Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park
A serene nature reserve with bird hides, family play areas, and a welcoming cafe, perfect for nature lovers and families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter trails, better bird sightings
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park
Best Time
Quieter trails, better bird sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene nature reserve with bird hides, family play areas, and a welcoming cafe, perfect for nature lovers and families.
"Lovely place with friendly staff and clear paths, great for families and birdwatchers."
🐾 No Dogs on Reserve
Dogs are welcome in the cafe but NOT on the nature reserve trails.
⏰ Mind the Closing Time
Be aware of closing times; staff may ask visitors to leave slightly before to lock up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bird Hides
Throughout the reserve
Observe diverse birdlife in specially designed hides. A must for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Family Picnic & Play Area
Visitor Centre vicinity
A well-presented spot for families with a dedicated children's play area and picnic facilities.
Visitor Centre & Cafe
Main entrance
Enjoy refreshments, browse the gift shop, and find pre-loved books for donation. Friendly staff await.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Know Before You Go: Dog Policy
Timing Your Visit for Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 No Dogs on Reserve
Dogs are welcome in the cafe but NOT on the nature reserve trails.
⏰ Mind the Closing Time
Be aware of closing times; staff may ask visitors to leave slightly before to lock up.
📚 Book Swap Shelf
Bring a book to donate to the pre-loved book shelf; proceeds support the trust.
🚶♀️ Stick to the Paths
Follow marked paths to protect the environment and wildlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 No Dogs on Reserve
Dogs are welcome in the cafe but NOT on the nature reserve trails.
⏰ Mind the Closing Time
Be aware of closing times; staff may ask visitors to leave slightly before to lock up.
📚 Book Swap Shelf
Bring a book to donate to the pre-loved book shelf; proceeds support the trust.
🚶♀️ Stick to the Paths
Follow marked paths to protect the environment and wildlife.
☕ Cafe Treats
The cafe offers refreshments and a pleasant spot to relax.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park a lovely place with friendly staff and clear walking paths, ideal for families and birdwatchers. However, the strict 'no dogs on reserve' policy can be a significant drawback for dog owners, and some guests have experienced feeling rushed due to early closing procedures. +2
"Really nice place to visit. The pathways are gravel and clear to walk so on a rainy day you could still walk them. The shop and coffee shop are worth a visit. If you have any books to pass on , they have a book shelf of pre loved books and the donations go towards the trust.
Staff are happy and welcoming."
Peter Mitchell
"Lovely place and I’m sure the trails are beautiful, but not dog friendly despite calling the visitor centre dog friendly. While dogs are allowed in the cafe, they are not allowed on the nature reserve so a wasted trip for us - we didn’t see anything about no dogs on google (although it is actually clear on their own website which we didn’t check). Cafe has lots of passive aggressive signage about dog behaviour and a depressing cordoned off dog zone that makes you feel like you’re in the dog house! Lots of signs about cleaning up after your dog but then no bins outside so you have to take that with you in the car 😂. A confusing experience too as the first thing you see in the visitor centre is lots of dog toys and treats for sale. Basically don’t bring your dog!"
Olivia Clarke
"We were after somewhere quiet to park with a decent view and ideally with toilets all this the venue had. The volunteer selling icecream was really friendly. However we had clocked the closing time and fully acknowledge that time so I had planned things accordingly. However we had someone come over to us and tell us we were expected to leave before 5pm. So they could lock up before 5pm. The outcome was my cup of tea was disposed of. If we had been left to our own devices we would have left 5 mins later still before 5pm but I would have had my cup of tea. I should add we weren't the last vehicle in the carpark but most probably singled out as a splits screen van so assumed we were least likely to go. I did go for a quick walk as expected set up for birdwatchers. Continual reminders about not straying from path and blue rope annoying. I felt decent message at the start should be enough, as most people don't stray from paths and if they do they won't both with the signs and rope anyway."
Helen Carter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park is accessible by car, with free parking available. Public transport options may be limited, so checking local bus routes in advance is recommended.
Yes, there is free and plentiful parking available at the park. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation if they can.
While specific cycling routes aren't detailed, cycling is generally a good way to explore the surrounding areas. Check local cycling maps for routes leading to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park and its grounds is generally free. However, donations are encouraged to support the trust's conservation efforts.
The park has specific closing times, often around 5 PM. It's advisable to check the official website or call ahead to confirm exact opening and closing hours, as they can vary.
Admission to the nature reserve itself is typically free, with a focus on donations to support conservation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, there are pathways, often gravel and clear, suitable for walking. Visitors are reminded to stick to the designated paths to protect the environment. +1
Absolutely! The park features three bird hides specifically for birdwatching, making it a popular spot for enthusiasts.
Yes, it's a very well-presented area for families, featuring a children's play park and picnic spots.
Dogs are welcome in the cafe area but are strictly not allowed on the nature reserve itself.
Facilities include a cafe, a gift shop, toilets, a children's play area, and bird hides. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating available, offering refreshments. +1
Yes, it's a lovely place for a picnic, with a well-presented area for families.
Dogs are allowed in the cafe, but be aware of signage regarding dog behavior.
📸 📸 Photography
The bird hides offer unique opportunities for wildlife photography. The reservoir itself provides scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, the bird hides are ideal for capturing images of various bird species in their natural habitat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While dogs aren't allowed on the reserve, the family-friendly atmosphere in the cafe and the open spaces for play make it a pleasant visit. Remember to check the closing times to ensure you have enough time for fun without feeling rushed.
🐦 Birdwatchers
Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays, is recommended for the best viewing and a more peaceful experience. The reserve's focus on conservation means you're likely to encounter diverse birdlife.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers
While the reserve is not dog-friendly, the walking routes provide a pleasant way to experience the natural surroundings and observe wildlife from a distance. Be mindful of the closing times to make the most of your walk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Dog Policy
Despite the presence of dog-related items in the visitor center, such as toys and treats, and even a designated, albeit somewhat unwelcoming, 'dog zone' in the cafe, the core message is that dogs are not permitted on the reserve's trails. This can lead to a frustrating experience for owners who might have assumed a more inclusive policy based on initial impressions or incomplete information.
To avoid any misunderstandings, it's highly recommended to check the official Abberton Reservoir website for the most current and detailed information regarding their dog policy before your visit. This will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for both you and the park's wildlife.
Navigating Visitor Experience and Closing Times
For instance, one visitor reported having their cup of tea disposed of prematurely, leading to a less than ideal end to their outing. The advice here is to be mindful of the stated closing time and perhaps aim to conclude your activities a little before the official hour to avoid any similar situations. This proactive approach can help ensure you have ample time to enjoy your visit without feeling pressured to leave.
Additionally, while signs about staying on paths are present, some visitors feel that a clear initial message should suffice, as those inclined to stray are unlikely to be deterred by constant reminders. However, for the majority of visitors, adhering to the marked paths is a simple way to contribute to the preservation of the natural environment.
The Appeal of Birdwatching and Family Amenities
Beyond birdwatching, the park is also a fantastic spot for families. It features a well-presented children's play area, making it an ideal location for a family picnic. The combination of natural beauty, dedicated wildlife observation points, and family-friendly facilities creates a welcoming atmosphere for a diverse range of visitors.
The visitor centre itself adds to the appeal, housing a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, and a gift shop. It also hosts a unique book-swapping initiative where pre-loved books can be donated, with proceeds supporting the trust's conservation work. This blend of activities and amenities ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit