Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your visit to Bewl Water.
Getting Here
Where is Bewl Water?
Bewl Water is located at Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Kent, TN3 8JH. We sit on the Kent and East Sussex border, about 10 miles south of Tunbridge Wells. The nearest motorway junction is J5 of the M25, approximately 25 miles away.
Is there public transport to Bewl Water?
Bewl Water is best reached by car. The nearest train station is Frant (about 5 miles) and Wadhurst (about 7 miles), both on the London Cannon Street to Hastings line. There is no regular bus service directly to the reservoir, though a taxi from either station is straightforward.
Visiting
What are the opening hours?
The site is open from 8am and the gates close at 8pm. The Waterfront Café is open Monday to Sunday, 8:30am to 5pm, and reopens on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm to 8pm for pizza night. Bookable activities follow their own seasonal hours, so please check the relevant activity page before you travel.
Is the site accessible?
The main visitor area, including The Waterfront and activity centre, is accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs. The full reservoir trail includes uneven terrain and may not be suitable for all visitors. Accessible toilets are available on site.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are very welcome at Bewl Water and must be kept under control at all times, on a lead around the café, play areas and livestock. Dogs are not permitted in the Aqua Park, the indoor play areas, or inside The Waterfront (the terrace is fine). On dogs going into the water: blue-green algae can be present, so we recommend keeping them away from still water and bays. If in doubt, ask at the Waterfront for the current conditions.
Are there toilet facilities around the reservoir?
Toilets are available at the main visitor centre. Please be aware there are no public facilities around the full 13-mile reservoir trail, so we recommend making use of the facilities before you set off.
Can I rollerblade on the trail?
The trail is made from road stone and loose gravel, so rollerblading is not recommended. The route is best suited to walking, running and cycling.
Where do I enter an Epic Life discount code when I renew my membership?
The Epic Life discount is not entered through our booking system. To access it, please contact the organiser for your code before you renew.
Do you accept cash?
Bewl Water parking is cashless. You can pay using the RingGo app, by calling the RingGo number, or via the text message system. Our site code is 50900. Card and cash payments can also be made in the Waterfront Café. The tackle shop at the fishery lodge accepts cash and card. There is no ATM or cashback on site; you can pay by card everywhere on site. Christmas at Bewl Water is a cashless event and accepts most major debit and credit cards.
Is there a buggy-friendly walking route?
The section from the main car park to the Waterfront Café is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Other sections include uneven terrain and steps. Beyond that, the trail is well-maintained but not fully surfaced, so expect natural ground, tree roots, and the occasional stile. The full reservoir trail includes uneven terrain and may not be suitable for all visitors.
Are you open during bank holidays?
The site is open from 8am and the gates close at 8pm. The Waterfront Café is open Monday to Sunday, 8:30am to 5pm. Bookable activities follow their own seasonal hours, so please check the relevant activity page before you travel. The Aqua Park is open every day in July and August (2026 season closes Sunday 13th September).
Parking
What are the parking charges?
Parking is charged via RingGo (site code 50900), and the first 30 minutes are free. Up to 1 hour is £4.00, 1 to 4 hours is £6.50, and all day (6am to 8pm) is £8.50. Motorcycles park free. Horseboxes and campervans are £10.00, minibuses £12.00, and coaches £50.00 all day. Blue badge holders pay the standard charges. If you visit often, the Annual Parking Pass works out cheaper.
How do I pay for parking?
Parking is managed by RingGo. You can pay using the RingGo app, by calling the RingGo number, or via the text message system. Our site code is 50900. Card and cash payments can also be made in the Waterfront Café.
Can I buy an annual parking pass?
Yes. The Annual Parking Pass allows unlimited parking for a full year and includes 10% off at the Waterfront Café. If you visit Bewl Water regularly, it pays for itself very quickly. Visit our Annual Pass page for more details.
Do blue badge holders pay for parking?
Yes. Standard RingGo charges apply to blue badge holders. Disabled parking bays are available close to the Waterfront Café.
Where should I park for my activity?
For paddleboarding, wingfoiling and fishing, follow the signs for Fishing. For all other activities, follow the signs for the Waterfront Café.
Activities & Booking
Do I need to book activities in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended for the Aqua Park, sailing courses, and group activities as sessions can fill up quickly, especially during school holidays. Walk-ins are welcome for bike hire and walking trails.
What age do children need to be for the Aqua Park?
The minimum age is 6, or a minimum height of 1.2 metres, and all participants must be able to swim 25 metres unaided. Children aged 6 to 12 must be accompanied on the park by a parent or guardian. Children aged 13 to 18 must have a parent or guardian supervising from the shore. A ratio of one adult per three children under 13 applies.
Can a 17-year-old sign their own Aqua Park waiver?
No. The person completing and signing the Attendee Disclaimer must be over the age of 18. For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian must complete and sign the disclaimer. A 17-year-old cannot self-sign. Anyone who has not completed the disclaimer, or whose parent or guardian has not signed it, will be refused entry to the Aqua Park or Laser Arena. See General Terms & Conditions, clause 5.2 and Schedule 1.
Can I hire a bike?
Yes. Bike hire is available daily from 10am, with the last hire at 2pm and all bikes back by 4pm (3pm in winter). Helmets are included and must be worn. Peak pricing (weekends and school-holiday weekdays) is £30 for an adult bike, £15 for a child bike and £8 for a child seat. Off-peak (weekdays outside school holidays) is £15, £7.50 and £4. Bringing your own bike is free. Electric bikes are not available to hire.
What should I wear?
We recommend outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear for most activities, and waterproof layers are strongly advised for the trail walk or anything on the water. Wetsuit hire is included in the price of an Aqua Park ticket. For open water swimming you will need to bring your own wetsuit, and one is mandatory whenever the water is below 16°C.
Can I go on the Aqua Park if I am pregnant?
We advise against attending the Aqua Park if you are pregnant. If you would still like to attend, please seek medical advice before you book.
For PTP paddleboard hire, do I need to bring my own buoyancy aid and leash?
If hiring through PTP Coaching, follow their on-site safety briefing. All safety equipment provided (e.g. buoyancy aids, helmets) must be worn as instructed. Buoyancy aids must be worn at all times while on the water. For paddleboarding, a leash is to be worn at all times, and a buoyancy aid must be worn at all times (minimum 50 newtons). If bringing your own craft: a buoyancy aid of at least 50 newtons must be worn at all times; buoyancy belts are not permitted. What to bring includes a buoyancy aid (50 newtons minimum) and a leash (for paddleboards).
Can a 10-year-old have paddleboard lessons?
Hire and tuition is provided in partnership with PTP Coaching. Book directly at https://www.ptp.org.uk/bewl. Canoeing and paddleboarding is listed as all ages, with under-18s accompanied by an adult. PTP’s Bewl Water hire rules say hirers must be 18 years or older and remain present and responsible while the equipment is in use, and under-18s must not use equipment without the hirer present and on the water with them. Minimum and maximum age limits are stated on each PTP activity listing.
What happens if bad weather or a storm affects my Aqua Park session?
If our provision of the Services is delayed by an event outside our control (for example bad weather or over-runs by previous groups) then we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know and we will take steps to minimise the effect of the delay. Provided we do this, we will not be liable for delays caused by the event. However, if there is a risk of substantial delay (for example severe storms or lack of appropriate staff) then you will be offered an alternative date and time but you understand and accept that you will not be entitled to a refund. If we have to contact you we will do so by telephone or by writing to you at the email address or postal address you provided to us in your booking. We may make more substantial changes to the Services and your booking (which might include shutting down the Aqua Park/Laser Arena due to health and safety issues); if we do so we will notify you and you will then be offered an alternative date & time or at our absolute discretion a refund.
Are there changing rooms for the Aqua Park?
Check in here 30 minutes before your booked Aqua Park session. Lockers and changing rooms on site. Access to the booked activity on the date and time set out in your booking, as well as providing you (and your group) with changing room facilities, basic storage facilities, wetsuits (for persons at least 130 cm tall) and (as applicable) buoyancy aids (as applicable).
What happens if I arrive late for my Aqua Park session?
Sessions last 50 minutes and guests must check in at the Aqua Park reception desk 30 minutes prior to their park time. Check in here 30 minutes before your booked Aqua Park session. We recommend that you arrive at least 45 minutes before your start time. You must arrive (and will ensure that your group arrives) at a reasonable time before your session begins to enable us to process any un-completed Attendee Disclaimer(s), provide appropriate wetsuits, buoyancy aids (Aqua Park only) and undertake the safety briefing (as well as other necessary parts of the Services). If you are going to be delayed (for example due to traffic), you must notify us of this as soon as possible. If you are slightly delayed, we will do our best to accommodate you, but you understand and accept that, in order to avoid overrunning into another group session, your overall session time may be reduced accordingly. If you are delayed or late (for whatever reason), we will do our best to accommodate you. However, if we cannot accommodate you, you understand and accept that we are entitled to end the contract with you and you will not be entitled to a refund.
What are the Swimrun Bewl race distances?
Swimrun Bewl is an exciting endurance event taking place on 7th June 2026, combining trail running and open-water swimming through the beautiful High Weald countryside. Choose from the 6.4km Experience, the 10km Sprint, or the 21km Gritty course. Each distance features multiple swim and run sections across trails, woodland paths, and reservoir crossings.
How much is sailing per person?
Day passes: £20 (adult), £10 (child 11-18), free (junior 5-10). Adult pass £20.00. Access to the water for the day for one person. You must have your own equipment and craft insurance. Parking is included. Child pass £10.00. Access to the water for the day for one 11-18 year old. Junior pass Free. Access to the water for the day for one 5-10 year old. An 18 year old or older must always supervise a child or junior visitor from the shoreline. Prepare to set sail, paddle, and canoe to a day full of adventure with our water day passes. Enjoy the waters of Bewl with your own equipment and craft insurance. Duration All day pass. Age 5+ (under 18s with an adult). Annual memberships start from £150 and include 10% off at the Waterfront Café plus 20% off a range of activities. Sailing - Adult (No Boat Storage) £220.00. This membership grants access to our waters all year round, as well as free parking throughout the year. Additionally, it offers a 10% discount at the Waterfront Café and a 20% discount on a range of activities. Sailing - Junior (No Boat Storage) £140.00. Sailing - Family (No Boat Storage) £270.00. This membership grants access to our waters all year round for two adults and three children, along with free parking throughout the year. Winter Sailing and Storage - Adult £150.00. This membership grants access to our waters and boat storage from 1st December to 31st March. Additionally, it offers free parking, a 10% discount at the Waterfront Café, and a 20% discount on a range of activities. Wingfoiling and windsurfing pricing matches sailing. Sailing helms must hold RYA Level 2 Basic Skills or RYA Stage 3. Public liability insurance is required for all independent sailors, windsurfers and wingfoilers.
Can I bring my own food to a soft play birthday party?
Outside food is not permitted, with the exception of birthday cakes. Children's party food options can be added to any soft play party package: Party Lunch Box £6.50 per child, Cold Food Buffet £8.50 per child, Hot Food Buffet £10.50 per child. You may bring a birthday cake if not pre-arranging food with us.
Can I hire a sailing boat?
Day passes are for independent sailors bringing their own equipment: £20 (adult), £10 (child 11-18), free (junior 5-10). Annual memberships start from £150 and include 10% off at the Waterfront Café plus 20% off a range of activities. You must have your own equipment and craft insurance. Parking is included with the day pass. Sailing helms must hold RYA Level 2 Basic Skills or RYA Stage 3. Public liability insurance is required for all independent sailors, windsurfers and wingfoilers.
Can I hire a paddleboard at Bewl Water, and how much does it cost?
Hire and tuition is provided in partnership with PTP Coaching. Book directly at https://www.ptp.org.uk/bewl. Day passes are for independent paddlers bringing their own craft: £20 (adult), £10 (child 11-18), free (junior 5-10). Annual paddleboarding memberships are Adult £160, Junior £80, and Family £330.
Do you hire windsurfers?
Day passes are for independent windsurfers bringing their own equipment: £20 (adult), £10 (child 11-18), free (junior 5-10). Windsurfers must hold the RYA Start Windsurfing qualification and public liability insurance. Wingfoiling and windsurfing pricing matches sailing. Wing-foiling tuition is delivered by The Foiling Collective. Annual memberships start from £150.
Do you offer a discount for Aqua Park group bookings?
Tickets are £25 per person, or £80 for any four tickets. Add any four tickets, then enter the code Family25 in the “Add a discount code” box at checkout. A minimum of 10 bookings is needed for a session to go ahead. For exclusive hire enquiries email Activities.Aquapark@bewlwater.co.uk.
Does a 6-year-old need to be able to swim 25 metres unaided for the Aqua Park?
The minimum age is 6, or a minimum height of 1.2 metres, and all participants must be able to swim 25 metres unaided. Children aged 6 to 12 must be accompanied on the park by a parent or guardian. A ratio of one adult per three children under 13 applies.
How much does it cost to hire a canoe?
Hire and tuition is provided in partnership with PTP Coaching. Book directly at https://www.ptp.org.uk/bewl. Day passes are for independent paddlers bringing their own craft: £20 (adult), £10 (child 11-18), free (junior 5-10).
Is there an annual pass that includes bringing my own paddleboard?
Yes. Annual paddleboarding memberships are for paddlers bringing their own board: Adult £160, Junior £80, and Family £330. They include 10% off at the Waterfront Café plus 20% off a range of activities. Day passes for independent paddlers with their own craft are £20 (adult), £10 (child 11-18), and free (junior 5-10).
Will ordinary trainers work for a pedalo?
Closed-toe shoes that can get wet. Pedalo hire is not on sale. Open Date TBC.
Fishing
Can I fish at Bewl Water?
Yes. Bewl Water is one of the South East's premier stillwater fisheries. Day tickets and season permits are available. Species include rainbow trout, brown trout, pike, and perch. A tackle shop is located on site for permits and equipment.
Do I need a fishing licence?
Yes, all anglers aged 13 and over must hold a valid Environment Agency rod licence. These are available to purchase online at gov.uk or from most post offices. Junior licences for 13 to 16 year olds are free. A Bewl Water day ticket does not include an EA licence.
Does my child need their own fishing ticket?
Under-18s can fish on a parent's ticket, provided the combined catch does not exceed the permit purchased. Anyone aged 13 or over still needs their own Environment Agency rod licence, which is separate from the Bewl Water permit. Junior licences for 13 to 16 year olds are free from gov.uk, and under-13s do not need one.
Can I hire a rod with a day boat?
Yes. We recommend pre-booking rod hire at the same time as your boat. Please note that our fly-fishing rods are not available to hire.
Can beginners go fishing at Bewl Water?
Absolutely. We offer guided tuition sessions for complete beginners, and all tackle can be hired on-site. Our fishery team are happy to offer advice to newcomers. Contact us or visit the fishery lodge on arrival.
When is trout fishing season?
The 2026/27 trout fishing season at Bewl Water runs from 18 March 2026 to 14 February 2027. Predator fishing (pike and perch) runs from October to the end of February only. Please check current opening dates when booking.
Can a 16-year-old fish on their own?
No. Anyone under 18 needs someone aged 18 or over with them, whether they are fishing from the bank or from a boat. Under-18s are also not permitted to operate the fishing boat.
How much does fishing tuition cost?
Beginner and improver fly fishing tuition sessions are half day (3 hours) for ages 12+. Sessions are priced per group: 1 person £180, 2 people £270, 3 people £310, 4 people £340. All tackle and equipment is provided, a day ticket is included, and after the lesson you have the option to continue on the bank or take out one of our fishing boats. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over. Tuition sessions are booked directly with the fishery.
Can under-12s do beginner fishing tuition?
Beginner and improver fly fishing tuition sessions are ages 12+. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over. All tackle and equipment is provided, and a day ticket is included. Tuition sessions are booked directly with the fishery.
What tickets are available for boat fishing?
Fishing is available from both bank and boat. Fly fishing only from the bank; any method permitted from the boats (maximum three anglers per boat). Boats are available from 9am. Full day boat hire is £32.50 for 1 angler or £50 for 2–3 anglers. Catch and release (fly fishing only) is £27.50, or £32.50 for 2 fish trout take and catch and release. An eight-fish trout permit is £37.50. The fly fishing season ticket 2026/27 is £800. An Environment Agency rod licence is not included and must be purchased separately from gov.uk. Prices are also displayed on the booking system.
Food & Drink
Is there food and drink available?
Yes. The Waterfront Café serves hot meals, sandwiches, cakes, and drinks throughout the day, 8:30am to 5pm every day, with pizza night on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm to 8pm. There is also an outdoor terrace with beautiful views across the reservoir, perfect for a post-activity break.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
You are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy it in the designated picnic areas. We ask that you do not bring your own food into The Waterfront Café or restaurant.
Camping
Is camping available?
Yes. The 2026 camping season runs from May to September, with three pitch zones and four luxury yurts. Bookings are managed through Camp Manager. Check-in is between 2pm and 6pm, and the entrance gates close at 8pm.
How do I book a camping pitch or yurt?
Camping and yurt bookings are managed through our Camp Manager online booking system. Visit our Camping page or go directly to bewlwater.campmanager.com to check availability and book.
What time is camping check-in?
Check-in is between 2pm and 6pm. If you think you will arrive later than 6pm, please call us on 07767 375115. The entrance gates close at 8pm, and anyone arriving after 8pm will not be able to access the campsite that night.
Can I bring a BBQ?
BBQs are only permitted if you are staying on the campsite, and day visitors cannot bring one. If you are camping, your BBQ must be charcoal only, must not be disposable, and must be raised off the ground.
Are campfires allowed?
No. Campfires are not permitted at Bewl Water. Open fires, fire pits and rope swings are all prohibited, and burning wood is banned to protect the surrounding ancient woodland, so please do not collect deadwood or take branches from the trees. Charcoal BBQs are welcome on the campsite provided they are not disposable and are raised off the ground.
How many tents can I fit on a pitch?
As many as will fit within your pitch, provided everyone staying has been paid for on the booking. Zone A and Zone C pitches are 8m x 12m, and Zone B pitches are 8m x 10m.
Can I park my car on the pitch?
It depends on your zone. Zones A and C are drop-off only, and cars then use the designated camping car park. In Zone B you can keep your vehicle on the pitch.
Can I bring a touring caravan or campervan?
Touring caravans are not permitted. Campervans and motorhomes up to 6 metres in length are welcome on Zone B pitches, where you can park right next to your tent.
Can I bring an awning with my campervan?
Yes, awnings are welcome in Zone B. Please make sure the awning fits within the pitch dimensions of 8m x 10m.
Can I get to the water directly from the campsite?
Yes, the water's edge is only a short walk away. Please note that swimming is prohibited unless you are joining an organised Open Water Swimming session. If you would like to paddleboard or canoe, please sign in at the Fishing Lodge first.
Are there electric hook-ups on the campsite?
No, we do not offer electric hook-ups. There is fresh drinking water in every camping field, washing-up stations with hot and cold water, and a limited number of phone charging points. Ask the campsite manager at check-in about charging.
Do I need to bring levellers or chocks?
Yes. All our pitches are slightly sloping, so please bring levellers, and we recommend chocks for campervans and motorhomes.
Is there WiFi on the campsite?
Free WiFi is available in the Waterfront Café and the Boat House, but not on the campsite itself.
Can I play music on my pitch?
Music may be played quietly until 10pm. After that we ask for all music to be turned off, as we operate a strict no-noise policy for the comfort of other families.
What is the camping cancellation policy?
We have a 96 hour cancellation period. If you give us more than 96 hours' notice we will keep your payment in credit for you to rebook a later date, subject to availability, or you can take a 50% refund of the full amount. Cancellations within 96 hours are not refunded. To cancel or amend a camping booking, email camping@bewlwater.co.uk.
Do you take group bookings?
We are a family campsite and do not take group bookings, apart from small family groups. Sorry, no hen or stag groups. There are also no day guests or visitors permitted on the campsite.
Is there fresh drinking water on the campsite?
Yes. There are fresh water taps in all camping fields and an area for washing up with hot and cold water. All tap water is suitable to drink unless stated otherwise, and can be potted for use next to your tent.
Are dogs allowed on the campsite?
Yes. We are a dog-friendly campsite for friendly, well behaved and, importantly, quiet dogs. Please keep your dog under control at all times and clean up after them. Dogs are not permitted in the Aqua Park, the indoor play areas, or inside The Waterfront Cafe, though the terrace is fine.
Is there a shop on site?
There is a camp shop on site, but no mini supermarket. The Waterfront Cafe is very well stocked and serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals throughout the day.
Can I swim in the reservoir?
There is strictly no swimming in the reservoir, unless you book a supervised session with our open water swimming provider.
Where can I charge my phone on the campsite?
There are a limited number of plug-in points available. Speak to the campsite manager at check-in for further details.
Can I use my own paddleboard, kayak, canoe or sailing boat while staying at Bewl?
Yes, with a day pass, which can be purchased on our website: £20 for an adult, £10 for a child aged 11 to 18, and free for juniors aged 5 to 10. All craft must have public liability insurance, and all users must be supervised by an adult over 21. Kayaks and canoes must be rigid, so inflatable kayaks and canoes are not permitted, though inflatable paddleboards are fine. The full rules and the day pass form are issued when you collect your wristbands, and are also on our website.
Do camping guests get 20% off activities, and is there a code?
Twenty per cent off all on-site activities for camping guests. Aqua Park, paddleboards, laser tag: pick your day. Yurt guests also receive 20% off all activities during your stay. Use your unique discount code provided within your booking confirmation.
Can I use a gas BBQ or gas stove?
BBQs are only permitted if you are staying on the campsite, and day visitors cannot bring one. If you are camping, your BBQ must be charcoal only, must not be disposable, and must be raised off the ground. Open fires, fire pits and rope swings are all prohibited.
Still have a question?
Our team are happy to help. Call us or send a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.