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Tring Reservoirs

4.7
·458 reviews·Startop's End, United Kingdom

A serene escape with stunning reservoir views, rich birdlife, and scenic canal walks, perfect for nature lovers and peaceful strolls.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Best for birdwatching & quiet

CrowdLow
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CHURCH IN DISTANCE

Tring Reservoirs

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Best for birdwatching & quiet

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene escape with stunning reservoir views, rich birdlife, and scenic canal walks, perfect for nature lovers and peaceful strolls.

4.7
(458 reviews)

"Absolutely loved it, had a lovely long walk along the canal, lovely views, immaculately clean and just so refreshing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐦 Birdwatcher's Delight

Visit in winter for the best birdwatching opportunities. Bring binoculars for optimal viewing!

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Canal Walks

Enjoy refreshing walks along the Grand Union Canal. Great for escaping the hustle and bustle.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Birdwatching Paradise

Birdwatching Paradise

Wilstone Reservoir

A premier UK birdwatching spot, especially in winter. Spot diverse waterfowl and waders.

Grand Union Canal Walk

Grand Union Canal Walk

Adjacent to reservoirs

Enjoy scenic walks along the historic Grand Union Canal, offering beautiful water views.

Soothing Reservoir Views

Soothing Reservoir Views

Various points around the reservoirs

Mesmerizing and soothing scenery with boats and calm waters, perfect for picnics.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Birdwatching & Serenity

Visit during quieter weekday mornings for optimal birdwatching and a peaceful experience. Weekends can get busy, especially with events. Consider the season for specific avian activity.

Parking & Access Tips

Parking fees can be confusing; check the app for current rates as they may differ from signage. Be aware of potential event closures or shared paths. The site is generally accessible for walks.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Best for birdwatching & quiet
Crowd
Low
When
Winter
Why
Peak bird migration season
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Pleasant for walks & picnics
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Turn your phone volume up and enjoy the soothing view of the Tring reservoirs !! 😊😊 #tring #tringreservoirs #tringreservoir #waterreservoir #mesmerizing #view #scenery #sceneryphotography #scenario #beautiful #soothing #soothingsounds #boats #canal #summer #uksummer #summerinuk #summer2021 #summervibes #picnic #friends #family #fnf #ukdiaries #summergoals #summertrip #uktrip #bedfordshire
tiasha_tasnim909
11 likes • 145 views

🐦 Birdwatcher's Delight

Visit in winter for the best birdwatching opportunities. Bring binoculars for optimal viewing! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Canal Walks

Enjoy refreshing walks along the Grand Union Canal. Great for escaping the hustle and bustle. Reddit

🚤🌞 Back in our favourite place – TRING RESERVOIRS! 🌞🚤 We’re open this Bank Holiday Weekend – the last of the summer! 🥳 ⏰ Boat Opening Times: Friday: 12–8pm Saturday: 12–8pm Sunday: 12–6pm Monday: 12–6pm 🍴 The Goat Yard Restaurant is also open all weekend! 🎶 Sunday night – DJ Kang Pryme Jæger, son of hip-hop legend KRS-One, bringing the vibes till late! 🔥 Sunday & Monday – NO BOOKINGS! Just...
thegoatboatfamily
42 likes • 3.8K views
Teri javani sar pe mere 😥😥😥 , , , , #trainingrails#tringreservoirs#tringsongs #viralvídeos#goidhoowatersports #instagood#instalike#instapic #saneera#abhi 500 #😥💔🥀🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
sameer_76a
162 likes • 2.5K views

🅿️ Parking Clarity

Parking fees can be confusing; check the app for accurate pricing. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Ideal spot for picnics with friends and family, offering beautiful, soothing views. TikTok

Very much looking forward to leading a small group birding Wilstone Reservoir this morning. Hopefully there will be some good finds, with an easterly wind promised. This dunlin was one of several feeding amongst the lapwing and golden plover on my last visit. Please excuse the slight shakiness of the footage part way through…it was a very long way away and windy too! #bird #birder #birding #theea...
theearlybirder
697 likes • 3.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐦 Birdwatcher's Delight

Visit in winter for the best birdwatching opportunities. Bring binoculars for optimal viewing! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Canal Walks

Enjoy refreshing walks along the Grand Union Canal. Great for escaping the hustle and bustle. Reddit

🅿️ Parking Clarity

Parking fees can be confusing; check the app for accurate pricing. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Ideal spot for picnics with friends and family, offering beautiful, soothing views. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

A very pleasant walk for pups, though keep them on a lead near open water. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(458 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Tring Reservoirs for its beautiful, soothing scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities, making it a refreshing escape. The canal walks are a highlight for many seeking tranquility. However, some find the parking fee structure confusing and potentially misleading.

"Took my pups for a walk around the reservoirs this morning and found it to be a very pleasant walk. We didn't use the car park, so can't comment on cost, but it looked to be very spacious."

Donna Winter

"This was a great place to visit if you’re in the area. The car parking prices are a lie though — it says it will be £3.00 but on the app it cost a minimum of £4.30. Also there was no obvious distinction between what was parking for the reservoirs and what was parking for pub next door.
We walked around the reservoirs and shared the path with a running event but there was plenty of space. A nice day out!"

Brendan Cox

"An absolutely beautiful reservoir and canal. A car park, paid £3 for three hours. You can walk all the way around the reservoir and along the canal."

Ivan Adams

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Excellent birdwatching
Peaceful walks

What People Dislike

Confusing parking fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tring Reservoirs are accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the reservoirs. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park. However, be aware that parking fees can be confusing, and the app price might differ from signage. It's recommended to check the app for the most up-to-date costs. Reddit

Absolutely! You can walk all the way around the reservoirs and along the adjacent Grand Union Canal, offering lovely views and a refreshing experience. Reddit

While walking is popular, cycling routes might be more limited due to shared paths with pedestrians and potential event usage. It's best to check local conditions if planning a cycling trip. TikTok

The reservoirs are interconnected, and paths allow you to move between them. Wilstone Reservoir is particularly noted for birdwatching. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Tring Reservoirs area itself is generally free. However, there are parking charges that apply if you are arriving by car. Reddit

The reservoirs are open spaces and can be visited at any time. However, specific facilities like the Goat Yard Restaurant or boat hire may have set operating hours, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Instagram

Parking fees are charged. While signage might indicate a price (e.g., £3), the app often shows a higher minimum charge (e.g., £4.30). It's advisable to confirm the current rates via the parking app. Reddit

Yes, events like running races or music nights can occur, which might affect access or crowd levels. It's worth checking local listings before your visit. Reddit

Boat hire and trips are sometimes available, particularly during summer weekends. Check with local operators like The Goat Yard Restaurant for current availability and times. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Wildlife

Tring Reservoirs are renowned for birdwatching, especially in winter, with species like dunlin, lapwing, and golden plover. You can also spot swans and ducks. Instagram+1

Yes, the reservoirs offer beautiful scenery, water reflections, and abundant wildlife, making it a great spot for photography, especially for nature and landscape shots. TikTokInstagram

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Wildlife activity can also be higher during these times. Instagram

The raised walkways and the edges of the reservoirs offer excellent vantage points. Wilstone Reservoir is particularly popular for bird photography. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone to avoid disturbing wildlife or other visitors. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, The Goat Yard Restaurant is located at the reservoirs and is open on weekends, offering food and drinks. Instagram

Absolutely! Tring Reservoirs is a fantastic spot for picnics. There are plenty of scenic areas to set up and enjoy your meal. TikTok

The Goat Yard Restaurant typically offers a range of food and drinks, and sometimes features live music or DJs on weekends. Instagram

While The Goat Yard Restaurant is on-site, other cafes or shops might require a short drive into Tring town. It's best to bring any specific snacks or drinks you might need. Instagram

You can bring your own food for a picnic or potentially pick up takeaway from Tring town to enjoy by the reservoirs. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tring Reservoirs is a lovely spot for families looking for an outdoor adventure. The open spaces are great for kids to explore, and the walks along the canal are generally safe and engaging. It's highly recommended to bring a buggy for younger children, as the waters are open and not fenced in all areas. Reddit Pack a picnic to make a day of it – there are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy your lunch. Keep an eye out for ducks and other waterfowl, which are always a hit with children. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers

For nature lovers and photographers, Tring Reservoirs is a must-visit. The site is renowned for its birdlife, especially during migration seasons and winter. Bring your binoculars and camera to capture the diverse species and stunning landscapes. Instagram+1 The interplay of light on the water, the reflections, and the wildlife provide endless photographic opportunities. Early mornings and late afternoons often offer the best light and wildlife activity. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Tring Reservoirs is a very pleasant place for dog walks. The paths are spacious enough to share with other visitors, even during events. Reddit While dogs are welcome, it's important to keep them on a lead, especially near the water's edge and around wildlife, to ensure their safety and to respect the natural environment. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Haven for Birdwatchers

Tring Reservoirs are celebrated as one of the UK's premier birdwatching destinations, particularly during the winter months. The varied habitats, including open water, reed beds, and surrounding fields, attract a diverse array of avian species. Birdwatchers often flock here to spot waders like dunlin, lapwing, and golden plover, as well as various waterfowl. The presence of raised walkways and hides provides excellent vantage points for observation without disturbing the wildlife. Instagram It's a place where enthusiasts can spend hours with binoculars and cameras, hoping for sightings of rare visitors or enjoying the spectacle of large flocks. The interplay of water, land, and sky creates a dynamic environment that changes with the seasons, offering something new for repeat visitors.

The reservoirs' importance extends beyond just birdwatching; they are a crucial part of the water feeding system for the historic Grand Union Canal. This connection means that while enjoying the natural beauty, you're also experiencing a living piece of industrial heritage. The still-functioning canal sections around the site add another layer of interest, showcasing the engineering of the 19th century. This blend of natural wildlife and historical infrastructure makes Tring Reservoirs a unique and engaging destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Reddit

Walking and Recreation

The Tring Reservoirs offer a wonderfully serene environment for walking and general recreation. The paths around the reservoirs and along the Grand Union Canal are well-maintained, providing a pleasant experience for visitors of all ages. Many people enjoy leisurely strolls, dog walks, or even more vigorous jogs, appreciating the calming effect of the water and the open landscape. TikTokInstagram The area is ideal for picnics, with ample space to spread out and enjoy the scenery. Some visitors have noted that while the paths are generally good, taking a buggy for young children might be advisable due to the proximity of open water. Reddit

During warmer months, there's an opportunity for water-based activities. The Goat Yard Restaurant, located at the reservoirs, sometimes offers boat hire, particularly on weekends. This can add an extra dimension to a visit, allowing you to experience the reservoirs from a different perspective. Instagram The atmosphere is often described as peaceful and refreshing, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Whether you're seeking a quiet moment of reflection or an active day out, the Tring Reservoirs provide a beautiful and accessible natural setting. Reddit

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