Carsington Water or Carsington Reservoir in Derbyshire was opened in May 1992 by Her Majesty the Queen and has remained a very popular visitor attraction.

Carsington Water is owned and operated by Severn Trent Water and exists to store water pumped from the River Derwent at times of high rainfall, to store the water and return it to the river when the river level would otherwise be too low to allow water extraction for treatment further downstream.

Carsington Visitor Centre holds a permanent exhibition explaining the role of water in our daily lives, the history and purpose of the reservoir and the role Severn Trent plays in conservation. A range of information sheets and booklets are on offer to help you understand the site and make the most of the recreational facilities.

The recreation facilities available on site include:

Purpose built Visitor Centre with accessible toilets
Watersports, cycle hire, sailing club and fishing
Adventure playground
Water Rail outdoor clothing outlet, gift shops, book & craft shops
120 seater restaurant, outdoor café and kiosks
Picnic areas
Dogs allowed - if kept under control
Wheelchair friendly and mobility scooter hire
Free admission, a car parking charge applies

Carsington Water is home to local and migrating bird species all year round, which can be observed from the site’s bird-watching hides and wildlife centre.

For the more active the site has numerous cycle paths and trails, an adventure playground for the young and a full calendar of outdoor activities at the water sports centre. Bicycle hire is also available.

Carsington Water is licensed to perform civil weddings.

Carsington Water is open seven days a week from 10.00am (closing times vary-please check) Closed Christmas Day.
Address
Carsington Water Visitor Centre
Ashbourne
Derbyshire DE6 1ST
Tel: 01629 540 696

Please visit Derbyshire and Peak District Photographs for many photos of Carsington Water

See also
Carsington Village

Wirksworth

Brassington Village

Hognaston Village

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