Sale Water Park is an area of parkland containing a 52 acre artificial lake. Opened in 1979 the water park lies in a area of green belt that runs through the Mersey river valley between Stretford and Sale. The water park contains a lake, woodland, meadows, the River Mersey, cafe, restaurant and water sports centre.
The lake is popular with local anglers and it contains a wide variety of fresh water fish, such as catfish, eel, roach, perch and carp. For fishing you can buy a day ticket or get a membership/permit for the year. Those wanting to fish here must join Sale Water Park Angling Group.
Every week there is a free 5km parkrun event that takes you around the lake and along the banks of the River Mersey. A lovely route in the summer.
Sale Water Park Restaurant
The restaurant is located by the lakeside and is called The Boathouse Restaurant where you can get a selection of hot and cold food. It serves both lunch and dinner. Menu consists of baked potatoes, sandwiches, pies, burgers, a few fish dishes, steaks and a Sunday roast. There is a fully stocked bar that offers beers, wine or maybe a coffee to warm you up after a leisurely stroll around the lake. For more information visit their website.
Opening Times For The Restaurant
Monday – Friday
Lunch – 12pm-2:30pm
Dinner – 5:30pm – 9pm
Saturday 12pm – 9:30pm
Sunday 12pm – 8pm
Opening Times For The Bar
Monday – Saturday
11:30pm – 11pm
Sunday
11:30am – 9:30pm
Water Sports at Sale Water Park
Opened in 1988 Trafford Water Sports Centre is situated on the edge of the lake. The centre provides facilities and training in paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Whether you wish to hire your own boat or board there is really something for everyone at the centre. There are also open all year round for group bookings whether it be a school or youth group, a stag or hen party or you want to get your colleagues out of work for the day and out into the great outdoors.
Open Water Swimming at Sale Water Park
The only open water swimming allowed at the Park is through Open Swim UK. Swimmers will be asked to leave the water outside of these sessions.
Open Swim UK runs 4 sessions of open water swimming every week between May and September.
Find out more at www.openswim.org.uk
Sale Water Park Car Park
There is a free car park on site that offers approx 50 spaces.
Opening Times
The Water park is open from dawn till dusk.
The water sports centre is open from the following times:
Weekends: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Bank Holidays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
School Holidays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Metrolink Park and Ride
There are approx 300 parking spaces at the park & ride facilities if you are using the Metrolink tram. There is no overnight parking available.
Sale Water Park FAQ
What is Sale Water Park and where is it located?
Sale Water Park is a 152-acre public park with a 52-acre artificial lake in Sale Moor, Greater Manchester, England. It’s run by Trafford Council and open year-round.
Can I swim at Sale Water Park?
Yes, swimming is allowed during organized swim sessions including dawn and dusk swims held regularly throughout the year.
Why isn’t swimming allowed all the time?
Swimming is restricted outside scheduled sessions for safety reasons, as lifeguards or safety crews are only present during official times.
Is there a car park and is it open late?
Yes, there’s a large car park next to the Metrolink stop. It’s free for Metrolink users and usually accessible late at night.
How can I get to Sale Water Park by public transport?
Take the Metrolink Airport Line to Sale Water Park stop. Trams run every 12 minutes toward Manchester Victoria or Manchester Airport.
What non-swimming activities can I do there?
You can windsurf, kayak, sail, water ski, fish (for carp, pike, perch, etc.), walk, or birdwatch at the Broad Ees Dole nature reserve.
Is Sale Water Park a good spot for wildlife watching?
Yes! Broad Ees Dole attracts snipe, lapwings, kingfishers and has orchids and newts too.
Is there an entry fee to the park?
No, it’s free to enter. You only pay for activities that require booking, like sailing or kayaking.
Address
Sale Water Park, Rifle Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 2LX
