The Boating Lake

The large lake in front of the Towers was an attraction in itself for many years as a boating lake featuring a variety of different craft.

In the early years the boating lake was extremely popular, but during the transition into a theme park the popularity of the lake’s attractions dwindled. They were all eventually removed in 1996, leaving the main lake empty of attractions, until 2004 when a new ‘golf hole in one’ attraction took up residence.

Rowing Boats

The main attraction of the Boating Lake were the Rowing Boats that operated on the lake from at least 1929 until 1997. They were a vital part of the Towers whilst it operated as a Country Park, but less so as the years went by.

Initially the boats were launched from the lawn in front of the Towers, but in later years they were launched from the dam that separated the lakes from the Gardens.

Motor Boat

During the 50s and 60s a large Motor Boat also plied the waters of the lake giving those that didn’t fancy propelling themselves the chance to enjoy the lakes as well.

It seems like this boat stopped running at much the same time as the self drive motor boats arrived in the Ingestre Lake.

Red Indian Canoes

For those a little more adventurous, the park also offered Red Indian Canoes on the boating lake. Offering a very different style of ride, the canoes operated alongside the Rowing Boats between 1983 and 1987, but seemed to stop operating at around the same time as the Splash Cats moved onto the main lake.

Splash Cats

The Splash Cats moved on to the main lake in 1987 to make way for the Swan Boats. They then operated in the area of the lake nearest Kiddies Kingdom until they were removed at the end of 1996.