Walesby Forest Activity Centre

Creating Accessible Leisure Facilities That Enhance the Visitor Experience

Allan Joyce Architects designed a new lakeside visitor facilities building for Walesby Forest, creating a contemporary hub that supports outdoor recreation, improves accessibility and enhances the visitor experience.

Positioned on the edge of the lake, the striking black-clad building provides the facilities needed to support Walesby Forest's expanding programme of watersports and outdoor activities. Designed to sit comfortably within its woodland setting, it creates a distinctive yet understated architectural presence.

Supporting Outdoor Activities

The building has been carefully planned to meet the needs of a busy outdoor activity centre while improving comfort and convenience for visitors.

Facilities include secure watersports equipment storage, modern changing rooms, showers and a fully equipped Changing Places facility, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can enjoy everything the lake has to offer.

Improving Accessibility

A new beach area and accessible launching ramp make it easier for everyone to access the lake and take part in watersports. Together with the Changing Places facility, the development helps Walesby Forest provide an inclusive destination where outdoor recreation is accessible to all.

Contemporary Design in a Natural Setting

The simple architectural form and black timber-effect cladding allow the building to blend into its woodland surroundings while creating a confident contemporary identity. Positioned beside the lake, it strengthens the connection between the visitor facilities and the water, creating an attractive focal point for the activity area.

Our Role

Allan Joyce Architects gained planning permission for the project.

We design leisure buildings, visitor facilities and outdoor activity centres that enhance the visitor experience while responding sensitively to their surroundings. Working with charities, leisure operators and local authorities, we create buildings that combine practicality, accessibility and contemporary design.