
Arlington Reservoir
A tranquil reservoir offering scenic walks, a charming cafe, and family-friendly spaces in East Sussex.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy peaceful walks before crowds.

Arlington Reservoir
Best Time
Enjoy peaceful walks before crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil reservoir offering scenic walks, a charming cafe, and family-friendly spaces in East Sussex.
"Absolutely fabulous place to take a stroll with plentiful and reasonably priced parking."

🚗 Affordable Parking
Parking is budget-friendly: £1.50 for 2 hours or £2.50 for all day. 🅿️
☕ Cafe Delights
Grab coffee, ice cream, or a sandwich from the on-site cafe. ☕

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 566 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Reservoir Loop
Path around the reservoir
Enjoy a gentle, well-maintained walk with beautiful water views and surrounding nature. Perfect for all ages.

Bird Hide
Along the walking path
A dedicated spot for birdwatching, offering a chance to observe local wildlife in its natural habitat.

Living Hedge Art
Near the reservoir
Discover unique, woven living hedges that add an artistic and environmental touch to the landscape.

Beach Area
Arlington Reservoir Beach
A pleasant beach area, ideal for families and a relaxing spot to enjoy the outdoors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Cafe & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Affordable Parking
Parking is budget-friendly: £1.50 for 2 hours or £2.50 for all day. 🅿️
☕ Cafe Delights
Grab coffee, ice cream, or a sandwich from the on-site cafe. ☕
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Dogs are welcome, but check local rules regarding leads. 🐕
🚶♀️ Gentle Walking Path
The main path is easy and suitable for prams, with benches for resting. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Affordable Parking
Parking is budget-friendly: £1.50 for 2 hours or £2.50 for all day. 🅿️
☕ Cafe Delights
Grab coffee, ice cream, or a sandwich from the on-site cafe. ☕
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Dogs are welcome, but check local rules regarding leads. 🐕
🚶♀️ Gentle Walking Path
The main path is easy and suitable for prams, with benches for resting. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic tables available for a lovely outdoor meal. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Arlington Reservoir for its beautiful scenery, well-maintained walking paths, and affordable amenities. It's highlighted as a peaceful spot for strolls, picnics, and enjoying nature, with a convenient cafe and ample parking. Some note that certain sections might be windy or less accessible for mobility scooters.
"Been on the to do list for far too long and finally got round to it. Glad we did amazing trails to follow with all round views and somewhere new to take the dog 🐕. Amazing little cafe aswell with a lot to offer."
Clive Griffiths
"Absolutely fabulous place to take a stroll. Parking is plentiful and reasonably priced at £1.50 for 2 hours or £2.50 for the day as of August 2025.
A lovely little kiosk is there where you can get coffees, cakes and hot and cold sandwiches. We didn't visit that today but have in the past and it was very good.
Loads of picnic tables and benches are scattered about."
carl rea
"Easy walk around this reservoir on a well maintained path, there is a bird hide en route, sadly not much in view today.
There is a car park, a cafe and toilets, and dogs are welcome, but I think have to be kept on a lead.
Very pleasant place for people of all ages, splendid views of the Downs in the distance."
Mick Pelling
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arlington Reservoir is located in East Sussex, England. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might require further connections, so checking local bus routes is recommended.
Yes, there is ample parking available. You can pay for 2 hours (£1.50) or an all-day ticket (£2.50).
Cycling is a popular activity, and the paths offer a pleasant ride. However, be mindful of other users, especially during busy periods.
Absolutely! With its walking paths, cafe, and picnic areas, it's a perfect destination for a relaxing day out.
Nearby towns include Polegate and Hailsham in East Sussex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the reservoir grounds is generally free. Parking fees apply if you are arriving by car.
The reservoir is typically open from dawn till dusk, offering access throughout daylight hours.
No, there are no admission fees for the cafe. You can purchase food and drinks as desired.
To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially during sunny weather, can be busier.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is encouraged, and there are many picnic tables available.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking the scenic loop, birdwatching from the hide, picnicking, and visiting the on-site cafe.
The main circular walk is considered gentle and well-maintained, suitable for most fitness levels and prams.
Yes, dogs are welcome, but it's advisable to keep them on a lead, especially near wildlife and other visitors.
Yes, clean toilet facilities are available near the car park and cafe.
Expect beautiful open views of the reservoir, surrounding countryside, and distant Downs.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe on-site that serves hot and cold drinks, ice creams, cakes, and sandwiches.
The cafe offers a range of items including coffees, teas, sandwiches, cakes, and ice creams.
Definitely! There are numerous picnic tables scattered around the grounds, and you're welcome to bring your own food.
While specific options aren't detailed, cafes often have simple choices like sandwiches or baked goods that can cater to various diets. It's best to check with the cafe directly.
Reviews suggest the cafe is reasonably priced, especially considering its convenient location.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic loop offers great water reflections, especially during sunrise or sunset. The living hedge is also a unique subject.
Yes, the open water and surrounding countryside provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The 'living hedge' is a distinctive feature that makes for interesting and artistic photographs.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit