Plan the Vicar Water Car Park Before You Drive to the Country Park
Searching for Vicar Water Country Park car park fees, prices or map details? The most important point is that this is a countryside car park with a voluntary donation, not a paid waterpark ticket gate.
This guide explains the current parking-cost reality, monthly access times, spaces, disabled bays, map help, café/toilets, walking routes, parkrun crowds, dog rules and mistakes to avoid before visiting Clipstone.
Vicar Water Country Park car park prices are simple for most visitors: the official council page says there is no parking charge, just a £1 donation at the machine. The current official summary also lists 59 parking spaces, 5 disabled parking spaces and no height barriers.
- Car park fee: no compulsory charge; £1 donation encouraged.
- Parking times: access varies by month, so check the time table below.
- Best map search: “Vicar Water Country Park” rather than relying only on one postcode.
- Busy warning: Saturday parkrun, sunny weekends and school holidays can make parking tighter.
I Want To… Choose the Exact Parking or Visit Action
Pick the task you came for. This keeps the page practical and avoids the common mistake of treating Vicar Water like a paid water-slide attraction.
Check Vicar Water Country Park car park fees
Use this if you need the actual parking price, donation and fine-risk answer before driving.
See parking fees and pricesCheck access times
Use this if you are planning an early walk, late dog walk, fishing trip, café visit or parkrun.
See monthly parking timesFind the car park map
Use live navigation and search the park name so you do not end up at a random lake-edge pin.
Open map sectionPlan a family visit
Use the car park, toilets, café and play area as your first arrival zone before choosing a walk.
See family facilitiesVicar Water Country Park Car Park Fees and Prices
The current official council wording is important: Vicar Water has no parking charge, just a £1 donation at the machine. That means the £1 is a park-support donation rather than a normal compulsory pay-and-display fee.
| Parking question | Official-source answer | What visitors should do |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a compulsory car park fee? | No parking charge is listed; the council describes it as a £1 donation at the machine. | Donate if you can; it helps support park upkeep. |
| What is the Vicar Water Country Park car park price? | For most visitors, the practical price to plan is the voluntary £1 donation. | Carry £1 or check the machine on arrival for current payment details. |
| Are there disabled spaces? | The official page lists 5 disabled parking spaces. | Arrive earlier on busy days if accessible parking is important. |
| How many spaces are there? | The official page lists 59 parking spaces. | Avoid arriving just before Saturday 9am parkrun if you need easy parking. |
| Is there a height barrier? | The official page lists no height barriers. | Still check entrance signage if driving a taller vehicle or van. |
| Can motorbikes park there? | The official page says motorbike parking is not available. | Do not assume motorbike bays; check local alternatives before travel. |
| Are bike racks available? | Bicycle racks are listed behind the café. | Bring your own lock and avoid blocking paths or café access. |
Vicar Water Country Park Car Park Opening Times by Month
Gate and parking-access times matter more than “park opening hours” if you leave your vehicle inside. Plan late walks around the official monthly car park access windows and the current entrance notice.
| Month / season | Official parking access time | Best planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| November to February | 7am to 4pm | Short daylight: avoid starting unfamiliar walks late. |
| March | 7am to 6pm | Good for after-work walks only if you keep route short. |
| April to August | 6am to 8pm | Best window for longer walks, cycling and evening family visits. |
| September to October | 6am to 6pm | Autumn evenings can catch visitors out; check gate signs before walking. |
Vicar Water Country Park Car Park Map, Address and Directions
For the Vicar Water Country Park car park map, the safest navigation method is to search the park name and confirm the marker before driving. Discover Ashfield lists Vicars Court, Clipstone, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9AS; some local/council snippets also show NG21 9AA, so use the official park name as the final check.
Map and postcode help
- Best map search: Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone.
- Listed address: Vicars Court, Clipstone, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9AS.
- Alternative postcode seen in local listings: NG21 9AA.
- Arrival anchor: visitor centre / Rumbles Café area.
- Do not search only “water park”: it can suggest paid swimming attractions or unrelated results.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Car Park Without Problems
Use “Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone” in your map app and confirm the visitor-centre / car park marker before driving.
Use the monthly table above, especially if visiting in winter, autumn or late afternoon.
Saturday 9am parkrun, school holidays, sunny weekends, café times and family play-area periods can make parking busier.
The official page describes the donation as voluntary, but it supports the park.
This keeps toilets, refreshments, play area, paths and group meet-ups easier.
Short play-area visit, pond loop, 5-mile circular walk, cycle route and parkrun all need different timing and footwear.
Which Visit Type Fits Your Parking Plan?
Vicar Water is not a water-slide park. Choose the right type of outdoor visit before you park so you pack the right things and avoid route mistakes.
Short family stop
Best for: toilets, Rumbles Café, play area, small pond and a short walk.
- Park near visitor-centre area if spaces allow.
- Use the play area first if children are tired.
- Do not promise water slides or swimming.
Saturday parkrun
Best for: registered parkrunners, volunteers and spectators.
- Parkrun is listed every Saturday at 9am.
- Arrive early for parking and briefing.
- Bring your barcode and suitable shoes.
5-mile circular walk
Best for: active walkers who can handle distance and gradients.
- Nottinghamshire lists a 5-mile route.
- Some paths can be steep or muddy.
- Start early enough for gate time and daylight.
Dog walk or wildlife visit
Best for: controlled dog walking, birdwatching and lake/woodland views.
- Keep dogs under control near wildlife.
- Pick up dog mess every time.
- Bring binoculars for birds and pond wildlife.
Facilities Near Vicar Water Country Park Car Park
The car park works best when you treat the visitor-centre area as your first stop. The official page lists toilets, café, play area, small pond, Golden Hand sculpture and access to routes.
| Facility | What is listed | Visitor tip |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor centre toilets | The council lists a visitor centre with toilets. | Use toilets before longer walks, cycling or parkrun. |
| Rumbles Café | Rumbles Café is listed as a park facility. | Do not assume café hours match outdoor access; check locally if food is essential. |
| Children’s play area | Zipwire, climbing frame, swings and roundabouts are listed. | Useful for a short family visit even without doing the full walk. |
| Accessible play item | The existing page notes an accessible swing seat. | Arrive earlier if accessible play or parking is important. |
| Small pond | Used for model boats and duck feeding. | Use wildlife-safe food only and do not leave litter. |
| Bicycle racks | Located behind the café. | Bring a lock; do not block café, toilets or paths. |
Walks, Cycling, Parkrun and Guided Walks From the Car Park
The car park is the starting point for different outdoor uses, from a quick pond stroll to a 5-mile walk. Pick the right route before you leave your car.
5-mile circular walk
Nottinghamshire County Council lists Vicar Water Country Park as a 5-mile circular walk with surfaced paths and some steep gradients.
Open official walk listingParkrun
The council lists parkrun every Saturday at 9am. Arrive earlier than normal because the car park can be busier.
Open Vicar Water parkrunGuided ranger walks
Guided walks are listed on the third Tuesday of each month, 9:00am to 10:30am, meeting by the ranger’s office next to Rumbles Café.
Open guided walks pageCycling routes
The official page lists footpaths and cycleways suitable for all abilities, including Sustrans National Route 6 and the Timberland Trail.
Check official park route infoRules and Safety: Dogs, BBQs, Fires, Wildlife and Open Water
The most serious visit problems are not parking payments — they are fire risk, dogs worrying wildlife, litter, unsuitable footwear and treating the lake like a swimming place.
| Rule / risk | What to know | Best visitor action |
|---|---|---|
| BBQs, campfires and fireworks | The council says these are not permitted in the park. | Do not pack BBQs, fire pits, fireworks or naked-flame items. |
| Sky lanterns and helium balloons | The council says these are banned in council parks. | Avoid release items; protect wildlife and reduce fire risk. |
| Dogs | Dogs must be safe, controlled and must not worry wildlife. | Keep dogs close near ponds, children, cyclists and wildlife areas. |
| Dog mess | Not picking up dog mess is an offence and penalties can apply. | Bring bags and use bins responsibly. |
| Open water | Vicar Pond is a fishing/wildlife feature, not a swimming pool. | Supervise children and dogs around lake and pond edges. |
| Anti-social behaviour | The council says to call 101 for incidents requiring an immediate response in the park. | Use official reporting routes; in danger, follow emergency guidance. |
Contact Help Box: Ask Before a Special Visit
Use this when you need up-to-date help with parking notices, volunteer activity, school/environmental education, guided walks, wildlife rules, fishing access or a group visit.
Official contact routes
- Park Ranger Isaac Thorn: isaac.thorn@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
- Official council page: Vicar Water Country Park
- Guided walks booking page: Guided park ranger walks
- Immediate antisocial behaviour response route listed by council: call 101
Message script
Hello, I’m planning to visit Vicar Water Country Park on [date] with [children/dog/mobility needs/group/fishing/walking plan]. Can you confirm current car park access, donation/payment advice, toilet/café availability, gate notices, and any route or rule updates I should know before travelling?
Checklist Before Leaving Home
Parking and map
- Google Maps opened for “Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone”.
- Monthly car park access time checked.
- £1 donation ready if you want to support the park.
- Arrival planned earlier for parkrun or sunny weekends.
Family and comfort
- Children told it is a country park, not a flume waterpark.
- Toilet stop planned at visitor centre.
- Simple snacks/water packed if café availability matters.
- Meeting point chosen near café/visitor centre.
Walking and weather
- Short walk or 5-mile route chosen before arrival.
- Stout footwear packed for mud/gradients.
- Waterproof layer or sun protection packed by season.
- Return planned before gate time and darkness.
Rules and safety
- No BBQ, campfire, fireworks or lanterns packed.
- Dog bags and lead/control plan ready.
- Children supervised near ponds and lake edges.
- Valuables kept secure; no visible items left in car.
Common Vicar Water Country Park Car Park Mistakes to Avoid
Thinking it is a paid water-slide park
Vicar Water is a country park and Local Nature Reserve. It is not a commercial waterpark with slides, flumes or admission tickets.
Searching the wrong postcode only
Use the park name and confirm the map marker. Address listings can vary between NG21 9AS and NG21 9AA.
Starting a long walk too late
Parking access changes by month. In winter and autumn, late starts can create gate and daylight problems.
Arriving at parkrun time without a buffer
Saturday 9am can be busier. Arrive earlier for parking, toilets, briefing and a relaxed start.
Expecting lockers or theme-park facilities
Travel light. Do not bring unnecessary valuables or leave visible items in your vehicle.
Packing BBQs or fire items
BBQs, campfires, fireworks, sky lanterns and similar fire-risk items are not suitable for this park.
Related UKWaterPark.org Guides
These live UKWaterPark.org guides are relevant if you are comparing country-park parking, lake walks, café facilities, maps or family outdoor days.
Vicar Water café and facilities
Useful if you need more detail about Rumbles Café, toilets, lockers reality check and family facilities.
Read Vicar Water facilities guideDraycote Water Country Park
Good comparison for parking-first reservoir planning, maps, routes, café and outdoor activity decisions.
Read Draycote Water guideCoate Water Country Park
Useful for comparing country-park parking, café, picnic planning, lockers reality and lake-safety expectations.
Read Coate Water guideOgden Water Country Park
Helpful if you want another postcode, map, reservoir-walk and parking-style outdoor guide.
Read Ogden Water guideFAQs About Vicar Water Country Park Car Park Fees, Prices and Map
How much is Vicar Water Country Park car park?
The official council page says there is no parking charge, just a £1 donation at the machine. For most visitors, the practical cost to plan is the voluntary £1 donation.
Are Vicar Water Country Park car park fees compulsory?
The current official wording says there is no parking charge, just a donation. Visitors should still follow all car park signs, gate notices and parking rules.
What are Vicar Water Country Park car park prices for 2026?
The key 2026 planning detail is the £1 voluntary donation. The current official page highlights no parking charge, 59 spaces, 5 disabled spaces and no height barriers.
Where is Vicar Water Country Park car park on the map?
Search “Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone” in Google Maps. Discover Ashfield lists Vicars Court, Clipstone, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9AS, but using the park name is the safest navigation method.
What time is Vicar Water Country Park car park open?
The official page lists parking access as November to February 7am-4pm, March 7am-6pm, April to August 6am-8pm, and September to October 6am-6pm.
How many spaces are in Vicar Water Country Park car park?
The official page lists 59 parking spaces and 5 disabled parking spaces.
Does Vicar Water Country Park car park have a height barrier?
The official page says there are no height barriers. If you are driving a larger vehicle, still check the current entrance signage when you arrive.
Is there motorbike parking at Vicar Water Country Park?
The official page says motorbike parking is not available. Motorbike visitors should check local options before travelling.
Is Vicar Water Country Park a real water park?
No. It is a country park and Local Nature Reserve near Clipstone, not a water-slide park. Visitors usually come for parking, walks, cycling, café, toilets, play area, fishing, parkrun and wildlife.
Can I bring a BBQ to Vicar Water Country Park?
No. The council says BBQs, campfires and fireworks are not permitted. Sky lanterns and helium balloon releases are also banned in council parks.
Final Car Park Planning Rule
For Vicar Water Country Park car park fees, prices and map planning, remember the simple order: search the park name, check the monthly parking time, bring £1 if you want to donate, arrive earlier for parkrun or sunny weekends, use the visitor centre as your first stop, and choose your walking route before leaving the car.