The large lake in front of the Towers was an attraction in itself
for many years as a boating lake featuring a variety of different
craft.
In the early
years the boating lake was extremely popular, but during the
transition into a theme park the popularity of the lake's
attractions dwindled. They were all eventually removed in 1996,
leaving the main lake empty of attractions, until 2004 when a new
'golf hole in one' attraction took up residence in it.
Rowing Boats
The main
attraction of the Boating Lake were the Rowing Boats that
operated on the lake from at least 1929 until 1997. These
longstanding attractions were a vital part of the Towers during
its years operating as a Country Park, but less so as the years
went by.
Initially the
boats were launched from the lawn in front of the Towers, but in
later years they were launched from the dam that separated the
lakes from the Gardens.
Motor Boat
During the 50s and
60s a large Motor Boat also plied the waters of the lake giving
those that didn't fancy propelling themselves the chance to enjoy
the lakes as well.
It seems like this
boat stopped running at much the same time as the self drive motor
boats arrived in the Ingestre Lake.
Red Indian Canoes
For those a little
more adventurous the traditional Rowing Boats the park also
offered Red Indian Canoes on the boating lake. Offering a very
different style of ride the canoes operated alongside the Rowing
Boats between 1983 and 1987, but seem to have stopped operating at
around the same time as the Splash Cats moved onto the main lake.
Splash Cats
The Splash Cats
moved on to the main lake in 1987 to make way for the Swan Boat
Ride. They then operated in the area of the lake nearest Adventure
Land until they were removed at the end of 1996.
