide an in-depth look into what you can expect when you visit this beautiful park.
Overview
Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is nestled in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, and is renowned for its fascinating watersports centre. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast or simply looking for a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll, Allerthorpe has something for everyone. From canoeing to paddleboarding, open-water swimming sessions to playful aqua park adventures, the park offers an array of watersports suitable for everyone, regardless of age or skill level.
We visited a few weeks ago on a Sunday morning. We enjoyed going on a pedalo for 25 minutes then had a walk around the trails. Then, we stopped for a picnic before taking my son to the park by the café.
With three separate lakes, the park offers even more space to explore. You can feed the huge fish, pet farm animals (including goats and donkeys in different locations around the site), and enjoy peaceful walks and nature spotting around the fishing lake and more secluded third lake.
Activities Galore
Allerthorpe Lake Swimming
Allerthorpe Lakeland Park offers open water swimming at various parts of the week. Here are the current times for swimming:
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00am – 10:00am |
| Wednesday | 9:00am – 10:00am |
| Thursday | 9:00am – 10:00am |
| Friday | 9:00am – 10:00am |
| Saturday | 9:00am – 10:30am |
| Sunday | 9:00am – 10:30am |
| Monday | 5:00pm – 7:30pm |
| Wednesday (evening) | 5:00pm – 7:30pm |
Watersports
Upon setting foot in Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, you’ll be greeted with a wide range of activities that offer a healthy dose of outdoor fun. The park’s main attraction is undoubtedly its watersports. Whether your children are novices or seasoned pros, there’s an activity to match their skill level.
The tranquil lake is the perfect place for a leisurely pedal boat ride, while the canoes and Canadian catamarans offer a more engaging experience. For the adventurous ones, why not try your hand at kayaking or paddleboarding? Remember to pre-book these activities through the park’s website, along with your admission and car park ticket.
Popular activities include:
- Pedalos
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Canadian canoeing
- Rowing boats
- Open water swimming
Buoyancy aids and paddles are included in the hire price, which is brilliant!
For the Little Ones
If your little ones aren’t quite ready for watersports, there’s still plenty for them to enjoy. Allerthorpe offers designated paddling areas, making it a safe place for young children to dip their toes. Pack their swimwear and towels and let them splash around whilst you relax on the lakeside.
The park also has a dedicated play area equipped with various play equipment to keep the young ones entertained. There’s even a sand pit! And for those who prefer staying dry, why not take a relaxing walk around the lake? You can also feed the fish and visit the animals dotted around the site.
Aqua Park
For older children, the Aqua Park is a major draw. Suitable for children aged 8 and above, this inflatable obstacle course guarantees plenty of laughter and memorable moments. Under the watchful eyes of the lifeguards, the children can jump, slide, and splash around to their heart’s content.
The Aqua Park features exciting elements including Thunderdome and Gravity Corners – it’s like Total Wipeout on the water! Sessions get booked up quickly, especially at weekends and during school holidays, so book online in advance.
Refreshments & Relaxation
Café and Picnic Areas
After working up an appetite from all the fun activities, you can refuel at the on-site café. You’ll find a variety of simple snacks, meals, and hot and cold beverages. The café has been praised in recent Allerthorpe Lakeland Park reviews for its home-made cakes, good coffee, hot chocolate, and reasonably priced food including fish, bacon rolls, and ice cream.
The café boasts a terrace that overlooks the lake, making it the perfect spot to unwind whilst keeping an eye on your little ones. There’s also an indoor seating area with a couple of tables, and a covered marquee area where dogs are welcome.
Alternatively, you can pack a picnic and make use of the ample picnic benches and grassy areas around the park. Many families bring their own food to make the day more affordable.
Camping
Why limit your visit to just a day when you can extend your stay at Allerthorpe campsite? The park has two separate areas for touring pitches for short stays as well as seasonal pitches if you prefer to be there all year round.
There are tent pitches within the main site near to the amenities and a separate tent-only field with lots of space next to the third lake for those who prefer to be away from it all. Electric hook-ups are available. Full access to the 53 acres of lakeside and woodland walks is included.
Note: Some reviews mention that campsite facilities can be stretched during busy periods (limited showers for the number of pitches), so this is worth considering if you’re planning to camp.
Getting There & Other Essentials
Address and Travel Time
Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is situated on Melbourne Road, Pocklington, York YO42 4RL. It’s approximately a 30-minute drive from York and around 40 minutes from Hull.
Booking and Prices (2026)
Important update: Prices have increased since our original visit. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Current pricing (2026):
- Single Entry: £4
- Alternative family ticket: £12 for families of 5
- Small pedalos: Approximately £15-22 per boat
- Aqua Park: £22 per person
- Paddleboard hire: Around £18 per board per hour
- Large Sup: £10 Per Person (55 mins)
- Single Kayak: £14 (55 mins)
- Double Kayak: £20 (55 mins)
- Catamaran: £25 (55 mins)
- Wetsuit Hire: £7
Remember to pre-book your admission and activities in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during the summer months when the park is at its busiest. Booking is recommended for all activities to confirm entry and secure preferred time slots.
Note: Some Allerthorpe Lakeland Park reviews mention that pricing for activities, plus admission and parking, can add up quickly for families. Consider what activities you’ll actually do before visiting to budget accordingly.
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday: Closed (except Bank Holidays)
The park’s opening hours may vary according to the season, so it’s advisable to check their website before visiting.
Accessibility
Whilst most of the park’s paths are accessible and the environment is well-kept and clean, there isn’t comprehensive information on their website about accessibility. The park does provide clean toilets and a large changing space. If you have specific accessibility requirements, it’s worth calling ahead to discuss your needs.
Dog-Friendly
Yes, your four-legged companions are welcome at Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, including the roped-off water areas! Well-behaved dogs are more than welcome – just bring well-behaved humans with you too. Dogs should be kept on leads, especially near water areas and other guests. The café has a marquee area where dogs are welcome, and there’s an indoor room too (though it only has a couple of tables so can get busy).
Allerthorpe Lakeland Park Reviews – What Others Say
Looking at recent Allerthorpe Lakeland Park reviews across multiple platforms, the park has earned strong ratings:
Google: 4.6 stars
TripAdvisor: Positive reviews overall
What People Love:
- Range of activities – Watersports, Aqua Park, play areas, nature walks, animal feeding
- Family-friendly atmosphere – Suitable for all ages
- Beautiful location – Scenic lakeside setting in the Yorkshire Wolds
- Well-maintained – Clean and well-kept environment
- Dog-friendly – Welcoming to four-legged family members
- Café quality – Home-made cakes, good coffee, and reasonably priced food
Common Concerns in Reviews:
- Pricing – Some feel the combination of car park entry plus activity costs is quite high
- Campsite facilities – Limited showers during busy periods
- Lakeside walk – Some reviewers found it less interesting compared to other attractions
- Booking essential – Can get very busy, especially weekends and school holidays
One recent reviewer described it as a “wonderful, relaxing park to visit” and many locals mention visiting at least once a week!
Is Allerthorpe Lakeland Park Worth Visiting?
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is a great choice for a fun-filled day out near York. With its array of activities, stunning landscapes, and family-friendly amenities, it’s no wonder that this park comes highly recommended in numerous Allerthorpe Lakeland Park reviews.
From kayaking and paddleboarding to feeding fish and petting goats, from the exciting Aqua Park to peaceful nature walks around three separate lakes, there’s genuinely something for everyone. The park has clearly expanded and improved since opening, now offering 53 acres of outdoor fun.
So, why wait? Pack your bags, gather your loved ones (including the dog!), and head over to Allerthorpe Lakeland Park for an unforgettable day out amidst nature and adventure. Remember to book ahead, especially for peak times, and budget for both admission and any activities you want to try. The memories you make here will last a lifetime!
Allerthorpe Lakeland Park
Melbourne Road
Pocklington
York YO42 4RL
Opening: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm (closed Mondays except Bank Holidays)
Phone: Check website for contact details
Website: allerthorpelakelandpark.co.uk
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Oh wow this looks it was a great day out/weekend. Love the photos!!
Allie
Looks like a lovely day out. I’m booking marking this because we will be staying in York soon and I’m looking for things to do with my toddler.
It looks like such a great place!
Danielle
This sounds like the perfect place for a weekend away, enjoying the sun and being active. I’m preparing for a camping trip, but in Wales.