Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Visitors can enjoy walks on Essex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve; with stunning panoramic views across the reservoir and surrounding villages as well as superb views of the water’s edge from three bird hides. The nature reserve has a 900m accessible circular footpath and there are wheelchairs available for use. The Visitor Centre offers a tearoom which is open seven days a week providing a variety of hot and cold food, most of which is locally sourced; easy access toilets & baby changing facilities; and a well-stocked shop which has binoculars, telescopes, bird food, feeders and a range of gifts. Essex Wildlife Trust runs a programme of events throughout the year for all ages as well as children’s outdoor birthday parties and a weekly toddler group available during term time; booking is required for all of our events. On the nature reserve there is a new Brambly Hedge sculpture trail, where you can find seven characters from the classic stories written by Jill Barklem; there is also a wild play area with a zip wire, v bridge, swings and spiderweb net. Essex Wildlife Trust is a charity and relies on donations to carry out its work for the wildlife and people of Essex. There is suggested entry donation of £2 for Adults £1 for children and £5 Family; car parking is free. The huge expanse of Essex & Suffolk Water’s Abberton Reservoir plays host to some 40,000 wetland birds each year all attracted to the shallow muddy margins and large areas of rough grassland, which provide the ultimate habitat for a plethora of wildlife and waterfowl. The Visitor Centre is 6 miles SW of Colchester on the B1026 (a minor road linking Colchester and Maldon) just South of Layer de la Haye - follow the brown and white "Abberton Reservoir visitor centre" signs.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
279 reviews
Excellent
160
Very good
85
Average
26
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Familyman
Colchester, UK64 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We enjoy our trip to Abberton. Lovely Visitor Centre, Cafe - fantastic walks. The only down side - on our last few visits, you are welcomed with a 'Are you able to make a donation please?'. I understand EWT rely on donations of course, and it's a wonderful charity - but the heavyhanded welcome that now awaits me puts me off visiting. I visited with a friend recently and was quite embarrased that that was his first taste of the Visitor Centre. I'm all for helping out, but the heavy handed question that awaits me by the door, means I'll consider whether to visit in the future. A standard charge would be better, rather than the awkwardness that awaits people by the door, almost forcing a 'donation'. Aside that, it really is a wonderful place to visit.
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham R
Honiton, UK386 contributions
Oct 2022
We went to 2 hides and had a walk along the dam wall. There was a good variety of duck species, including pintail. The highlights were red kite and great white egret. The visitor centre has a nice little cafe and shop. Parking is free. Entrance is by a voluntary donation of £2 per person. An excellent birdwatching destination.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheekycockney190757
Basildon, UK11,432 contributions
Jul 2022
Visited on Tuesday 19th July 2022 On a blisteringly hot day having visited Layer Marney Tower I stopped off at Abberton Reservoir for a coffee and a wander. Free car park, with direct access to the visitor centre. Once inside there was an entry payment required but no one took it. There was a cafe and shop as well as a lovely decking area outside where you can sit and look out over an enclosed pond and the wider lake/reservoir. After you exit the visitor centre there are multiple signs to hides and also wildflower/bug areas. Worth a re-visit, though the birds seemed a long way away from those I visited.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ACathy3
Danbury, UK552 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Took a trip up to Abberton on a dry blustery Sunday along with many other people it would appear. Lady in the visitor centre was helpful with directions and a map £1). As expected the walk was muddy but still very pleasant and enjoyable. Went back to a very crowded visitor centre for lunch just had soup and while it was advertised as great coffee from a Kent suppler it was in fact terrible! Still lovely place and we just laughed about it
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tab
Colchester, UK26 contributions
Jun 2022
This is a great day out. I'm big into bird watching, but even for my family who couldn't see the different between an owl and a Robin, they still have a great time coming with me.
The cafe is lovely and the outside area has brilliant bird feeders which in the Spring are home to some excellent species. My family always have fun on the play park so it must be good! The walks are also excellent and in the Spring I have been lucky enough to have the Barn Owls fly overhead when hunting.
Also the causeway is a bird watching haven. At different times of day you can see a huge variety of species, in the morning you can see Kingfishers, and the evening even Peregrine Falcans. I would recomend to anyone looking to experience wildlife in it's natural habitat
The cafe is lovely and the outside area has brilliant bird feeders which in the Spring are home to some excellent species. My family always have fun on the play park so it must be good! The walks are also excellent and in the Spring I have been lucky enough to have the Barn Owls fly overhead when hunting.
Also the causeway is a bird watching haven. At different times of day you can see a huge variety of species, in the morning you can see Kingfishers, and the evening even Peregrine Falcans. I would recomend to anyone looking to experience wildlife in it's natural habitat
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dandiedo
Colchester, UK215 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Visited with my little grandson on a bright but windy day. We had a lovely time - me watching him play and scramble around the play area. We had a drink in the cafe and found it clean and offering a variety of drinks and snacks. There’s also a shop selling a variety of wildlife items. Entry is a £2.00 adult and £1.00 voluntary donation - free car parking. Not bad for such a beautiful place right on the edge of the reservoir.
Written February 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ebba Theodosia Russell
London, UK290 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Now, just want to get the negative out the way, we were met at the door by a woman asking for Track & Trace, ok fine (abit strange as its outdoors, alot of space), afterwards she gave a whole lecture on donations and how we may eat inside as we done Track & Trace...
We struggled to workout how to get out the cafe/shop but when we did, another man, standing outside wanting us to sign up for monthly donations, he had a rude attitude and it was embarrassing frankly, I understand that donations maybe down, its great they have 87 wildlife parks across Essex but understand some families are looking for a cheaper day out and are struggling themselves, there was no tin that we could see or box for donations, by the sounds of it it was literally to sign up monthly!
Prices were pretty expensive instead and the items and gift shop was nothing special, that's fine but the price of them when you can get better quality is abit much..Cafe seemed OK priced but we only got one icecream and one drink as I did not like being around staff as it was just pressure..
Now that's out the way, the grounds itself is lovely, we could not go into some areas due to nesting birds but it was lovely, we even saw a barn owl in the day and a plane was doing loops! (Plane not related ofcourse but was fun to watch) We saw lots of dragonflies and I have never seen so many which was lovely!
The play area was brilliant and lots of fun!
We did enjoy the day minus the staff, I think more people would donate if there was a donation box and the choice instead of such pressure or without a monthly sign up!
We would not return due to staff, I would somewhat recommend here, just depends on if you could handle the staff lol
We struggled to workout how to get out the cafe/shop but when we did, another man, standing outside wanting us to sign up for monthly donations, he had a rude attitude and it was embarrassing frankly, I understand that donations maybe down, its great they have 87 wildlife parks across Essex but understand some families are looking for a cheaper day out and are struggling themselves, there was no tin that we could see or box for donations, by the sounds of it it was literally to sign up monthly!
Prices were pretty expensive instead and the items and gift shop was nothing special, that's fine but the price of them when you can get better quality is abit much..Cafe seemed OK priced but we only got one icecream and one drink as I did not like being around staff as it was just pressure..
Now that's out the way, the grounds itself is lovely, we could not go into some areas due to nesting birds but it was lovely, we even saw a barn owl in the day and a plane was doing loops! (Plane not related ofcourse but was fun to watch) We saw lots of dragonflies and I have never seen so many which was lovely!
The play area was brilliant and lots of fun!
We did enjoy the day minus the staff, I think more people would donate if there was a donation box and the choice instead of such pressure or without a monthly sign up!
We would not return due to staff, I would somewhat recommend here, just depends on if you could handle the staff lol
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear TheodosiaRussell
Thank you for taking time to leave a review of your visit and sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy all of your time with us.
At the time of your visit it was a legal requirement for us to do Track & Trace as we are classed as a hospitality venue so unfortunately this was just a necessary evil and something we had to do.
As with all charities the last year has been a really unsettling time as we rely heavily on donations to enable us to maintain the site, including the play area, and to carry out our conservation work in the county.
We do not charge for car parking or have an entry fee and rely on visitors being happy to donate on their visits, or join Essex Wildlife Trust as a member.
Our suggested donation is £2 per adult, £1 per child or £5 for a family; which can be put through the till or into the donation box at the entrance of the centre.
On some days we have a recruiter on site whose role is to see if they can recruit members to Essex Wildlife Trust so this would be the gentleman that was outside. You do not need to be a member to visit our sites. I will send an email to the recruitment company with your comments as they will know who was here on site that day so that they can give him feedback on his approach.
Thank you again for taking time to review your visit.
Jo
Site Manager
Written September 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
elisaandGary
Norwich, UK27 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Lovely reserve with a huge reservoir and great short walks to the bird hides, very suitable for young and old alike.
The shop was well stocked with plenty of interesting things to look at and purchase for the prices you expect.
Good enough range in the cafe for lots of picky people. Service was good.
Only 1 complaint was the play area was largely inaccessible. 3/4 of the equipment said not to use it and it needed strimming. The children complained that it was the worst playground ever.
Still a great way to spend a rainy day. We were there about 2 hours.
The shop was well stocked with plenty of interesting things to look at and purchase for the prices you expect.
Good enough range in the cafe for lots of picky people. Service was good.
Only 1 complaint was the play area was largely inaccessible. 3/4 of the equipment said not to use it and it needed strimming. The children complained that it was the worst playground ever.
Still a great way to spend a rainy day. We were there about 2 hours.
Written May 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carolynsowden
Colchester, UK20 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Often come here to sit and look at the marvellous view .Cup of tea and cake in the cafe which also sells lovely gifts.So nice and quiet and we often go for a walk and look at the birds and wildlife .The reservoir is always interesting,there is always something to see.Free parking and is local to us only about 15 minutes drive.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie G
2 contributions
Jun 2023
Visited while on holiday in the area. Excellent parking, the blue badge area overlooking the water.
Accessible toilet just inside the door which was great. Very interesting souvenirs in the shop although a little on the pricey side.
A suggested donation of £2 to enter.
Very nice cafe with indoor seating and a small outdoor area with a view of the water,
Some lovely paths around the reservoir to suit most needs. There was a mobility scooter which i used but sadly this was old and not really suited to the terrain. It needs updating.
Picnic area and separate play area with some great looking equipment.
Accessible toilet just inside the door which was great. Very interesting souvenirs in the shop although a little on the pricey side.
A suggested donation of £2 to enter.
Very nice cafe with indoor seating and a small outdoor area with a view of the water,
Some lovely paths around the reservoir to suit most needs. There was a mobility scooter which i used but sadly this was old and not really suited to the terrain. It needs updating.
Picnic area and separate play area with some great looking equipment.
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have a map where I can walk my dog please?
Written February 10, 2023
Hi Can you tell me if it is allowed to cycle around the paths and bridleways around the reservoir.
Written August 22, 2021
Hi Ian H, most of the paths around the reservoir are footpaths. There are a few bridleways that you can cycle on, but there isn't a designated cycle track around the reservoir.
Hope that helps?
Written September 4, 2021
Is there anyway within to do some pond dipping? Thank you
Written March 30, 2019
Sorry the late response, during the summer holidays there are pond dipping sessions, you can probably do them at other times!
Written April 19, 2019
Hello, can you tell me please if dogs are allowed? Thank you in advance.
I am not a robot
Written April 9, 2018
Dear Kerry T
Thank you for your enquiry. There are a series of permissive footpaths around the reservoir where you can take dogs. Dogs are not however allowed in the visitor centre or on the nature reserve. You are welcome to park in our car park and walk them from there. If you do visit us, please call in the centre and speak to a member of the team as they would be more than happy to show you where dogs are allowed.
Hope that helps?
Thank you
Jo Wray
Site Manager
Written April 10, 2018
imdpriyaa
Colchester, United Kingdom
Hello n good morning!
I would like to visit this lovely place but I wanted to know if you have enough parking space, just cuz I Have recently passed the test and I want to come there driving myself with the family. Thank you
Written April 6, 2017
Dear imdpriyaa
Thank you for contacting us. We have a large car park, so plenty of space for our visitors. We don't charge for parking either, but do ask for a donation when you enter the visitor centre to help us maintain our lovely site and facilities.
Thank you
Jo
Written April 6, 2017
Is there a circular walk around the reservoir
Written March 22, 2017
Dear Jimpar
Thank you for your question. There are a series of permissive footpaths and bridleways around the reservoir, however there isn't a full circuit that you can do as there is no footpath from Peldon to Great Wigborough.
It is probably easier to come to the visitor centre and look at the map that we have so we can show you where all the paths are.
Written March 22, 2017
kirstystubbs2017
Burnham-on-Crouch, United Kingdom
Hi There,
We are looking to visit this week and go on one f your dog friendly walks. I was just wondering if we can visit the cafe with our furry friend or is that part of the visitors centre where dogs are not allowed?
Thank you :)
Written March 20, 2017
I'm afraid that dogs are not allowed in the visitor centre. We can do take aways for you.
Written March 20, 2017
Hi Karen, dogs are allowed on leads on permissive footpaths around the reservoir; however they are not allowed in the visitor centre or on the nature reserve. If you come to the centre we can show you where you can walk your dog.
Written December 18, 2016
Is it possible to walk to the reservoir from Peldon ? We were hoping to come tomorrow Monday 29th which as you know is a bank holiday. We can get to Peldon by bus but it seems a long hard walk along
a road to get there. Can we walk up Lodge lane and continue to the reservoir.
Thanks
Written August 28, 2016
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