Why Visitors come

Dinton Pastures offers something for nearly everyone in the local community, whether it be a tranquil haven for a peaceful Saturday afternoon, or the thrill and exhilaration of windsurfing on Black Swan Lake. Other activities to be enjoyed at Dinton Pastures and the reasons they are so popular are listed below:

Walking

Whether a short stroll around the lakes, or one of the longer way-marked trails, walking remains a very popular activity at Dinton Pastures and is enjoyed by people of various ages, often with dogs. In October 2000, the Countryside Service launched a walking leaflet, showing a variety of walks around Dinton Pastures and some venturing out into the local Countryside. Led walks can also be enjoyed through the Health Walks scheme or with the Dinton Walking group, which both provide a safe group environment. Further details of these schemes can been gained from contacting the Countryside Service.

Cycling

Can be enjoyed around the park so long as a sensible speed is taken and respect given to other users of the site. Bike racks are also provided to encourage the use of cycling to reach the park.

Golf

Everyone is welcome at Hurst Golf Course, part of Dinton Pastures Country Park. The well maintained 9 hole course is assessed as a par 70, standard scratch 70, and has a reputation for being challenging for golfers of all abilities.

Fishing

White Swan Lake and part of the River Loddon are devoted to fishing. Day tickets can be purchased for this and night fishing is available to Syndicate members. Unfortunately because of the very high standard of the fishery at the park, there is currently around a 3-4 year waiting list for this group.

Birdwatching/feeding

Many families visit Dinton Pastures to feed the birds, usually visiting the bird feeding frontage on Black Swan Lake. This is where you will find the more common types of bird, eager to take food from the generous visitors. By venturing further a field, to Lavell's Lake, you can find the shyer and often rarer types of birds, as well as the many bird watches that come here each week!

Watersports

Black Swan Sailing Club is located at the park with many members coming throughout the year to enjoy the good sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and diving on offer. The club also runs many courses in these throughout the year.

Café

The Dragonfly café is very popular, drawing many regulars to the site simply for its home cooked food.

Play and picnic area

A play and picnic area is provided on the site, attracting many families throughout the year.

Also available at Dinton Pastures are facilities for hall hire and BBQ hire. A variety of events are run through out the year too, attracting some 2,000 people to the park. Another 4,500 children visit the park through school visits and other educational trips, with many of these involving the help of our Education Ranger.

Research from a survey in 1997 found that the most popular reasons for visiting Dinton Pastures were, to walk, feed the birds, visit the café, or have a picnic. In actual fact, it is estimated that 60% of visitors never get past the bird feeding area on Black Swan Lake!