Site Rules
For the enjoyment and safety of all visitors and users of our venue and grounds, please be reminded of our site rules.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. This is imperative to prevent a collision hazard with other members of the public, rowing & canoeing coaches on bicycles, vehicles moving around site and other venue users.
- Always clean up after your dog and use the waste bins provided. Also, please can you take your litter home with you.
- For your own safety pedestrians must not use the Main Access Road between the security barriers at the main entrance and the Boathouse. This is in use 24/7 for vehicles/delivery lorries/rowing trailers traveling at speed.
- Cycle training (speeds exceeding 10mph), training in peloton/groups and speed skating around site is prohibited. Strictly no cycling in front of the boathouse.
- Please keep to the middle path around the lake to avoid collision with rowing & canoe training as the paths closest to the water are designated for rowing & canoe coaches on bicycles.
- No swimming, paddling, jumping, diving or fishing is permitted. Also, no BBQ’s or fires are permitted.
- Please park in designated areas only, and if the car park is full please can we ask that you return on another day. Do not park on local roads including Court Lane or Marsh Lane.
- Please keep young children under close supervision at all times, especially around open water.
- We ask that our staff are treated with courtesy and respect. Any aggressive or violent behavior towards our staff or any member of the public within our site will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Blue Green Algae Notice
Occasionally very low levels of seasonal blue-green algal blooms are detected within the lake.
Though the risk of illness is considered low, as a precaution:
- Do not allow pets to drink the water or eat the scum on the lake bank.
- As always, we ask that dogs must remain on a lead within our grounds at all times.
- If you come into contact with the water, wash your hands before eating or drinking.
What's On and Upcoming Events
From seasonal family events to corporate activities, we’ve got it all at Dorney Lake!
Discover our upcoming family events and activities - click here
For upcoming sports events at our iconic sporting venue - click here
On-Site Facilities
Our public toilets, including disabled facilities, can be found at The Boathouse next to our main reception. Please note, this is approx. 1.5 miles walk from the main entrance and arboretum car park.
Although we do not have a dedicated on-site cafe or restaurant, we can recommend some fantastic local eateries a short walk or drive away from our main entrance.
Crocus at Dorney Court - > 0.5 miles
The Palmers Arms - 0.5 miles
The Pineapple - 0.7 miles
We do have water points near The Boathouse where you can fill up your re-useable bottle.
Visitor Car Parking Information
For visitors to our grounds, we welcome parking in the Arboretum Car Park situated just inside our main entrance gates.
There is a flat rate charge to park of £2.50 which can be made by either contactless payment or by the JustPark app.
The Arboretum Car Park offers limited parking. If full, please come back another day or at a later time when it is quieter. Do not park on surrounding local roads.
If you are attending a hospitality or sporting event at Dorney Lake, please contact your event organiser for specific event parking instructions.
Dog Attacks on Wildlife
Due to an increasing number of incidents involving wildlife within our grounds, we remind visitors that dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
Very often the dog’s owner is shocked and surprised that their normally docile pet could behave in this way. Even the most placid of domestic dogs can be triggered by the sight of a running deer or other animals into behaving outside their normal character.
Dog attacks on deer can result in severe injuries and no alternative but to euthanise the animal. Even if the target animal is not caught, the act of being chased can cause the deer detrimentally high levels of stress.
Although our grounds are home to a number of deer species (the rutting season is usually between May and August), Muntjac do not have a defined breeding season. Instead, they breed all year round. Particular consideration is required around fawns and their often defensive mothers.
What to do if you see a deer or other wildlife being attacked by a dog or dogs?
If the deer is under attack from a dog/dogs, attempting to intervene is potentially dangerous. You could alternately be injured by the deer that is trying to defend itself or bitten by the dog – especially if it is in a frenzied state.
- Call the Police.
- If the deer is lying injured from a known dog attack, keep well back. The deer will be in shock or preparing to fight or flee.
- Do not try to assist or move the deer. This can put you in danger and cause further stress to the deer.
- The Police will deal with the situation and have access to specialists.
- Sadly deer injured by dogs rarely recover and often need to be euthanized.
- The dog/dogs involved, if deemed dangerous, may be destroyed.
To find out more, please visit The British Deer Society website by clicking the link below-
www.bds.org.uk
Blue Badge Holders
We offer complimentary car parking for Blue Badge Holders for those wishing to visit our grounds.
Disabled parking is available Monday to Friday, 08.00 - 16.30 at the Ash Tree located halfway down the lake. This can be accessed by calling 'Reception' at the barrier intercom. However, please note that our offices will be closed over the Festive Season from Friday 20th December to Thursday 2nd January where access beyond the security barrier will not be possible. Alternative parking is available in the Arboretum Car Park (see below).
For Blue Badge Holders parking in our Arboretum Car Park, please apply for a pass either in advance or within 24 hours of your visit with our car park management company by following the link below.
https://www.countrywideparking.co.uk/dorney-lake/