TRANQUIL WATERS IN WARWICKSHIRE (Draycote Waters (Rubgy))

Member Name: KELLY170980

Product:	Draycote Waters (Rubgy)
Date:	13/04/09 (226 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loads on offer, and caters for all

Disadvantages: midges, flies, wasps, bees and loads of other creept crawlies in the summer

Draycote waters is a picturesque and unspoilt reservoir and country park that is set in Warwickshire, it is based just off the A426 one mile south of the gorgeous village of Dunchurch near Rugby.

My family and I are frequent visitors of Draycote Water, more in the spring/summer months than any of the others, and we all love the place.
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Whether we go there to relax and unwind or kick the ball about and have fun with the kids, it's always a great day and caters for everyone.

The five mile perimeter is a lovely walk, and I love walking round, it's so peaceful and it's just a beautiful walk, although my children and hubby tend to prefer taking their bikes. You find that there are many people whom like to walk, run and cycle around the perimeter, but for some reason it never seems busy.

There is a small road that runs through, so anyone whom is not up for 5 miles could always drive and park half way and just take a little stroll, sometimes we will walk as far as the water tower, especially if my little girl gets tired, or else it would be daddy's shoulder for the next 3 miles.
There is also a car park at the top of the hill, it's actually called Hensborough Hill and many people tend to go up there to marvel at the scenery or also it's a nice place to set up a picnic, although just down the footpath leading from the hill, you will find picnic areas, next to the waters edge.

There are other picnic areas on the country park area which is near the entrance to the site, and this offers plenty of tables, and space for a kick about with the ball.

The site also run many activities for the children, which are often publicised in local what's on leaflets and through the local papers, they hold things such as, nature trails, orienteering, bug finding, and plenty other nature related activities. Sometimes they are free of charge but the odd time they are not they are rarely more than a pound or two.

There are many things that Draycote waters have to offer also, that although I have not experienced first hand I have heard many good things about. Some of the other activities on offer are;

Bird watching
Sailing
Kayaking
Canoeing
Fishing
Angling


Now they did have last year a brilliant restaurant overlooking the waters, which was lovely after your walk for some nice homemade cake and tea, or I'm my hubbys case a huge bacon butty!!! And I would have gone into how delicious and good value it all was, but unfortunately I have been advised that the catering facilities onsite are not in operation at the moment. But there was a caravan type static unit on site hot food and drinks. Although I had a look on their website and it does state that they now have a new contractor for the food and its about to open up again, so fingers crossed as that was my incentive to get round the five miles, that and the shopping at the end.

Well as stated before, I use the shopping as an incentive, as you walk in to the visitors centre on site, they have many facilities such as the restaurant, info and leaflets relating to the trails and activities, toilets , rangers office and the nicest gift shop. The staff are really nice and always make you feel really welcome and are great with the children. The store sells or the usual mementos such as pencils and pens, postcards, bird food etc etc. But they do a great selection of children's clothing from the Joules range, which I absolutely love.

They also do some lovely little gifts from local artists and companies. I have brought lots of things from her, things such as crystal paperweights, wind chimes, bowls, vases etc. I just love the fact that sometimes you can get something very unique and also very good value for money also.

****opening times and prices and contacts****

November - February: 10am - 4pm
March - 10am - 5pm April - October: 10am - 6pm
the site is open every day except for Christmas Day and occasional special events, from 8.30am until dusk.

You can also call the office on 01788 811107for further details on activities or information you require.
They have plenty of parking and it costs 1.50 per car although if you are a local and attend often, it maybe worth your time looking at their parking permits, I know some of my friends whom kayak do this.

You do not have to pay to go around the waters or in the visitors centre, its just the cost of parking, so as you can see it's a brill day out especially in the current financial climate and brings your children closer to nature, which I know my kids love.

***Warnings***
Something to keep in mind though, Dogs are not allowed around the perimeter walk around the Waters, they are only allowed in the country park area.

I would recommend plenty of drinks and sun block if you go on a summer's day as it's quite shaded and came be very deceptive while you are walking around, especially the little ones.

Also in the summer months, you get loads and loads of bugs and midges, especially round the waters edge, which can be a complete nightmare, so just be warned.


Overall, it's a cracking day out, and it really is what you make of it, we make a picnic, take a ball or some summer games, and we just have some simple fun. Sometimes the kids just run about and i lie on the grass and read a book, while the hubby pretends to be David Beckham with my son and my little girl makes a hundred daisy chains!!! sometimes the most simpliest of times can be the best.

I think everyone no matter how young or old, or even how fit or unfit you are will enjoy Draycote waters, so give it a try, I'm sure you will not be disapointed.

Summary: Great place, great value, get back in touch with nature.