Boats returning to Pavilion Gardens lake for Buxton Carnival

The Pavilion Gardens boating lake is to see a return of boats.

Parkwood Leisure, who manage the Gardens, will be ‘soft launching’ the fleet of brand new leisure boats during Saturday’s Buxton Carnival - then bringing them back seven days a week during the summer holidays.

The family favourite boats - which used to be moored where the kiosk now sits - were taken out of service 20 years ago.

Pavilion Gardens general manager Terry Crawford said Parkwood has decided to bring the boats back due to popular demand.

He said: “It’s something customers have asked us about for a number of years - there’s been an appetite there for a long time and we’ve had a great reaction on Facebook so far.”

After the one-day launch event during Buxton Carnival, the six pedalos and six rowing boats will be a permanent feature at the lake from July 20 for the duration of the summer holidays.

The four-man boats will be available from 10.30am Monday-Saturday with last admission at 4pm, and from 12.30pm on Sundays, with last admission at 4pm.

It is understood the boats will also be available seven days a week during other school holidays and at weekends in term times - however this will depend upon weather conditions.

Terry added: “We will try to support the boats during all seasons although the weather can be difficult to predict in Buxton - I’d like to see them in use during the February half-term.”

Rides will cost £10 for 30 minutes or £14 for 45 minutes per boat.