Frequently Asked Questions
General
Our closing times vary with the season. In the Summer we are open until 17:30 most days. We have evening opening on Wednesdays and Thursdays from May to early September. We do lock the gates when we close and our closing times are clearly signposted on the entrance gate. So please remember to check the closing time before you park as we don’t want you to get locked in! It could mean an overnight stay for you!
Do check our opening times here, or feel free to give us a call on 01737 644 288.
Our official opening times below are when you can get on the water (we are usually in a little earlier so we can everything ready for you.)
- Summer April 1st - October 31st - 7 seven days a week 0930-1730
- May 1st - September 1st - Late night opening Wednesdays and Thursday until 2030 or sunset - whichever is earlier.
- Winter November 1st - March 31st - Closed Mondays & Tuesday. Open 1000-1500
As a member, you can get on the water as soon as you’ve signed out at the Centre and checked that safety cover is up and running. If you’re here for an experience, course or camp, you’ll have all the timings on your booking confirmation.
Do check our opening times here, or do give us a call if you’re not sure on 01737 644 288.
No. Although the lake can look very inviting in the warmer months, it is very deep in places and there are some hazards that make swimming (especially unsupervised swimming) really unsafe. Our clients always wear buoyancy aids, equipment and/or wetsuits while on or by the water. We have trained supervision and safety cover for them at all times.
Here’s some advice from expert sources:
If you try to swim here, and you aren’t one of our clients, you will be asked to leave.
Going on the Water
The lake temperature obviously varies from season to season, so do call us to check. We’re in it all the time. It’s our job. Everyone who goes in or on the water wears a suitable wetsuit (we provide these if you’ve booked with us).
Give as a call for a current temperature check and advice on what to wear.
01737 644 288
Thinking of coming down to hire or launch? Here is a link to the usual forecast that we use. But the lake often has its own little microclimate (ask any of our regulars!) and different local effects may effect the actual conditions so feel free to give us a call for a free weather check and our team of experienced instructors can help provide you with a current assessment of the conditions.
01737 644 288
Our latest hire rates are here.
Don’t forget that members get some fantastic discounts on hire, as well as courses, priority booking and free members clinics
Yes...provided it’s suitable for the conditions and the sport. We recommend minimum 3mm fullsuit/steamer that is a good fit. If you’re a hire member, then you’ll have passed an appropriate course before taking to the water, so you’ll know what will work for your session. If you aren’t sure, call us first, or check in with us. We have plenty of wetsuits for hire at a very reasonable rate and the staff will make sure you go out with the right kit.
If you’re under 14, yes. If you bring your own and you’re under 14, it’s up to the adult that’s with you to make sure your wetsuit is right for you. We’ll keep an eye and offer advice, so do check with us if you’re unsure. We have wetsuits for hire at a very reasonable rate, in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll always have an option.
We are geared up to teach children of 6 years and upwards for sailing, and 8 upwards for all our other sports. Our equipment range is not suitable for children smaller than this. If you are competent and have your own equipment and a suitable life jacket, you are able to launch on the lake with younger children, but we do reserve the right to restrict access if we believe the conditions are unsuitable for your child. If you don’t have your own equipment and you want your child to start enjoying the water, we DO take 6 & 7 year olds on our bespoke Introduction to Sailing course, where they always seem to have a blast, gaining newfound water confidence and learn an exciting new sport too. Click here to find out more about the Introduction to Sailing course.
If you have booked on any of our courses or experiences, we provide all the equipment including wetsuits and buoyancy aids. All you need to bring is swimwear, towel and something to wear on your feet. An old pair of trainers is perfectly fine, or even wet shoes if you have them, just make sure the soles are soft and the toes are covered. Please do not use crocs or sandals. We do sell specialist neoprene watersports shoes and boots in our shop.
Sorry, no. The only powered craft on the lake will be the safety boats. Everything else is wind and paddle power.
Facilities
Yes! The Cafe is inside the centre with the same opening times. We have a sunny terrace and dry lounge, offering the finest Barista-style coffee*, teas of many descriptions, snacks and cold drinks, hot chocolate for the less sunny days, plus toasties in season.
*Feel free to nominate Aqua Sports’ Best Barista.
We have a watersports equipment and accessories shop on site that sells O'Neill or ION wetsuits, rash vests, boots, gloves and Crewsaver or Helly Hanson spray tops, harnesses and more - in short we have, or we can order in, most of the accessories that a watersports enthusiast might need. In terms of hardware, we sell paddleboards and equipment from the Red Paddle Co, Fanatic and Starboard. We are especially passionate about windsurfing too so if you would like to buy windsurfing kit we can supply from Fanatic, Starboard, Severne, Duotone and more. If you are thinking of buying second hand or ex-demo, we also sell our school and hire equipment on each year. Just call the team for genuine advice.
Certainly! They’re just inside the centre and available for anyone to use during our opening times. We have disabled facilities too.
Yes there is. You can walk right round the lake, through woodland with a wild-at-heart feel. It takes about 20 minutes and the lakeside is a popular dog walk. The area is teeming with wildlife and we’re often visited by keen bird watchers, especially in migration seasons. If you visit early morning in the Summer, you will be lucky enough to catch sight of our local kingfishers. Or you may see one of our very long-standing turtle residents basking on a old tree branch. Although not native to the lake, we think they may have been unwanted pets. Check in with us for tips on the best and safest vantage points. And why not drop by for a Barista coffee at our Lakeview cafe when you’re done.
No. Sorry, but direct access to the water is strictly limited for safety reasons. Our staff and clients only approach the water wearing a buoyancy aid. There is a fence around the lake - please don’t try to cross it. Check in with us if you’re unsure.
Yes. And it’s free. Drive down the driveway (please don’t park on the driveway itself, or in any gateways - it’s an emergency access) and you’ll see our ample parking area.
Please do! Even if you aren’t going on the water, Mercer’s Park is a wonderful escape, with a close-to-nature feeling. It’s a great place to relax while other family members are on the water.
We are in Mercers Park which is just outside Redhill in Surrey.
Mercers Park,
Nutfield Marsh Road,
Nutfield (nr Merstham),
Surrey
RH1 4EU
If you’re using a sat nav, the postcode is: RH1 4EU
Click here to find us on google maps.
We are perfectly located between the M25 and M23, with easy access from London and Gatwick Airport
Nearest Rail Stations: Merstham or Redhill (direct from London Victoria)
Bus: Take to 430 from Redhill bus station Platform 4 to Mill Lane in Merstham (opposite Watercolours Housing) then it’s a 12 minute walk around the lake.
Large vehicles should approach from the A25, coming down Nutfield Marsh Road to avoid the width restriction.
