What to see and do around Kielder
A range of outdoor pursuits are available in this beautiful part of Northumberland. In addition, the miles of walking and cycling trails are a superb way to observe the area's abundant flora and fauna where red squirrels, roe deer, otter and osprey can be found.
Go walking trails Go cycling trails Kielder Play Garden Osprey Ferry Motor boats for hire Tower Knowe Visitor Kielder art and architecture
Kielder Castle Forest Park visitor centre Water sports
Go walking trails
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Discover the delights of Kielder Water & Forest Park on foot and explore the beautiful lakes shoreline and verdant forest glades provided and maintained by Northumbrian Water and Forest Enterprise.
Guides can be purchased at Leaplish Waterside Park reception that detail the various walks around Kielder and provide routes and maps.
Go cycling trails
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Kielder Water & Forest Park can offer a range of facilities and opportunities for all cyclists ranging from the beginner to the experienced competition rider. Kielder is fast becoming known as one of the best centres for mountain bike riding in Britain.
For those without two-wheeled transport you can hire a bike from The Bike Place, call 01434 250 457, or visit the website www.thebikeplace.co.uk for more information.
Kielder Play Garden
An adventurous addition to Kielder Partnerships programme of art and architectural commissions. Play Garden provides a new and unusual playground for children visiting Leaplish Waterside Park. Designed by Zone Architects in Edinburgh in collaboration with Yorkshire based Image Playgrounds it was officially opened on September 14th 2006.Play Garden uses a combination of landscape design, sculptural elements, state of the art play equipment and brightly patterned tower structures to transform an area of Leaplish Waterside Park into a miniature landscape suitable for children of all ages to play in.
Osprey ferry
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The 80-seater motor cruiser, ‘Osprey’, is the ideal way to see the lake in comfort and safety. On board facilities include full commentary, bar, shop, heated lounge and toilets. Sailings call at Leaplish and Tower Knowe. The cruiser can also be hired for private parties.
Please note: The 'Osprey' operates a 5 day week timetable - please contact Leaplish on 01434 251 000 for dates of departure.
Osprey timetable
| 21st March - 31st October 2008 | Departure times |
|---|---|
| Leaplish departures | 10:15, 11:30, 13:45, 15:00, 16:15 |
| Tower Knowe departures | 10:40, 11:55, 14:10, 15:25, 16:40 |
We are currently upgrading the jetties around the water. Please check with reception when booking as times and prices may be subject to change.
Osprey prices
| Passengers | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £6.00 |
| Child | £3.75 |
| Over 60s | £5.25 |
| Group rates (min 20 people) - Adults and over 60s | £4.95 |
| - Child | £3.50 |
| Family - 2 adults and 2 children | £16.25 |
| - 2 adults and 3 children | £19.00 |
| Part journey - Tower Knowe to Leaplish | £4.50 |
| - Leaplish to Tower Knowe | £3.50 |
Motor boats for hire
Take to the water in one of our motor boats. Availability is limited so book your trip as soon as possible at Leaplish Waterside Park reception.
Hire period - 19th July - 31st August 2008.
Available - Sat - Sun (first hire period 12 noon, last hire period begins at 16:00 for full hour and 16:30 for half an hour).
Charges - £19 per hour or £12 per half hour (regardless of number of boat occupants).
Kielder art and architecture
The landscape around Kielder Water & Forest Park has become the home of a unique collection of visual art and architecture, inspiring artists and architects to create work in response to its vastness and beauty. Located at sites around the lake and within the forest, this open air gallery with its vibrant and challenging collection of visual art and architecture will surprise and intrigue the visitor.
Guides to the artwork are available from Leaplish reception which detail the location and the inspiration behind the works. Why not see how many you can visit?
Tower Knowe visitor centre
Facilities include the Kielder Water exhibition, gift and fishing tackle shop, ferry point, picnic area, car park, toilets, self guided trails and it is the base for the Kielder Water sailing club. Cafe on the water sells light bites and refreshments in a picturesque setting on the waters edge.
Open daily from 21 March 2008
April and October - 10am to 4pm (school holidays 10am to 5pm).
May, June and September - 10am to 5pm.
July and August - 10am to 6pm.
All buildings are accessible to wheel chair users.
Kielder Castle Forest Park visitor centre
Kielder Castle, a former hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland overlooks Kielder Village.
Open daily
April to October - (10am to 5pm).
Weekends only - November to Christmas (11am – 4pm).
Attractions - Kielder Forest and Birds of Kielder exhibitions, Duchess art gallery, gift shop, Dukes pantry restaurant, guided walks and events program, bike hire, forest drive (toll), childrens adventure playground, picnic area, car park and toilets.
Water sports
Boats up to 10 metres in length can use Kielder Water, both sail and motor cruisers are allowed and permanent swinging moorings are available for rent on a seasonal basis. For further information contact 01434 250 312.
Kielder Yacht Club is a cruising yacht club where members can enjoy a full calendar of social and sailing events.
A 120 acre area of Kielder Water is set aside for water skiing, to ski in this area you need to contact the Kielder Water ski club on 01434 250 161. Merlin Brae ski club near Kielder's Whickhope Anchorage offer water ski instruction for both visitors and club members. For further information contact either 01434 250 037 (clubhouse) or 01429 872 350 (secretary).
Casual launching of craft
Please note the following safety rules applicable from March 2005 to canoeists and sailboarders:
- There must be a minimum of two persons aged 17 or over on the water together when undertaking these activities.
- Evidence of competency in the form of a recognised training certificate and or qualification must be presented.
- The decision of the duty ranger as to whether or not a craft can be launched will be final.
- In the interests of safety, Northumbrian Water reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without notice.
(These rules are additional to and should be read in conjunction with, those listed in the Kielder Water Users’ Rules and Regulations 2005.)