Rushden Lakes Beach Is Back For Summer 2026

If you’re anything like me, by about day three of the school holidays you’re already scrolling for somewhere free to take the kids that isn’t the local park for the fifth day running. So here’s a nice one for the list: the beach is back at Rushden Lakes, and it’s free to play.

Yes, an actual sandy beach, right in the middle of Northamptonshire. No sandcastle-building holiday required.

What’s on at Rushden Lakes Beach

The beach sits in the centre of the Rushden Lakes site, and it’s exactly what it sounds like – a proper sand play area where the kids can dip their toes in, build sandcastles, dig and generally get stuck in. There’s also a wooden play boat within the beach area, so there’s plenty to climb on and explore alongside the digging.

Alongside the sand, Rushden Lakes has also brought back some classic seaside fairground games – think Hook a Duck, Alley Can and Darts – with prizes up for grabs. There are summer treats to buy too, including chocolate strawberries, Greek wraps, churros, slush and Eton Mess, so you can turn it into a proper little seaside outing.

Dates and opening times

• Dates: now open until Monday 31st August 2026
• Opening times: 10am – 7pm Monday to Friday and Sundays, 10am – 8pm on Saturdays (weather permitting)
• Cost: free to play on the beach
• Booking: not required – it’s first-come, first-served
• Capacity: up to 30 children on the beach at any one time

Because it is first-come, first-served with a cap on numbers, it’s worth bearing in mind you may have a short wait at busier times, especially on weekends and during any spells of good weather.

Good to know before you go

• There are no age restrictions, but children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times – the beach itself isn’t staffed.
• Food and drink isn’t permitted on the sand, so grab your treats and enjoy them just outside the beach area.
• Visitor toilets and baby-changing facilities are available within Rushden Lakes.
• Dogs are welcome around Rushden Lakes on a lead, but they aren’t permitted in the sand play area itself.
• The surrounding area is accessible, though do bear in mind that moving directly on the sand may be trickier for some wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Why I like this one

What I love about this is that it costs nothing to turn up and play, which makes it such an easy add-on to a normal trip to Rushden Lakes. Pop the kids on the beach for half an hour while you grab a coffee, then carry on with your shopping or head off to one of the other things to do nearby. It’s the kind of low-key, low-cost activity that can save a school holiday afternoon without any planning at all.

And if you fancy keeping the outdoor theme going once you’re back home, my free Nature Scavenger Hunt is a lovely, free way to keep little ones occupied on a walk or in the garden.

As always, if you want more ideas for the rest of the school holidays, my weekly What’s On newsletter rounds up the best family events and days out across Northamptonshire every week, so you never have to go hunting for plans.

The details in this guide are based on information from Rushden Lakes’ official website at the time of publication. Opening times and dates can be subject to change, particularly around the weather, so it’s worth checking before you set off.