Ardingly Reservoir
A picturesque reservoir and nature reserve offering scenic walking trails, water sports, and abundant birdlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoming flowers, calm waters
Ardingly Reservoir
Best Time
Blossoming flowers, calm waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque reservoir and nature reserve offering scenic walking trails, water sports, and abundant birdlife.
"Amazing place to walk along the reservoir, perfect for a long, quiet, and natural escape."
👟 Wear sturdy walking boots
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended for comfort and grip.
🎒 Pack a picnic & binoculars
Enjoy scenic spots with picnic benches. Binoculars enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 170 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ouse Valley Viaduct Hike
Circular walk starting from Balcombe Station
An impressive Victorian railway viaduct offering stunning architectural views, often combined with reservoir walks.
Reservoir Shoreline Trails
Various access points around Ardingly Reservoir
Enjoy peaceful walks along the water's edge, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and picnicking.
Water Sports at the Activity Centre
Ardingly Activity Centre
Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing on the reservoir for an active day out.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Best Walking Routes
Activity Centre & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy walking boots
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended for comfort and grip.
🎒 Pack a picnic & binoculars
Enjoy scenic spots with picnic benches. Binoculars enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Arrive early or be prepared to search for spaces, especially on busy days.
📱 Download offline maps
Mobile signal can be spotty. Offline maps ensure you don't get lost on longer hikes.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy walking boots
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended for comfort and grip.
🎒 Pack a picnic & binoculars
Enjoy scenic spots with picnic benches. Binoculars enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Arrive early or be prepared to search for spaces, especially on busy days.
📱 Download offline maps
Mobile signal can be spotty. Offline maps ensure you don't get lost on longer hikes.
🛶 Book water sports in advance
Secure your spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing, especially during peak season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ardingly Reservoir for its beautiful walking trails and serene natural environment, perfect for long hikes and wildlife spotting. The option for water sports adds to its appeal, though some note parking can be challenging and hot drink options are limited.
"Amazing place to walk along the reservoir, we had 20k steps and enjoyed the lovely weather last week. I would recommend if you want to have a long walk in very quite and natural place. I will definitely visit there again for a walk!"
Berna Gürten
"We walked from The Half Moon pub (highly recommended) to the lake and then followed the footpath to Ardingly Reservoir. Beautiful walk, through fields and along the waters edge. You do need to walk along parts of the road. Lovely being able to spot wildlife along the way. Take binoculars & a picnic. The only thing missing is somewhere to get a hot drink, I thought there would have been one at the activity centre. There are plenty of seats along the walk to stop and watch the wildlife, look out for deer, woodpeckers, birds of prey, herons, great crested grebes and kingfishers."
Louise Glen
"Great place for paddle boarding and sailing. The reservoir is large and seems relatively flat. You can book online or at the venue. There is easy free parking although sat navs take you all over the place."
Samuel Walker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From London, you can take a train to Balcombe Station, which is the starting point for many popular circular walks around the reservoir and to the Ouse Valley Viaduct. The journey is approximately 41 minutes. 
Yes, there is parking available, often described as a large field near the activity centre. However, some visitors note that parking can be difficult to find, especially on busy days, so arriving early is advised.
While walking is the primary activity, cycling is possible on some of the wider paths. However, be mindful of other users and the terrain, which can be uneven.
The nearest train station is Balcombe, which is a good starting point for walks. From the station, you can follow footpaths to the reservoir.
Popular routes include the circular walk to the Ouse Valley Viaduct, which is about 8 miles and takes around 3-4 hours, and various trails along the reservoir's shoreline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the reservoir and its walking trails is generally free. However, if you plan to use the water sports facilities at the Ardingly Activity Centre, booking and payment will be required.
Ardingly Reservoir is an open natural space, so it doesn't have set opening hours. However, facilities like the activity centre and cafe will have their own operating times.
No, the walking trails around Ardingly Reservoir are free to access. You only pay if you book activities at the centre.
Yes, you can book activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing online through the Ardingly Activity Centre's website.
While generally open, water levels can fluctuate, and during drought periods, access might be restricted. Always check local advisories if conditions are unusual.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors often spot deer, woodpeckers, birds of prey, herons, great crested grebes, and kingfishers. Bringing binoculars is highly recommended for better viewing.
There is a cafe at the Ardingly Activity Centre that offers refreshments. However, some visitors have noted a lack of hot drink options.
Swimming is generally not permitted in Ardingly Reservoir due to safety reasons and it being an active water sports location. Stick to designated activities.
Yes, toilets are available at the Ardingly Activity Centre near the cafe.
Yes, Ardingly Reservoir offers stunning aerial views, making it a popular spot for drone photography, capturing reflections and the landscape.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The shoreline offers beautiful reflections, especially at sunset. The Ouse Valley Viaduct is also a highly photogenic landmark. Drone shots capture the vastness of the reservoir and surrounding landscape.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic light and reflections on the water. Evenings are particularly popular for their calm atmosphere.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Drones offer unique aerial perspectives.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, if using drones, ensure you comply with all local regulations and privacy considerations.
The reflections of the sky and trees on the calm water are iconic. The Ouse Valley Viaduct, with its impressive arches, is another must-capture sight.
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