Bolam Lake Country Park & Visitors Centre
This page contains information about visiting Bolam Lake Country Park
Overview
Bolam Lake Country Park lies about 9
miles west of Morpeth and is signposted off the A696 from
Belsay. It is situated in the heart of the beautiful
Northumberland countryside surrounded by historic landscapes and
dramatic views. It has lakeside, woodland and open grassed
areas for all to enjoy with the attractive lakeside walk being
accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
For many years Bolam Lake has been a popular
place for a day in the countryside. Take a leisurely stroll
around the lake or explore the woodland. Bring a picnic and
enjoy a summer's day with the family or explore on your own and
discover the wildlife which makes Bolam Lake so
special, including red squirrel, roe deer, great spotted
woodpecker, and nuthatch.
Public transport
To find out how to
get there by public transport view bus company information
here
The visitor centre
The Visitor Centre is a good starting point
for your visit. It has a café, shop and information
area. The café sells a range of hot and cold refreshments,
including soup, cakes and sweets. The shop has local
information and sells a range of gifts, books and maps. The
visitor centre and cafe are open from 10.30am to 4.30pm at
weekends, Bank Holidays and school holidays from Easter to
November. From December to Easter it is open from 10.30am but
closes earlier at weekends and during school holidays. It is fully
accessible.
The toilets are located in the Boathouse Wood
car park next to the Visitor Centre and are open daily.
Car parking
The three car parks are open during daylight
hours and locked at dusk and a small charge is made for car
parking. Each car park has disabled parking bays. No overnight
camping is allowed. You are advised not to leave valuables in your
vehicle.
Getting about 
Feel free to explore the Park on foot, but
please respect boundaries and don't climb fences. The lake side
path is surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, for
who the circuit of the lake is best done in an anti-clockwise
direction and is approximately 3/4 mile long.
Horse-riders and cyclists please use only the
marked bridleway and give way to walkers.
The park is a great place for walking dogs but
dog walkers are encouraged to keep dogs under control and to be
considerate towards other park users by clearing away dog faeces
into the bins provided. If walking dogs near the park
boundary or on the rights of way outside the park, extra care
should be taken to keep dogs under close control to avoid worrying
farm stock. Please respect the breeding season (spring and
early summer) on the lake by keeping dogs under control near the
swans and cygnets.
Picnics & barbecues
You'll find a number of picnic tables around
the lakeside with the main picnic area on the Pheasant Field. The
best access to the Pheasant Field is from West Wood car park.
Please take your rubbish and your barbecue home and do not scorch
the grass or wooden surfaces.
There are picnic tables around the Visitor Centre.
The lake 
The lake is not suitable for swimming due to
submerged hazards and deep mud. The lake is suitable for rigid
canoes but sailing, motorised and inflatable craft are not
allowed. Organised canoeing groups must book their visit and obtain
a permit from the visitor centre in advance.
The best access to the lake for canoes is from
Low House Wood car park. Boats are not allowed in the nature
sanctuary or to land on the islands. Canoeing is not allowed from
March 15 - June 15 inclusive.
Fishing for pike and perch is allowed, but
anglers must have a rod licence and obtain a permit from the garage
or Post Office in Belsay. There is no fishing from boats or in the
nature sanctuary. There is a closed season from March 15th to June
15th inclusive.
Night fishing is not permitted.
Safety information
- Life buoys and throw lines are positioned around the
lake.
- In winter, do not walk on the frozen lake
surface.
Group visits
Bolam is an ideal place for educational visits
and recreational groups, although staff time is not normally
available to assist groups directly. If you intend to bring a large
group please inform the staff in advance.
Permanent orienteering course
A permanent orienteering course exists in the park. Why
not give this exiting outdoor pursuit a try? Maps and
guidance notes are available at the Visitor Centre.
Latest events at Bolam Lake country park & visitors
centre
Out & about beyond the
park
A good network of public rights of way around
the Park offer half or full day circular walks. Our series of
self-guided trails are on sale from the visitor centre. Large
walking groups are requested not to park in Boathouse Wood car park
especially at weekends and during the summer months.
Contact information
Contact: Telephone Number: 01661 881234.
Email: bolamlake@northumberland.gov.uk
Country park parking permit
You can purchase an annual parking permit to park your car
at the Council's country parks without needing purchase a daily
ticket. For more information on country park parking permits
click here.
Other country parks in the area
