Astbury Mere Country Park
Described as the ‘Jewel in Congleton’s Crown’ Astbury Mere Country Park is a beautiful area for the enjoyment of local residents and visitors to the historic market town of Congleton.
The Country Park is open from 9:00 until dusk every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Admission is free of charge.
Visiting Astbury Mere
Car Parking is 60p for up to 2 hours or £1:50 for longer, with no overnight parking. Every penny raised goes towards the improvement of the country park. You can also click here to buy annual parking permits for £40.
The Park and Display machine now accepts card payments (both Contactless, and Chip and PIN) as well as coins.
Please try not to inconvenience local residents by parking on local roads. If our car park is full and you need to park on Sandy Lane, please don’t obstruct traffic or park close to road junctions.
A beautiful Country Park saved for future generations!
The site of a former sand quarry for much of the 1980’s. Discussions of the future of the area were extensive and controversial, the proposals included housing, light industry, offices and a motel complex! Read how a group of local residents took on the local authority and big businesses in pursuit of their dream for the old quarry site to become a country park!
“Our vision for Astbury Mere is of a park that is freely accessible to all where people can gather in a natural and tranquil setting to enjoy fresh air and inspiring scenery. We aspire to endow the park with facilities that can enhance this unique environment and that benefit the life of our community and those that visit our town”.
Astbury Mere Trust 25th January 2006
What’s on at Astbury Mere?
This beautiful resource, in the heart of Congleton, is put to good use by the town residents and visitors from nearby areas, view events & organistions who regularly use the park.
GG's Coffee Hub
Italian Blend Coffee & Snacks
Secret recipe 3rd generation ice cream, luxury Italian blend coffee an array of snacks cakes and food. Set in beautiful surroundings.
Astbury Watersports Centre
Education through Adventure
Astbury Water Sports Centre is the location in Congleton offering various water sports including canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and stand up paddle boarding and aslo land based outdoor activities
Congleton Park Run
It is a 5km run - it's you against the clock.
The event is held at Astbury Mere Country Park every Saturday morning at 9.00 am and is a timed 5K run.
If you can walk or cycle to the park, please do so. If you must drive, please follow the marshalls’ instructions and try to avoid causing inconvenience to the local residents, avoiding the road junctions on Sandy Lane.
Stoke-on-Trent Anglers
(SOTAS)
Astbury Mere is the Society’s only owned water, having been purchased in 2002. The water is extremely attractive and many swims offer easy access. A 43lb 3oz carp was recently caught!
The Dog Father
Dog Training Classes with Vic
Join Vic Barlow and his four-legged friends for Dog training classes every Saturday from 10am.
Community Orchard
Congleton's first Community Orchard
Created with help from local residents and Congleton Sustainability Group, part of The Congleton Partnership. The orchard was originally planted by local school children who celebrated the launch by acting out ‘The Tale of the Orchard’, a story written especially for the site by local author Louise Renn.
Meeting Room For Hire.
Astbury Mere is the perfect venue for your business meeting or community group, meeting rooms are for hire which have access to basic kitchen facilities and can be hired for private and community use. Cost: from just £17.50 per session.
To book or enquire about bookings, please email our Countryside Ranger by clicking AMCP Room Booking, Telephone 01260 297237 or send an enquiry through the contact page, we are happy to help.
Awards and Accreditations
AMCP is one of only two country parks in Cheshire to have accreditation by Natural England and is also Cheshire’s first Eco Centre! Organised by Keep Britain Tidy whose award acknowledges the efforts made at the park to showcase environmental sustainable initiatives.
In 2017 the RHS gave AMCP an “Outstandiing Award” in its Your Neighbourhood Category.
What people say…
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Staying in the area and was looking for watersport hire for the rest of the family... unfortunately they were fully booked, but for a walk around the lake and nature... read more 
WestSussexGazza
03/08/2021
No access to water, but a popular and scenic spot for a walk. Car park only 50p for 4 hours. Swans wander around on the shore. 
22/08/2021
Gallery
Understand why people fall in love with Astbury Mere! We invite you to send in your pictures!
Astbury Mere needs your support!
Astbury Mere Trust relies on public donations to ensure the long term viability of AMCP to improve the enjoyment of the local community, and many thousands of visitors every year.
Apply for a Parking Permit
Regular visitors to the park can apply for a parking permit, never mess about with pesky change again!
Find Us Here
Astbury Mere Country Park,
Sandy Lane, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4FP
