Yorkshire Team
Published on March 13th, 2026
•There's something brilliant about a day out by the water, whether it's a peaceful stroll around the edge or a full-on splash-fest. But what makes it even better is knowing there’s a great spot to refuel afterwards. There’s exciting news from the North Yorkshire Water Park, as its popular on-site cafe is getting a fantastic new lease of life. It’s all thanks to a new partnership with a local coffee hero, Forge Valley Roasters. The result is a revamped space called ‘Forge Valley Roasters – Waterside’, which is set to become the go-to spot for walkers, families, and anyone who’s been out on the lake and fancies a proper treat.
What’s on the new coffee menu?
Anyone who has visited the North Yorkshire Water Park knows that a good cuppa is essential after an adventure. The new partnership takes this to the next level. The team from Forge Valley Roasters are experts in specialty coffee, which basically means they are serious about great-tasting brews. The beans are sustainably sourced and roasted in small batches just up the road in Wykeham, so the flavour is as fresh as it gets. The new waterside cafe is bringing this expertise right to the edge of the water.

The coffee menu has all the classics people love, from a punchy cortado to a creamy cappuccino, but there will also be seasonal specials to look out for. And on those rare sunny British days, an iced latte overlooking the lake sounds just about perfect. But it’s not just about the coffee. The new cafe promises a counter loaded with freshly baked goods. Think homemade bakes that taste just like they should. They’ll be serving up everything from classic scones and delicious cakes to must-have cookies. And for those who loved the old cafe, don’t worry – some of the firm favourites, like the famous pizzas, are staying on the menu. So, visitors can still get their pizza fix after a session of kayaking on the water.
A proper local team-up
This isn't just a random company moving in; it's a real local partnership that makes perfect sense. Forge Valley Roasters was born right here on the North York Moors, starting life in a cottage on the edge of the Forge Valley Woods. They are a ‘Champion Producer of the North York Moors’, which means they are recognised for their quality and connection to the area. Their main roastery is even located within the Dawnay Estate in Wykeham, which is also home to the water park itself. It feels like a natural fit, bringing two local brands together.
The co-founder of Forge Valley Roasters, Chris Brett, is clearly excited about the collaboration. He highlighted the amazing location, overlooking the huge 80-acre lake. It’s this combination of incredible views and top-quality, locally roasted specialty coffee that promises a brilliant experience for all visitors. The focus is on genuine hospitality, creating a welcoming space for everyone who visits the park. This new cafe is a fantastic addition, strengthening the local flavour of the entire destination and giving visitors an authentic taste of the North York Moors.
Mark your calendars for the grand opening
The doors to the brand-new cafe are opening very soon. The official opening is set for Thursday, 12th March. To begin with, Forge Valley Roasters – Waterside will be open from Thursday to Sunday, between 9am and 4pm. This gives everyone a chance to pop in for a weekend treat and check out the new setup. It's perfect timing for those early spring walks.
Then, things get even better. From Monday, 30th March, the cafe will be open seven days a week, from 9am to 4pm. This change coincides with the start of the Easter holidays, which is great news for families looking for things to do. With longer days on the horizon, the extended hours will run right through the busy spring and summer season, making sure that no matter what day visitors choose to explore the park, a brilliant coffee and one of their amazing cakes will be waiting.
More than just a cafe, it’s a destination
The North Yorkshire Water Park has grown so much over the years. Originally a spot for specialist fishing lakes, it now boasts a massive lake dedicated to water sports. It’s a place where people have been sailing, windsurfing, and swimming for years. In 2017, the launch of the AquaPark turned it into a massive attraction for thrill-seekers. This huge inflatable obstacle course on the water is a must-do for anyone with a bit of energy to burn.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Visitors can try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and even wakeboarding. The whole park is designed for outdoor fun. A few years ago, the Dawnay Estate invested heavily in the park, adding new attractions and building the 70-seat café building that now houses the new venture. This building also includes an events room, making the park a versatile venue. It is this investment that has paved the way for such a great new partnership. The revamped cafe is the final piece of the puzzle, offering a cosy spot to relax and watch the action on the lake after an exciting day at the park.
A word from the people behind the scenes
The excitement for this new venture is shared by the teams at both the water park and the roasters. Callum Terrell, the General Manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, shared his thoughts on the project.
“Our café has had a revamp, from its menu through to its interiors, and we’re honoured to be partnering with Forge Valley Roasters to bring the best coffee and homemade cakes, plus our menu favourites to all park visitors - whether walkers or adventure seekers. This is only the beginning for the new café partnership with big plans coming, and we can’t wait to share more soon.”
This enthusiasm is matched by Chris Brett, Co-Founder of Forge Valley Roasters, who is looking forward to welcoming people to the new space.
“It’s great to see our partnership with North Yorkshire Water Park come to life. The location of Forge Valley Roasters Waterside, overlooking the 80 Acre lake, is incredible - we’re now looking forward to serving our locally roasted specialty coffee that we roast up the road in Wykeham, alongside a tasty menu to all visitors, whilst enjoying the great views and everything else that the park has to offer.”
With such a passionate team and a brilliant offering of food, drink, and adventure, the new cafe at the North Yorkshire Water Park is set to be a massive hit, especially with the Easter holidays just around the corner.

Yorkshire Team
The Yorkshire.com editorial team is made up of local writers, content creators, and tourism specialists who are passionate about showcasing the very best of God’s Own Country. With deep roots in Yorkshire’s communities, culture, food scene, landscapes, and visitor economy, the team works closely with local businesses, venues, and organisations to bring readers the latest news, events, travel inspiration, and insider guides from across the region. From hidden gems to headline festivals, Yorkshire.com is dedicated to celebrating everything that makes Yorkshire such a special place to live, work, and visit.
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