Rutland Water Sykes Lane
England, United Kingdom
Rutland Water is a large reservoir in Rutland county, popular for watersports, walking, and cycling. Sykes Lane Bathing Beach is a sandy beach on the northeast shore, between Whitwell and Empingham villages. It's about 90 minutes from Birmingham, making it accessible for Midlands residents. The…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Rutland Water Sykes Lane
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Rutland Water Sykes Lane?
Rutland Water is a large reservoir in Rutland county, popular for watersports, walking, and cycling. Sykes Lane Bathing Beach is a sandy beach on the northeast shore, between Whitwell and Empingham villages. It's about 90 minutes from Birmingham, making it accessible for Midlands residents. The beach has lifeguards during official opening hours and is designated for safe swimming. Swimming is not permitted outside these hours.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in England, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across United Kingdom certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Rutland Water Sykes Lane faces S toward North Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4°C | Low |
| Feb | 5°C | Low |
| Mar | 6°C | Low |
| Apr | 8°C | Low |
| May | 12°C | Med |
| Jun | 15°C | High |
| Jul | 17°C | High |
| Aug | 17°C | High |
| Sep | 14°C | Med |
| Oct | 11°C | Low |
| Nov | 7°C | Low |
| Dec | 5°C | Low |
The best time to visit Rutland Water Sykes Lane is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 17.4°C in summer.
How crowded does Rutland Water Sykes Lane get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in United Kingdom, Rutland Water Sykes Lane sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Rutland Water Sykes Lane open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (15-05 – 30-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Rutland Water Sykes Lane
Is Rutland Water Sykes Lane safe to swim?Rutland Water Sykes Lane is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.
What is the water temperature at Rutland Water Sykes Lane?Air temperature at Rutland Water Sykes Lane reaches 17.4°C in July. Water temperatures vary by season — check local conditions before visiting. In winter (January), air temperatures average 4.2°C.
What is the beach like at Rutland Water Sykes Lane?Rutland Water Sykes Lane is a sandy beach on the England coast of United Kingdom. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Rutland Water Sykes Lane have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Rutland Water Sykes Lane meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season. Parking is available nearby.
Rutland Water Sykes Lane sits on the North Sea — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the North Sea.
Transport
Getting to Rutland Water Sykes Lane
How do I get to Rutland Water Sykes Lane by car?Rutland Water Sykes Lane is approximately 3.91 km from Rutland. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Rutland Water Sykes Lane?The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), approximately 132.9 km away.
Can I get to Rutland Water Sykes Lane by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Rutland.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✓ On duty during official season |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 15-05 – 30-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 52.6600°N, 0.6132°W |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — United Kingdom |
Frequently Asked Questions
Rutland Water Sykes Lane FAQ
Is Rutland Water Sykes Lane suitable for children?
Rutland Water Sykes Lane is a Blue Flag certified beach in England, United Kingdom. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, providing an important safety layer for families. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Rutland Water Sykes Lane free to access?
Yes, access to Rutland Water Sykes Lane is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Parking is available nearby; check local signs for any parking charges. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Rutland Water Sykes Lane?
The best time to visit Rutland Water Sykes Lane is May, June, September. Air temperatures reach 17.4°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Rutland Water Sykes Lane?
Rutland Water Sykes Lane is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Rutland Water Sykes Lane?
Rutland Water Sykes Lane is located in England, United Kingdom. It is approximately 3.91 km from Rutland. The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), 132.9 km away. Parking is available at or near the beach. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
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