Newark & Sherwood District Council

At the centre of the park is Vicar Pond, a large fishing lake that was created by the 5th Duke of Portland in the 1870's. In the past the lake has been used for boating and swimming but today it is a thriving course fishery (day tickets available). The park is also a designated local nature reserve.

Park facilities

• Large lake and abundant wildlife
• Footpaths and cycleways suitable for all abilities including the Sustrans National Route 6 and the Timberland Trail
• Visitor centre and Rumbles Café
• Children’s play area
• Small pond (for model boats and duck feeding)
• Golden Hand sculpture 

Bird and wildlife walks

Vicar Water offers a range of different walks throughout the year. Whether you want to see birds, bats or wildflowers there is always something to see at the park.

Visitor centre and Rumbles Café

The Visitor Centre and café is run by Rumbles Catering Project - a registered charity which provides training in catering and life skills for people with learning difficulties. Rumbles can also provide outside catering for events, parties and functions.

The cafe provides a great family friendly place to relax when visiting the park. There is plenty to eat and drink in the cafe and outside is a play area for the kids it's the perfect spot to wind down after a walk and an explore.                

For further details of Rumbles menus and services or to enquire about hiring the Visitor Centre facilities please call 01623 424836 or e-mail rumblescateringproject@yahoo.co.uk

Events and activities

Please visit out Vicar Water events list for details of bird walks, wildflower walks, nature walks, bat walks and fundays!

You can also find details of events at Vicar Water from our Tourism Information Centre (Rufford) on 01623 824545 or email sherwoodtic@nsdc.info

Friends of Vicar Water

The Friends of Vicar Water volunteer group is involved in helping the council to look after Vicar Water. The group meets regularly and welcomes new members. Call 01636 655713 for further details.

Volunteering

Based in west Nottinghamshire?  Want to meet new people, keep fit, help to conserve and enhance your local country park whilst having fun?  Then why not join the Newark and Sherwood Western Reserves Volunteers? No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm!  Tasks will vary from scrub bashing, fencing, visitor surveys, repairing footpaths, woodland thinning and habitat surveying so there is something for everyone!  You will get the chance to work at Vicar Water Country Park and Intake Wood in Clipstone and Sherwood Heath in Ollerton.

Full training and tools will be provided but please bring suitable old outdoor clothing and stout footwear.  Any hours and days that you can spare will be greatly appreciated.

For more information please contact Matt Smith via email: Matt.Smith@nsdc.info or via telephone on 01623 466340

Voluntary parking charge

The park has a voluntary pay and display scheme. If you drive to the park you can, if you wish, make a parking donation of £1 for a day, or buy a season ticket for £20.

No-one is under any obligation to make a donation but any donations will be reinvested in the park. Everyone is still welcome to use the park, regardless of whether they make a donation or not and you won't be charged or fined if you don't buy a ticket.

Rate This Page