Our Story

Manley Mere is a proudly family-run business with roots that stretch back to its beginnings as a traditional dairy farm. In 1984, Mike and Jane Houlbrooke made the bold decision to step away from farming and quite literally dig a lake, transforming the land into what is now a thriving watersports and adventure destination.

Many of the original farm buildings have been thoughtfully adapted over the years to support the growth of the business. The former milking parlour is now home to the Chameleon Café Bar, a welcoming space where visitors can relax, dine, and enjoy events and weddings in a unique setting.

Today, Manley Mere is run by Mike and Jane’s daughter Kate and her husband Alastair, alongside Jane’s grandchildren Joe and Olivia—continuing the family legacy into the next generation. We are incredibly fortunate to be supported by a dedicated and passionate team at Manley Mere.

While our roots are firmly grounded in our history, we are always looking ahead. We are continually exploring new ways to evolve, improve, and grow, ensuring Manley Mere remains a special place for future generations to enjoy.

Sustainability at Manley Mere

At Manley Mere, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Over the past 40 years, we have planted hundreds of acres of trees, creating thriving woodland areas that enhance the natural environment and support local wildlife. This includes our adventure trail, where we make use of recycled and repurposed materials—such as old farm machinery—wherever possible.

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through renewable energy and responsible operations. Our site is heated using an underwater source heat pump, and we utilise solar panels to help generate our electricity. We also aim to use electric vehicles and safety boats wherever possible to minimise emissions on site.

Looking to the future, we plan to expand our solar energy capacity and continue to adopt non-pesticide land management methods wherever possible, helping to protect biodiversity and maintain the natural beauty of Manley Mere for generations to come.