Fairlands Valley Park
Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Herts SG2 0BL
Telephone: 01438 353241
E mail: fairlands@stevenage-leisure.co.uk
One of the top 15 UK's top free visitor attractions!
Scroll down for an update on the latest developments at the lakes.
Please note that the sailing lake has been drained for essential maintenance work.
* New Power Kiting courses now available, please see 'Multi-Activity Courses' for more details*
Voted as one of the UK's leading free visitor attractions alongside Tate Britain, Tate Modern, and the Science and Natural History Museums, Fairlands Valley Park consists of 120 acres of beautiful parkland situated within the heart of Stevenage. The park supports a varied selection of wildlife, and an assortment of wildfowl can be seen on the established reserve.
The 11 acre sailing lake is used for the centre’s dinghy, kayak, windsurfing and powerboat courses, and the waters used for angling are well stocked. For the jogging enthusiast, keeping fit is a pleasure on the Trim Track, which is situated within the park. Children can enjoy the play area with extensive play equipment . The popular sport of orienteering can also be experienced here, testing map-reading skills and physical fitness. Maps available from centre £2.00.
The park also plays host to a number of events including Circuses, Fairs, Shows and Motor Sport events. Please telephone for current details on (01438) 353241.
For those interested in nature. We can offer two reasonably priced new publications on birds and trees in the park.
We would also like to welcome Nordic Walking to the park.
What we provide
The Centre is recognised by the Royal Yachting Association and the British Canoe Union as a training centre. The fleet consists of Wanderers, Way farers, Comet Duos, Toppers, Oppies, Laser, Laser Picos, Topper Topaz, 420, windsurfers for training and hire. All our courses are staffed by our friendly, qualified instructors whose aim is to ensure that you enjoy the courses and learn in safety. Hot air balloon flights from Fairlands Valley Park can be arranged through contacting Adventure Balloons.
The Centre is open throughout the year and once you’ve attended a course to master the basics, you can hire craft anytime (subject to availability). It is also possible for you to use your own sailing dinghy, windsurfer or canoe, to a maximum length of 4.267m (14ft).
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority
At Fairlands Valley we comply with legislation laid down by AALA and have to undergo regular inspections from the licensing authority. AALA No. L4279-R0703.
Update on developments at Fairlands Valley Park and Sailing Centre (February 2009)
Having been established since 1972, Fairlands has undergone some major redevelopment since 2007. The environmental project known to some formerly as the Marshes is now complete with a new viewing platform and new planting. The adjacent pathway has been widened and resurfaced, and in time, it is hoped that new seating will be installed, although we do not have a timescale for when this part of the project will be accomplished.
The Sailing Centre and café areas have experienced a major face-lift and new signage with the Centre now implementing new, safer, controlled and updated facilities for its sports and sailing users. Disabled access to the facility has been improved, as have the public toilets which are now located in the café along with a baby changing area.
The main sailing lake was drained at the end of May 2008 for restoration work to the banks and valve. This work is now completed, but due to further unforseen works, the main lake remains fenced off and will be inoperable for dinghy sailing and windsurfing during the 2009 season.
The water levels also mean that we have a reduced ability to offer some water sports like dinghy sailing, windsurfing or powerboat courses. We can offer courses, birthday parties or corporate events in the following activities: paddlepower, climbing, power kiting, mountain boards/buggies and raft building.Please phone us to ask for an update as the picture is constantly changing.
The Centre now supports a new and improved conference room with Smart board which is available for hire for corporate events and presentations along with catering from the on-site caterers, Costello’s if required.
The old paddling pools were demolished in 2008 and work is nearing completion on the exciting new Aqua Playground which is due to open in late May. This site will also feature a kiosk for food and beverages along with a public toilet facility.