Sywell: Reservoir Walks and Aviation History

Sywell combines walks by the reservoir with the history of Sywell Aerodrome, which has been in operation since 1928, and a listed church building. Routes, a fishing lake and play areas shape the visitor experience at Sywell Country Park; at the aerodrome, topics range from the airfield’s history to flight experiences and museum tours. The Church of St. Peter and Paul adds a separate historic destination to this selection. You can plan your stay according to your interests in waterside walks, aviation or architecture.

Walks and water at Sywell Country Park

The Waterworks heritage trail is a 1 km red route that explores the heritage of the water supply. The Reservoir trail is longer at 2.5 miles (4 km) and forms a circular route around the reservoir. This makes the difference clear for planning: the shorter themed route on the one hand, and the longer circuit around the water on the other.

The fishing lake at Sywell Country Park covers 67 acres (28 hectares). The park also has four play areas. These details add two more specific features of the country park to the routes.

The lake at Sywell Country Park opened in 1906 as a water-supply reservoir for Rushden and Higham Ferrers. This gives the water-supply theme of the Waterworks heritage trail a specific historical connection.

Aviation history and flight experiences

Sywell Aerodrome has been in operation since 1928. During the Second World War, it played an important role as an RAF flight training school and was also a major centre for repairing almost 2,000 Wellington bombers. This history brings together the training of aircrew and the repair of military aircraft.

On selected days throughout the year, open-cockpit Tiger Moth flights are offered as experience flights at Sywell Aerodrome. Introductory flights in fixed-wing aircraft and full pilot training are also available. As flight days, operators, providers and offers can change, check the latest information before making specific plans.

Museum at the aerodrome

The Sywell Aviation Museum is located on the grounds of Sywell Aerodrome. Events at the aerodrome may occasionally affect access, so bear this in mind when planning your visit. The Paul Morgan Hall is dedicated to the history of Sywell Aerodrome. An original “Link” trainer is on display there.

The Sywell Aviation Museum is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation. Its aim is to preserve the history of Sywell Aerodrome and Northamptonshire’s rich aviation heritage, from the beginnings of aviation through and beyond the Second World War. A museum tour also includes a visit to the hangars to see real aircraft. Group and school tours are currently available; details may change. It is best to confirm the latest arrangements in advance.

Church and visitor information

The Church of St. Peter and Paul in Sywell is listed as a Grade II* building. It is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays. As visitor information may change, check the church’s latest guidance before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Hartwell, Brigstock, Weedon Bec, Gretton, West Haddon, Helmdon, Deanshanger, Long Buckby

For the broader travel overview: Northamptonshire.