Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Related Questions:
- Do I need to book activities in advance?
We would always advise booking in advance as sessions can sell out. Please explore our activities, check the latest availability and make a booking here. - How do I book an activity?
The majority of our activities must be booked online via this website. Some exceptions apply such as pedalo hire, please refer to the relevant activity page for more details. - How can I make a change to my booking?
If you wish to request a change to your booking, please email us on enquiries@willenlake.org.uk with your booking details including your order reference number and details of what date you would like to move your booking to and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. - Is there an admission fee for Willen Lake?
Willen Lake is open to the public and there is no booking required to visit the park itself. If you’re travelling by car, car parking charges do apply. - How do I access my Willen Lake account?
We changed booking providers in 2023, this means that you will need to create a new account to make any future bookings. Your previous account and password will no longer be valid.
General Visitor Information:
- When is Willen Lake open?
The park itself and our car parks are open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our toilet and activity centre opening hours vary throughout the year, please see here for our latest session availability. - Do I have to pay to park at Willen Lake?
Yes, charges apply to all vehicles. Please find out more about our car parking. - Is the park wheelchair friendly?
Willen Lake is largely accessible with level hard-surfaced paths around both the North and South Lakes. Please see our accessibility webpage. - Are BBQs allowed at Willen Lake?
No, BBQs and gas stoves are no longer permitted at Willen Lake. This decision was made due to the fire risks associated and to ensure the park is a safe and family friendly environment. - Can I bring alcohol to Willen Lake?
No, alcohol is not allowed to be consumed at Willen Lake unless it’s within a licensed venue or event. Find out more about our site rules. - What can I do at Willen Lake with my dog?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Willen Lake however, we do have some restrictions including locations where dogs must be kept on leads. Please view our Doggy Dos and Don'ts for more information. - Can I bring my assistance dog to Willen Lake?
Assistance dogs are permitted in most of our activity areas, however some areas have restrictions for safety reasons. If you are bringing an assistance dog with you, please contact us so we can discuss whether these restrictions could impact your visit. - What should I do if I see injured wildfowl on the site?
If you see injured wildfowl, please report to the RSPCA. If a bird has unfortunately died, please let us know by emailing enquiries@willenlake.org.uk and our team will deal with it as quickly and efficiently as possible. - Can I put up a gazebo on the site?
Due to safety reasons, gazebos and large parasols are not permitted. - Do you have a lost property?
We do keep any items handed into us or we find on site for a reasonable time to see if anyone comes forward for them. Please email enquiries@willenlake.org.uk with a description of your lost item to see if something has been handed in. - How do I host an event at Willen Lake?
All events require a license from our team to go ahead. Events include any one off gatherings of 20 people or more, recurring gatherings or advertised gatherings. Find out more here. - What food and drink is available to purchase on site?
There is a café and restaurant available which are ran by third party companies. Find out more about Willen Lake Bar & Kitchen. - Can I use a drone at Willen Lake?
Please refer to The Parks Trust’s Recreational and Commercial Drone Operator Policy for guidance on how drones can be used at Willen Lake. This policy must be followed to ensure the safety of people, property and wildlife at Willen Lake. Please be aware that drone use will not be appropriate on busy days due to the assemblies of people. Please get in touch if you require more details on enquiries@willenlake.org.uk.
Activity Related Questions:
- Can I swim in the lake?
Open water swimming is allowed at Willen Lake but only during organised sessions from Love Open Water. Find out more about open-water swimming. - Can I use my own paddle board or kayak on the lake?
Yes, you can use your own kayak or paddleboard on Willen Lake. You can launch your own craft from 11am to 5pm during school holidays, weekends and on bank holidays (subject to weather conditions). Please head to our reception desk to pay the launch fee. No inflatable equipment is permitted. See our launch-your-own craft webpage for more details. - How do I hire a pedalo?
Pedalos are available to hire from our Boat Hire centre on a first come first served basis. - Are there any restrictions to hiring a pedalo?
There are no weight or age restrictions for pedalos. A maximum of 4 participants (including babies) are allowed on each pedalo which must include at least one adult. - Is there a play area?
Yes, you can find our main play area on the peninsula near the Watersports Centre. There is also play equipment situated near Splash ‘n’ Play and there is a play trail which starts just over the bridge near the hotel as you walk clockwise around the lake. - Can I go fishing at Willen Lake?
Fishing is managed by MK Angling Association. Please contact them for more details on memberships.
If you still have any questions, please get in touch on enquiries@willenlake.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
