How Sutton's latest thrill-seeking attraction aims to bring positives vibes to the town

Sutton has certainly got a lot of negative issues that need addressing just like any similar town around the UK.

But, rather than continuing with that downbeat message, perhaps we should now be using words such as promising, improving and developing to reflect the ongoing efforts of multi-agency groups to change the narrative.

It’s a message that Sam Barker is only too keen to shout about as part of his work at the town’s Adventures at Mill Waters.

This thrill-seeking attraction opened two years ago at the side of Kings Mill Reservoir and, along with Sutton Lawn and the reservoir itself, now farms part of a trio of noteworthy destinations which officials hope will entice more people into the area.

“We have got affordable parking and people can just rock up and bring their bikes along or just go for a walk,” said Sam, who is the Adventures Park Manager at the site.

“It is a really nice facility. Kings Mill Reservoir is really becoming a destination where people can bring a picnic and spend the day doing a range of activities.

“An important part of our vision is the water facilities that we have. In the summer months when people want to do something different, it’s a perfect opportunity to get on the water.

“We have got funding through the National Lottery Heritage fund and are partnership leads with the Mill Waters project, it is an opportunity to bring people in.

“We have got new trails coming in around the reservoir so your walks can become a bit more exciting as well.

“It really is about creating Mill Waters and Kings Mill Reservoir as a destination where you can come for the day and get on the water, go for a bike ride or try out the activities.”

Adventures at Mill Waters has a high ropes course for £18, featuring obstacles at 6m and 10m, a 100m zipline with dual wires to ‘fly with a friend’ for £12 and a net park for £8.

They also have a Party Dome that is on offer for birthday parties or businesses wishing to hire for a team-building exercise.

Those exciting activities were in full swing this weekend with every session fully booked on Saturday thanks to a Kids for a Quid promotion.

“It is going really well so far,” added Sam. “We are still getting our name out there and days like today are where we can offer something to the community and show what we have got.

“We have been fully booked and have had just over 250 people go through the activities. It highlights just what an asset to Sutton it is.

“Our minimum age is three so it’s perfect for all ages. They can get on the Net Park from a young age, we have got a brand new play area for pre-schoolers and anyone who can’t get in on the activities.”

The increased crowds are something that Colin Burton, Operations Officer at Adventures at Mill Waters, is now keen to see become a far more regular affair.

“We feel that we are very good value anyway and a special offer hopefully means word will get back to other friends, school friends, youth groups - it just means spreading the word will get our customer base up a bit wider,” he said.

“When the gates are open anyone is welcome to walk in, grab a coffee and just watch what is going on.

“We are very different and it is nice to have an outdoor play facility. Every session on every activity has got the maximum number of participants on it. It is a great test for ourselves and the instructors to make sure we can cope with the tremendous numbers we have got today.”

Next month - July 4 to be exact - will see the launch of the summer’s water activities programme with visitors able to get out on the reservoir on pedaloes, paddleboards, kayaks or by bringing their own raft.

“Hopefully this time next year you will be able to come on any normal weekday and see a real buzz about the site,” added Sam. “All of our activities will be flowing and you will see people just having a good time, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone on any activity of their choice.

“There is a bit of everything for everyone, which is nice and really exciting.”

For more information, and to make a booking, visit https://adventures.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/