Rother Valley Country Park
🏟 Playground & park · Wales Bar, Rotherham
Rother Valley Country Park
A 750-acre country park near Rotherham with lakes, trails, two free children's play areas, watersports and cafes.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Park open daily, around 8:30am-5pm · Free · No booking needed
📍 Location & directions
🗺️ Show map ▾
Address: Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Rotherham, S26 5PQ
Plus Code: 9C5W8MXX+RV
About Rother Valley Country Park
Rother Valley Country Park is a large 750-acre country park in the south of the borough, straddling the River Rother near Wales Bar. It was created by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, which still manages the site, by reclaiming former opencast and agricultural land, and today its chain of lakes, woodland and meadow is a major destination for walking, cycling and watersports. For families the park offers two free children's play areas, one in the northern part of the park and a newer one beside the Waterfront Cafe, with swings and climbing equipment. The park itself is free to enter, though parking is pay and display at around five pounds per car with a reduced rate for Blue Badge holders. Many activities carry a charge, including the aqua park, boat and watersports sessions, cycle and mountain-bike hire and the miniature railway, but there is plenty to enjoy for free along the lakeside paths and trails. Two cafes, including a dog-friendly waterfront cafe, provide refreshments, and dogs are welcome throughout the park with off-lead areas. Note that sat navs using the postcode can mislead, so follow the park's own directions.
⭐ What makes this place special
- Large lake for watersports
- Walking and cycling trails
- Cycle and mountain bike hire
- Aqua park (paid, seasonal)
- Boat and watersports activities (paid)
- Miniature railway (paid)
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Parking: Pay and display car parks (around £5 per car; reduced rate for Blue Badge holders)
- Toilets on site
- Café / refreshments
- Dogs: Dogs welcome throughout the park, including off-lead in certain areas; dogs allowed in the waterfront cafe area
🧒 Ages & play
- Children's play area with swings and climbing equipment
- Second play area near the Waterfront Cafe
📍 Nearby places to play
- Westfield Park · approx 2.4 miles · Westfield, Mosborough
- Beaver Hill Recreation Ground · approx 2.8 miles · Woodhouse
- Ulley Country Park · approx 2.8 miles · Ulley
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Rother Valley Country Park free?
Entry to the park is free, but parking is pay and display at around five pounds per car. Many activities, such as the aqua park and boat hire, are paid.
Is there a children's play area?
Yes. There are two free play areas, one in the north of the park and a newer one beside the Waterfront Cafe, with swings and climbing equipment.
How much is parking?
Parking is pay and display at around five pounds per car, with a reduced rate for Blue Badge holders.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, with off-lead areas, and are allowed in the waterfront cafe area.
Who manages the park?
Rother Valley Country Park is owned and managed by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.