Astbury Mere Country Park
Astbury Mere Country Park
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Astbury Mere Country Park occupies the site of a former sand quarry, just off Newcastle Road in Congleton, Cheshire. The site is just ten minutes walk from the town centre, with paths linking into the local countryside. It is right on the edge of the Peak District National Park.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
227 reviews
Excellent
111
Very good
76
Average
20
Poor
13
Terrible
7
JOAN B
Wigan27 contributions
Aug 2022
What a great place. Visited for the first time as new to the area but what a surprise Astbury Mere Country Park proved to be. Looks to be well managed and maintained and nobody should begrudge the miniscule 50p parking charge although be being so close to town, walking in is free. We had dogs with us and yes we did pick up, and judging by our walk so did virtually every other dog owner. You'll always get some that don't but I've scene far worse places and paid far more money for the privilege!
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter J
16 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
An all weather lakeside stroll. A wall through dog friendly grass pal, through to mixed woodland. The watersports centre often features wind surfers and kayakers. Wending your way back throughwoodland you return to the carpark area and the small cafe and rangers lodge. The walk has access to Congleton town. Dense woodlands and the backdrop to the area are the first steps of the cheshire peack district.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doraexplorah
Cheshire, UK220 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
Lived in the area for many years and this used to be a place I very much enjoyed taking my dogs for a walk off lead. I can see from reviews that I am not the only one who is very disappointed that this place of natural beauty has been fenced in and dogs restrained due to the complaints of the minority. Yes I’ve read the reply that is cut and pasted in response to comments like mine. But quite frankly it’s flannel. If the lake posed such a safety hazard - why is it the case that not all lakes in Cheshire and indeed the country are not fenced in? One only has to travel a few miles down the road to Brereton Heath to see how visitors and their dogs enjoy the natural beauty without the need for barricades and ruling that dogs must be on leads. I agree with the change from voluntary donations to parking fee. And the cafe at the main car park is a welcome addition. BUT PLEASE reconsider your stance with respect to keeping dogs on leads and the fences and notices everywhere.
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dlh286
Wrinehill, UK24 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
The park as a couple of walks but very restricted views over the lake. No access to waters edge as all fenced off for anglers.
Although a pleasant walk around very little to see due to this restriction. Very limited area for picnics by car park again very restricted view of lake, also in some parts there was a distinct smell from the doggie waste bin.
This place has lost a lot of appeal due to the way in which the view is so restricted, in the past children would be seen playing on the waters edge but no longer.
Although a pleasant walk around very little to see due to this restriction. Very limited area for picnics by car park again very restricted view of lake, also in some parts there was a distinct smell from the doggie waste bin.
This place has lost a lot of appeal due to the way in which the view is so restricted, in the past children would be seen playing on the waters edge but no longer.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neville L
Crewe, UK4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Impressed by the transformation from a sand quarry to a park with visitor centre and very cheap car parking. Not too impressed however by the way trees and copious, invasive, tall bushes have been allowed rampage and spoil the view of the lake from the many seats and benches as you enter from the car park end.
There may be better views further around the lake, but being of limited walking ability they are inaccessible to me.
Ok for fishermen and dog walkers but not me I'm afraid until they attend to the culling of excessive vegetation.
There may be better views further around the lake, but being of limited walking ability they are inaccessible to me.
Ok for fishermen and dog walkers but not me I'm afraid until they attend to the culling of excessive vegetation.
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wheresmebus
Nantwich, UK299 contributions
Jan 2023
We use this very frequently as a starting point for walking the many footpath circuits that are accessible from here. Check out some of the walking websites for suggested routes and itineraries, there’s loads of possibilities and distances available. If you fancy a shorter walk with toddlers or a woofer then the waterside path is about 1.1 miles car door to car door. Talking of the latter, there are usually a lot of dogs being walked or allowed off leash and sometimes not all owners seem to be very attentive about control or cleaning up issues. It’s a nice place though, plenty of benches and some little nooks and crannies to explore. There’s loos but now no info centre apart from some boards outside There is a small café now, which is handy. Currently it’s only a quid to park all day and note that there’s no actual access to the water at all apart from that organised and controlled at the Astbury Water Sports venue and by the local angling club. The mere is an old quarry and it’s very, very deep.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig E
Manchester, UK1,779 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Nice short walk around the lake. Only takes 30 minimum maximum to walk round the lake. A few nice spots to stop for a picture with the lake in the background.
If you are after a short easy walk this place is perfect. Other than the lake not much else to see though.
If you are after a short easy walk this place is perfect. Other than the lake not much else to see though.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CraigE1119, Thanks for taking time t o review our country park. Have you tried the more challenging paths through the woodland areas?
Written January 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patric D
Sandbach, UK945 contributions
May 2021
Loved the mere. The circular walk around the mere offers fantastic views and is truly relaxing. There is a coffee shop in the main car park if you need refreshement and a number of longer trails if you have more time.
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boyd1952
Newton Aycliffe, UK946 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
In the area on holiday we visited a few times for a walk. Very pleasant surroundings great path to walk on. Everyone we met socially distanced. How nice that dogs have to be on a lead & owners that abide by it.
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kath S
Stoke-on-Trent, UK29 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
Met up with friends for a socially distanced stroll around the lake and picnic. Well laid paths, benches and lots of grass to sit on. Had a lovely few hours & Only 50p to park. Be aware toilets are not open yet.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary C
4 contributions
Hi, i am travelling up to Macclesfield from Hampshire on Monday 7th June.
I was wondering if i can swim in Astbury Mere lake Monday evening?
I see the Newcastle Tri club swim there on Thursday evenings i just wondered what was the situation for any other times?
I am a seasoned swimmer. I swim outdoors all year round. I would love to take a dip there Monday evening.
Is this permitted? Who do i need to contact?
Appreciate your feedback please.
Thanks,
Gary
lesley6guymer
Congleton, UK10 contributions
No you can't...in fact its quite dangerous
Can i snorkel at the lake and also what kind of fish are in there thanks
GavinWolfenden
Congleton, UK3 contributions
Chelsea, The lake is owned by the Stoke On Trent Angling Society so you would need to ask them this question. They can be found using Google (Trip advisor doesn't allow posting links to sites)
Do the gates close at night? I have to get into town later and wanted to take the shortcut around 8.30pm.
GavinWolfenden
Congleton, UK3 contributions
The car park gates are locked in the evening, in the summer this is at 8:00. The other gates are open.
Reet1967
Stoke-on-Trent, UK21 contributions
Hi can you swim in the lake if so do you need permission thanks
GavinWolfenden
Congleton, UK3 contributions
The lake is owned by the Stoke on Trent Anglers Society and you would have to ask them but there are "no swimmimg" signs displayed around it. I understand this to be because when the sand quarry closed not all of the equipment was removed so there are dangerous obstables under the water. The lake also goes quite deep very suddenly.
David F
Sandbach, UK4 contributions
Is the a cafe on site
GavinWolfenden
Congleton, UK3 contributions
We do not have a cafe on site, at weekends, holidayes etc there is a concession selling hot drinks, ice creams, etc.
Charles B
Oldham, UK20 contributions
Is it ok for disabled persons
GavinWolfenden
Congleton, UK3 contributions
Around the mere, there is a flat circular walk with no obstacles, and suitable for wheelchair/pushchair access. It starts just off the car park as you head down towards the lake, and takes you all the way around the lake on a well surfaced path, from where you can watch the ducks and wildfowl on the lakeside edge. For most of the route, self propelling manual wheelchair users will be able to access it without assistance, however the incline on the return to the car park in front of the visitor centre may require some light assistance.
If needed a wheelchair is free to hire with details from the Rangers on 01260 297237 or email astbury@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Iona R
Stoke-on-Trent, UK3 contributions
Do you have to pay to go to the lake but not in the visitors centre
GavinWolfenden
Congleton, UK3 contributions
Entry to the Park is free but please remember the park is not owned by the local council it is a charity run by volunteers and relies on public donations to pay for the park's upkeep. if you would lke to make a donation "Donation Posts" are provided near to the entry to the meadow area.
Iona R
Stoke-on-Trent, UK3 contributions
Do you have to pay if you're only sitting by the lake
GavinWolfenden
Congleton, UK3 contributions
Entry to the Park is free but please remember the park is not owned by the local council it is a charity run by volunteers and relies on public donations to pay for the park's upkeep. if you would like to make a donation "Donation Posts" are provided near to the entry to the meadow area.
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Claim your listingAstbury Mere Country Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Astbury Mere Country Park
- Astbury Mere Country Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Astbury Mere Country Park:
- (0.19 mi) The Alexandra Court Hotel
- (0.39 mi) Lamb Inn Guesthouse
- (0.67 mi) The Lion & Swan Hotel
- (0.69 mi) Egerton Arms, Astbury
- (2.27 mi) The Plough Inn
- Restaurants near Astbury Mere Country Park:
- (0.04 mi) GG’s Coffee Hub
- (0.19 mi) Mrs Dale's pantry
- (0.70 mi) DV8 Bar Congleton
- (0.34 mi) Amans
- (0.95 mi) Reubens
Astbury Mere Country Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 111 |
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Very Good Reviews | 76 |
Astbury Mere Country Park Photos | 57 |