Hemsworth Water Park: Plan the Lake, Playworld & Pedalo Day Properly
Hemsworth Water Park & Playworld is an outdoor lakeside family park near Hemsworth and Kinsley. The big planning point is simple: this is not a swimming waterpark with flumes and pools.
Families come for the lakeside setting, sandy areas, Playworld, pedalos, picnics, fishing and outdoor space. Hemsworth Town Council specifically states that paddling and swimming are not permitted in the lakes.
First: What Does “Hemsworth Water Park” Actually Mean?
The official venue is Hemsworth Water Park & Playworld, operated by Hemsworth Town Council. It sits around the Hemsworth, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam area of West Yorkshire, with the official sat-nav address on Hoyle Mill Road.
The name can create the wrong expectation. This is not comparable with an indoor leisure pool or a large slide-based commercial waterpark.
Two Lakes
The larger lake is used for pedalos and fishing. The smaller lake is intended as a quieter wildlife area.
Sandy Areas
There are sandy beach-style areas, but they should not be interpreted as permission to enter the water.
Playworld
A separate outdoor adventure playground includes climbing and sliding equipment plus a toddler sandpit area.
Hemsworth Water Park Prices: What Could Your Day Cost?
The park does not work like a single admission-ticket attraction. Your actual cost depends on which optional activities you use and whether a parking charge applies on your visit.
Playworld
£3.00Per child according to the current Hemsworth Town Council visitor information.
Car Parking
£3.00Per vehicle for all-day parking when parking charges are in force.
Pedalo
£8.50Per boat. The official information says a pedalo seats four people.
Adult Day Fishing
£4.50Per peg. A rod licence number is required when buying permits.
Child Day Fishing
£2.50Per peg under the current published council tariff.
Lakeside Visit
The open park, walks, grass and picnic areas are separate from paid Playworld, pedalo and fishing activities.
Example: 2 Adults + 2 Children
This example shows how optional activities change the cost. It is not a package price.
Food, fishing and other personal spending are not included in this example.
Free Parking & Playworld Passes for Eligible Local Residents
Residents of Hemsworth, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam have an important local benefit. Hemsworth Town Council states that eligible residents can obtain permits for free Water Park parking and free Playworld entry for children.
Prepare proof of residency
Take a document showing your name and address. The council uses this to verify that you live in an eligible area.
Visit Hemsworth Community Centre
The permits are obtained through the Community Centre rather than simply claiming free entry at Playworld without evidence.
Get the correct permits
Ask about the current parking permit and Playworld pass arrangements before your planned visit.
Telephone: 01977 617617.
Playworld Opening Times in 2026
Playworld has different opening patterns during term time and school holidays. It is also an outdoor attraction, so a published opening day does not guarantee that wet-weather conditions will allow it to operate.
Term Time
Monday-Friday: Closed
Weekends: 10:00am-5:00pm
School Holidays
Monday-Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Weekends: 10:00am-5:00pm
The council says it hopes to keep Playworld operating until the end of September, weather permitting. Treat this as seasonal guidance rather than a guarantee for every September date.
Check Hemsworth Town Council’s current Water Park and Playworld information before making a weather-sensitive journey.
Is Hemsworth Water Park Good for Your Family?
The best answer depends on what your children think a “water park” means. It can be a strong budget-friendly outdoor day for families happy with playgrounds, sand, grass, pedalos and lakeside scenery.
Pedalo Rides: Price, Hours & Weather Risk
Pedalos operate on the main lake and are one of the most water-focused activities at Hemsworth. The current official price is £8.50 per boat, with each boat seating four people.
Term-Time Pedalo Hours
Monday-Friday: Closed
Weekends: 10:00am-4:00pm
School-Holiday Hours
Monday-Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Weekends: 10:00am-4:00pm
Tickets are purchased from the pedalo pay point. The council states that cash and card are accepted.
Fishing at Hemsworth Water Park
Both lakes are stocked for fishing, and Hemsworth Town Council currently states that fishing is available throughout the year. Fishing should be planned separately from a casual family picnic because permits and fishing rules apply.
Day Permits
- Adult: £4.50 per peg
- Child: £2.50 per peg
- Purchased at Hemsworth Water Park
- Rod licence number required
Annual Permits
- Adult resident: £20
- Adult non-resident: £40
- Child resident: £10
- Child non-resident: £20
Annual permits are listed as being purchased through Hemsworth Community Centre. Check the current day or night fishing rules before setting up at a peg.
The Rule Families Must Know: No Swimming or Paddling
The presence of sand next to a lake can easily look like a bathing beach in photos. Hemsworth Town Council is clear: paddling and swimming are not permitted in the lakes.
No Swimming
Do not plan the trip around entering the lake, even if older photographs show people close to the water.
Supervise Children
The site contains open water. Keep younger children close and explain the water rule before they reach the sandy area.
Follow Current Signs
On-site instructions, barriers and staff directions take priority over an online visitor guide.
What happened to the second beach?
Hemsworth Town Council previously closed the second beach on the main lake at the Vale Head Park side following advice from its insurer. That area was grassed over, while the main beach remained.
This is another reason not to use old photographs as a current map of where visitors can go.
Parking: £3 All Day on Charged Days
Hemsworth Town Council currently lists parking at £3 per vehicle for all-day parking. Charges are in force on weekends and school holidays from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
*Eligible residents of Hemsworth, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam can obtain the council’s free parking permit after providing proof of residency.
Which entrance should you use?
Hoyle Mill Road
Cars can enter from Hoyle Mill Road. This is also the address supplied by the council for sat nav.
B6273 Entrance
Cars and pedestrians can also enter from the B6273 via the Hemsworth Park Care Centre entrance road.
Coach Access
The council directs coaches to Hoyle Mill Road opposite the Farmers public house in Kinsley.
For a parking-specific route plan, see our Hemsworth Water Park car park, postcode and map guide.
Hemsworth Water Park Map & Address
Hemsworth Water Park & Playworld
Hoyle Mill Road
Kinsley, Pontefract
WF9 5JB
By Train
Hemsworth Town Council identifies Fitzwilliam as the nearest railway station and describes it as roughly a 10-minute walk from the park.
By Bus
The council states that a bus stop is directly outside the park. Check the live timetable for your exact visit date rather than relying on an old route number.
Accessibility: What to Confirm Before a Special Journey
Wakefield’s official tourism listing identifies the venue as wheelchair accessible. That is useful, but it does not answer every accessibility question a family may have.
Picnics, Food & What You Cannot Do
The park has grassed areas intended for picnics and games, making packed food a practical option for a budget family visit.
Picnics
Grassed areas provide space for a family picnic. Pick a base away from lake edges and fishing pegs.
No BBQs
Hemsworth Town Council specifically states that BBQs are not permitted.
No Camping
Camping is also prohibited, so plan Hemsworth as a day visit rather than an overnight lakeside stay.
Food service can be useful when operating, but families with dietary requirements or young children may prefer to carry a sensible backup rather than relying entirely on one concession being open.
What Can Cause a Disappointing or Failed Visit?
Most problems at Hemsworth are predictable. They come from misunderstanding the venue or relying on an outdoor activity without checking weather conditions.
❌ Expecting swimming
The lakes are not swimming pools. Swimming and paddling are prohibited.
❌ Promising Playworld after rain
Wet or slippery surfaces can cause Playworld to close, including after overnight rain.
❌ Assuming pedalos always run
Pedalo operation is weather dependent and has shorter published hours than Playworld.
❌ Forgetting parking cost
Budget £3 when visiting by car during the council’s charged periods unless you hold an eligible resident permit.
❌ Using an old price article
Use the current council page as the controlling source for changing prices and opening information.
❌ Treating the beach as a bathing beach
Sand beside a lake does not override the council’s no-swimming and no-paddling rule.
Before You Leave Home: 10-Point Family Checklist
- Check today’s weather and recent rain.
- Check current Playworld status if it is a main reason for visiting.
- Check pedalo operation if your children expect a boat ride.
- Use Hoyle Mill Road, Kinsley, Pontefract, WF9 5JB for sat nav.
- Budget £3 parking when charges apply.
- Explain the no-swimming and no-paddling rule before arrival.
- Pack drinks, picnic food or a food backup.
- Bring sun protection or rain layers for an outdoor visit.
- Bring spare clothing for children playing around sand and wet outdoor surfaces.
- Save 01977 617617 if weather or facility status is uncertain.
A Simple 3-Hour Hemsworth Family Itinerary
Arrival + rule check
Park, read the current signs and establish a family meeting point. Remind children that the lake is not for paddling or swimming.
Playworld first
If Playworld is open and you plan to use it, consider doing it while children are fresh and before weather changes later in the day.
Picnic break
Move to a grassed picnic area away from fishing pegs and lake edges. Keep the meal simple so the day remains flexible.
Pedalo or lake walk
If pedalos are operating, add a boat ride. If not, switch to a lake walk, wildlife watching or relaxed outdoor play.
Official Contact: What to Ask Before Travelling
Hemsworth Town Council
Telephone: 01977 617617
Email: webenquiry@hemsworthcouncil.co.uk
Administration address: Hemsworth Community Centre, Bullenshaw Road, Hemsworth, Pontefract, WF9 4NE.
Best Reasons to Call
- Changeable or wet weather
- Playworld opening status
- Pedalo availability
- Accessibility requirements
- Resident permits
- Fishing permit questions
“Hello, we’re planning to visit Hemsworth Water Park on [date] with children. Could you confirm whether Playworld and pedalos are operating, whether weather has affected any facilities, and anything we should know about parking today?”
Related UKWaterPark.org Planning Guides
Keep the main Hemsworth article focused on the overall family visit. Use the more specific parking page when your intent is postcode, car park fees and arrival planning.
Hemsworth Water Park Car Park
Use the dedicated guide for postcode, parking charge, entrance and map-first travel planning.
Need an Indoor Water Park?
If the no-swimming rule makes Hemsworth unsuitable, compare purpose-built indoor UK waterparks instead.
Hemsworth Water Park FAQs
Can you swim at Hemsworth Water Park?
No. Hemsworth Town Council states that paddling and swimming are not permitted in the lakes. Do not treat the sandy beach areas as swimming beaches.
How much is Playworld at Hemsworth Water Park?
The current council information lists Playworld entry at £3 per child. Eligible residents of Hemsworth, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam can obtain free Playworld passes after providing the required proof of residency.
How much is parking at Hemsworth Water Park?
Parking is currently listed at £3 per vehicle for all-day parking. Charges apply on weekends and school holidays between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Eligible local residents can obtain a free parking permit.
How much are pedalos at Hemsworth Water Park?
Pedalo rides are currently £8.50 per boat, and the council states that each boat seats four people. Pedalo operation is weather dependent.
What are Playworld’s opening times?
During term time, Playworld is listed as closed Monday-Friday and open weekends from 10:00am-5:00pm. During school holidays it is listed as open daily from 10:00am-5:00pm. Weather can cause closures.
What postcode should I use for Hemsworth Water Park?
Use the official sat-nav address: Hoyle Mill Road, Kinsley, Pontefract, WF9 5JB.
Is Hemsworth Water Park free?
The general lakeside park is different from a ticketed commercial waterpark. Optional facilities have separate charges, including Playworld, pedalos, fishing permits and parking during charged periods.
Is Hemsworth Water Park suitable for toddlers?
Playworld includes a toddler sandpit area, and the wider park offers sand, grass and outdoor space. Because the venue contains open lakes, young children still require close adult supervision.
Can you fish at Hemsworth Water Park?
Yes. Fishing is currently listed as available all year. Day and annual permits are available, and visitors must provide their rod licence number when purchasing permits.
Can rain close Playworld?
Yes. The council explains that Playworld may close when wet conditions make its surfaces slippery. Rain from the previous night can affect the following day’s operation, so check before a weather-sensitive journey.
Final Decision: Is Hemsworth Water Park Worth Visiting?
Choose Hemsworth if you want an inexpensive outdoor day built around Playworld, a lakeside picnic, pedalos, fishing, sand and open green space.
Choose somewhere else if the main reason for travelling is swimming, paddling, flumes, wave pools or an indoor waterpark experience. The venue’s name should not override its actual lake rules.