Reservoirs around the UK do not just play a vital part in getting fresh water into our homes but are also used in many more exciting ways by the public. From sailing to rowing, and fishing to walking trails, there are numerous activities you can do whilst enjoying the delightful countryside that surrounds these Sussex reservoirs.
From east to west Sussex, north to south, there are several reservoirs dotted around the county, each with their perks. Whilst some are muddier and more natural, others have easily accessible paths and community and wildlife centres. There is even one located in the stunning Alexandra Park in Hastings.
So, depending on what activity you want to do, and where you plan to visit, we believe we have the right reservoir for you (and that’s a sentence we never thought we’d find ourselves writing!) Think of us as your reservoir matchmaker (oh look – there’s another one).
Reserve A Spot At One Of These 5 Best Reservoirs In Sussex
| Ardingly Reservoir | Enjoy water sports and reservoir walks at Ardingly, a scenic spot cherished by locals and visitors alike. |
| Arlington Reservoir | Nestled west of Arlington, the reservoir is a haven for birdwatchers and anglers, offering scenic trails and fly fishing. |
| Barcombe Reservoir | Explore riverside scenery and wildlife-rich trails, with a picturesque pub stop along the way. |
| Weir Wood Reservoir | Embrace diverse habitats and thriving wildlife while picnicking or fishing at Weir Wood Reservoir. |
| Buckshole Reservoir | Newly renovated, this reservoir in Alexandra Park offers fishing and scenic walks amid abundant birdlife. |
Ardingly Reservoir, Haywards Heath
Located north of Haywards Heath, Ardingly Reservoir is a stunning open expanse of water used by locals and visitors for a variety of water-based activities, as well as reservoir walks. Sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, it is all available at the Ardingly activity centre, along with a lot more. To find out more about water sports you can visit their website. There are activities for adults and children and all visitors are welcome.
Regarding trails, there are several to choose from with the routes also available on the website. There is a Kingfisher Nature Trail that guides you around the reservoir and stops at several interesting wildlife points along the way, including Furzefield Wood, Scrubs Shaw and Great Burrow Wood. There is also a 3-mile Ardingly Pub Walk and a 1.5-mile Ardingly Reservoir Walk.
The Ardlingly Reservoir Walk is accessible to wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and those wanting a gentler walk. The route has been selected as it has no barriers, such as stiles or steps. It is a lovely walk with spectacular views of the waters along the length of the route. The walk starts in front of the disabled parking spaces in the Arlington Reserve Car Park.
The reservoir, constructed in 1978, provides a home for beech, oak and ash trees as well as a habitat for fungi, lichens, mosses and insects. In spring and summer, there are wildflowers such as primroses and bluebells and there is access to a bird hide, where birds are plentiful and there are identification boards to help you work out who is who.
Address: Haywards Heath, RH17 6SQ
Website: https://www.ardinglyactivitycentre.co.uk/location/walks/
Arlington Reservoir, Berwick
Arlington and Ardingly Reservoirs supply about 8% of the water used by 2.1 million people in Sussex. West of the village of Arlington and close to Berwick Station and Lewes, Arlington Reservoir covers 245 acres and provides water to neighbouring towns and villages, as well as being a nature reserve. The circuit is 3.4 miles long and is considered a moderately challenging route which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.
Various varieties of birds call Arlington home, such as herons, kingfishers, woodpeckers and ospreys to name a few. This has made the reservoir an extremely popular place with ‘twitchers’ who can view over 170 species of bird here.
The natural course of the Cuckmere was diverted to form the current reservoir in the 1960s and The River Cuckmere is now channelled around the reservoir in a straight line to the east. A photographic record was kept of the construction at the time by local residents and naturalists, and the Arlington Village Hall Committee holds this record.
A partly paved path, mixed with a grassy track, circumnavigates the reservoir and create access to this beautiful and scenic walk. The car park is situated north of Berwick Station for visitors and is pay and display.
Since 1985, the reservoir has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is enjoyed by wildlife enthusiasts, walkers and anglers. It has a well-deserved reputation for excellent fly fishing and has some of the best trout fishing in the Southeast. As well as the fishing and superb views, there is a café and bench area located in the car park.
Address: Berwick, Polegate BN26 6TF
Website: https://arlingtonvillage.co.uk/arlington-reservoir/
Barcombe Reservoir, Lewes
This beautiful area of riverside scenery attracts plenty of visitors on foot or by bicycle over the summer. There are numerous walks to enjoy and great self-catering accommodation available in the converted former railway station.
Located near the village of Barcombe Cross in East Sussex, the reservoir adjoins Barcombe Mills – an area including a local nature reserve. This is an important area for wildlife and fishing, as well as water storage. The reservoir is located in a stunning area of Sussex countryside with Barcombe House nearby.
There is a 2-mile trail that starts from Barcombe Mills car park and heads between the River Ouse and Barcombe Reservoir. This is a pleasant path with several wooden bridges and weirs dotted amongst waterside woodland and green open countryside views.
There is even a pub with a riverside beer garden – The Anchor Inn – to visit along the way as you re-energise for the rest of the walk. Or you can jump into a canoe at the pub and paddle your way down the Ouse.
This is another reservoir blessed with a diverse range of wildlife, especially birds. Moorhen, mallards, swans, Canada geese and grey wagtails have all been spotted in the area. If you fancy extending the walk past the reservoir and Anchor Inn, you can continue along the Sussex Ouse Valley Way to a small village called Isfield. Or alternatively head south towards Lewes where you will find the spectacular South Downs.
Address: Barcombe Mills Rd, Barcombe, Lewes BN8 5BT
Facebook video of Reservoir: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1261404860979293
Weir Wood Reservoir, East Grinstead
Covering about 152 hectares, Weir Wood Reservoir is located in the Ashdown Forest and is surrounded by wood and grasslands. Several habitats include scrubland, meadows, hedges, river banks and open water.
After the reservoir was flooded in 1954, the wildlife on the site became so diverse that it was listed as a Site of Special Scientific interest in 1966. On the north side, there is a spot to enjoy a picnic by the water and a hedge around the area that protects from the breeze and creates a sun trap.
The area can get muddy, and the paths are not as developed as the previously mentioned reservoirs. This isn’t the kind of reservoir you can easily walk all the way around with the north side having the most spots you can get close to the water. If you want an early morning walk in the area, there is a chef at the sailing club who will prepare you a brilliant breakfast.
Again, the insect and birdlife thrive in this area with the Weir Wood Reservoir homing swifts, swallows, tern and kingfishers as well as dragonflies, butterflies and damselflies. Pochard, tufted duck, goldeneye and other wildfowl are found here during the winter and there are 12 pairs of herons that breed in the heronry.
Above water, there is a thriving fishing community that uses the reservoir, and under the water, there is also a thriving aquatic community which includes roach and skimmer bream. Both fishing and sailing are permitted at the eastern end of the reservoir.
Address: Legsheath Ln, East Grinstead RH19 4JW
Website: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisure-tourism/countryside-sites/weir-wood
Buckshole Reservoir, Hastings
Located in the stunning and superbly maintained Alexandra Park in Hastings, work on this large, deep 3.5-acre water site has just been completed to bring it up to the latest environment agency safety standards. The reservoir is surrounded by wildlife including swans, ducks and many other types of birdlife.
Working hard on maintaining and growing its aquatic life, the reservoir houses carp that weigh in excess of 30 lbs with the carp community growing at an impressive rate since being introduced to the reservoir in 2000. As well as carp, the reservoir also holds a considerable community of pike, rudd, eel, roach, perch and bream.
If you are interested in fishing, both day and nighttime fishing is on offer and tickets are available from AR Tackle in Hastings and Wobbly Rabbit in Bexhill on Sea.
With the reservoir tucked away at the rear of the park, you can enjoy several paths through the park but also walk around the side of the reservoir to reach the woodlands at the back. There is some higher land here so you can enjoy a good view of Alexandra Park in all its glory.
After having a walk or doing some fishing, you can enjoy the park’s facilities such as its café, games area, pavilion and miniature railway. Just a heads up, there are no cycling paths in the park and cycling is not permitted.
Address: St Helen’s Rd, Hastings TN34 2LG
Fishing website: https://www.hastingsandbexhillangling.co.uk/buckshole-reservoir
Alexandra Park website: https://www.hastings.gov.uk/parks_gardens_allotments/parks/alexandra/
