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Location:
Cripplegate Lane, Southwater, West Sussex, RH13 9UN
OS map reference: TQ 159 258
Opening times:
The Park is open every day of the year, 8am to dusk, and is free to enter. The Visitor Centre, which offers information, toilets and a cafe, is open every weekend and most days during the school holidays, with limited opening times during the winter months.
Description:
Nestled in the heart of Southwater Village, this 70acre Country Park, housing 3 lakes, species rich grassland and easy access paths and facilities is a very appealing spot. Cripplegate Lake is the focal point of the main Park used by wildlife and for Watersports alike. The adjoining Lennoxwood Lake is a day ticket fishery. The reed beds, sloping grasslands, pockets of coppice and mature woodland make this busy park a surprising haven for wildlife. The newly acquired Quarry, is a delightfully herb rich grassland encircling a lake reserved strictly for wildlife.
The adjacent Downs Link Bridleway passes through the Park, making it a base to explore further afield on foot, bike, or horse.
Facilities:
The Country Park has ample parking for cars and coaches (on request).The Visitor Centre houses an information display, Café - serving light snacks and refreshments, toilets (including disabled) and the Wardens Office.
Outdoors there is a large patio with plenty of tables for use with the café, and plenty more to be used for picnics.
Non-motorised Watersports can be enjoyed on Cripplegate Lake, either under tuition from Southwater Watersports Centre (they have an office on site) or own craft use with the purchase of a permit (details in the Wardens Office).
Fishing is restricted to Lennoxwood Lake. Day tickets are sold bank side or an annual subscription can be paid with membership to Southwater Angling Society.
Southwater Dabblers meet to launch their model boats and Amphibians II Triathletes train for competition.
There is a permanent Orienteering Course (maps are available to buy from the Wardens Office).
Well behaved Dogs are welcome at the Park. They must be on lead from April to September (inclusive) when wildlife is breeding and the Park is at its busiest. Dog bins are provided and poop must be scooped.
For cyclists and horse riders (neither of which are permitted around the park) there is the 59km Downs Link bridleway, one of the longest disused railway paths in England. It passes along the edge of the Park car park, travelling north to Martha’s Hill near Guildford and South to Shoreham. Its level paths, clear way-marking and freedom from cars make it a perfect family route. (Route maps can be purchased in Wardens Office).
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