Ulley Country Park
A tranquil South Yorkshire park with a scenic reservoir, abundant wildlife, and community art, perfect for walks and nature observation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beautiful reflections and wildlife
Ulley Country Park
Best Time
Beautiful reflections and wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil South Yorkshire park with a scenic reservoir, abundant wildlife, and community art, perfect for walks and nature observation.
"Lovely gentle walk with plenty to see, great for birdwatching and dog owners."
🚗 Parking Fee
Parking costs £3 for the day. The car park closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
☕ Bring Your Own Drinks
There's no permanent cafe, so pack a flask of warm drink and snacks for your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ulley Reservoir Walk
Around the reservoir
Gentle paths with lovely reflections, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying nature's tranquility.
Wildlife Viewing
Bird hides and along the water's edge
Spot swans, herons, kestrels, and a variety of other bird species. Keep an eye out for terrapins too!
Community Art Sculpture
Near the park entrance
A unique mosaic sculpture celebrating the park's dedicated volunteers and their hard work.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access
Wildlife Spotting Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fee
Parking costs £3 for the day. The car park closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
☕ Bring Your Own Drinks
There's no permanent cafe, so pack a flask of warm drink and snacks for your visit. +1
🦢 Swan Rescue Sightings
Keep an eye out for cygnets that might need help getting back up the spillway – rangers often assist!
🚶♀️ Narrow Path Alert
Some paths can be narrow, especially when busy. Be mindful of passing families, bikes, and dogs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fee
Parking costs £3 for the day. The car park closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
☕ Bring Your Own Drinks
There's no permanent cafe, so pack a flask of warm drink and snacks for your visit. +1
🦢 Swan Rescue Sightings
Keep an eye out for cygnets that might need help getting back up the spillway – rangers often assist!
🚶♀️ Narrow Path Alert
Some paths can be narrow, especially when busy. Be mindful of passing families, bikes, and dogs.
🚗 Country Lane Caution
Be aware of fast-moving cars on the country lane sections, particularly on the uphill parts.
🎨 Public Art Appreciation
Admire the community-created mosaic sculpture celebrating the park's volunteers.
🐿️ Woodland Animal Sculptures
Check out the sculptures of woodland animals, including a red squirrel, from pottery workshops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ulley Country Park for its beautiful reservoir walks, abundant wildlife, and dog-friendly atmosphere. While parking is convenient, some note the narrow paths and fast traffic on country lanes. The lack of a permanent cafe means bringing your own refreshments is recommended, though picnic benches are available.
"An easy to follow map lots of benches to choose from along the way to rest. The 2 main paths follow the water up and back each side from the cafe. Or you can venture onto the road for a full circle. I walked both and walked just under 3 miles. Lots to see along the way with fishing spots and bird hides.
Very dog friendly"
Jane Smith
"Parking is great £3 for the day. There are places to sit and enjoy the wildlife all the way round the walk. You can do a bigger walk or just walk around the water. There are picnic benches and hides to watch the birds. There are information boards all around telling you the wildlife you can see and showing you the routes. There isn't a cafe, tho so make sure you take a drink. There are public toilets at the car park. The carport closes at 5."
zoe lucas
"Had a lovely gentle walk on a warm-ish Autumnal day. Parking was available at Ulley's main entrance and me and my family did the anticlockwise route around the lake, crossing at the bridge to head back to the car park.
After the first section there is a bit of walking on a country lane, and that was the only drawback as cars were flying down the narrow winding road at speed. This section is up hill, but we took the opportunity to call at the Royal Oak pub in Ulley village for a glass of lemonade.
The still day gave us some lovely reflections to see on the water, which were particularly good at this time of year. There are quite a few benches to sit at and enjoy the peace and tranquility.
Whilst there saw plenty of wild life, the normal swans, mallards and geese. But also several herons and a kestrel. There was also a falconer (I presume just visiting) who was flying a huge bird of pray, not sure what kind though.
There are toilets near the car park and several small sail boats launched from the boathouse whist we were there. I believe a cafe is open on some days in a month, but it didn't seem like everyday, so probably somewhere to take a flask of warm drink to.
I enjoyed the walk (albeit it was a very steady amble rather than walk) and we will be repeating the route again in the winter."
Mark Arthur
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ulley Country Park is located in South Yorkshire. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's generally accessible by car. The park has a dedicated car park for visitors. 
Yes, Ulley Country Park is very dog-friendly, making it a great spot for a walk with your canine companions.
Some routes involve country lanes which can be narrow and have fast-moving traffic. Be cautious when driving or walking on these sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a parking fee of £3 for the day. Entry to the park itself is free.
The car park at Ulley Country Park closes at 5 PM. It's advisable to check for any specific event timings if you plan to visit for a particular activity.
No, tickets are not required for general entry to Ulley Country Park. You only need to pay for parking.
Ulley Country Park hosts various events, including sculpture workshops and community initiatives. Keep an eye on local listings for upcoming events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main paths follow the water on both sides of the reservoir, offering a walk of just under 3 miles. You can also venture onto the road for a full circle.
Yes, there are plenty of benches located along the paths, providing opportunities to rest and enjoy the scenery. +1
You can expect to see swans, mallards, geese, herons, kestrels, and various other bird species. Some visitors have also spotted terrapins. +1
Public toilets are available at the car park.
Absolutely! Ulley Country Park offers beautiful scenery and paths perfect for an invigorating walk, though be mindful of the occasional fast car on country lanes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't a permanent cafe. While it may be open on some days of the month, it's best to bring your own drinks and snacks. +1
Yes, there are picnic benches available, making it a great spot for a leisurely outdoor meal.
The Royal Oak pub in Ulley village is an option for refreshments if you're taking a break from your walk.
📸 📸 Photography
The reservoir offers beautiful reflections, especially on still days. The rolling hills around the reservoir also provide scenic backdrops. +1
Ulley Country Park is excellent for birdwatching photography, with opportunities to capture swans, herons, kestrels, and various waterfowl.
Look out for the community art sculpture and the woodland animal sculptures, which offer unique subjects for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there's no permanent cafe, bringing a picnic to enjoy at the designated benches is a great way to make a day of it. The public toilets at the car park are also a practical necessity for families. Be mindful of the narrow paths and the country lanes with traffic, ensuring children stay close.
🐦 Birdwatchers and Nature Enthusiasts
Bring your binoculars and camera to make the most of the opportunities. The presence of bird hides offers a more immersive experience. Even if you're not a seasoned birder, the tranquil atmosphere and the chance to observe nature up close make it a rewarding destination.
🚶♀️ Active Walkers
Be prepared for potentially narrow paths, especially during busy periods, and exercise caution on the country lanes due to traffic. The park's accessibility and scenic beauty make it a great option for a brisk walk or a longer, steady amble.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wildlife Haven
For those interested in specific bird species, the park is known for its waterfowl and birds of prey. The presence of fishing spots and bird hides further enhances the experience for dedicated wildlife watchers. Remember to bring binoculars for a closer look and a camera to capture the moments. The changing seasons can also bring different species, so a winter visit might offer unique sightings compared to a summer trip.
Occasionally, the park's wildlife requires a helping hand. Reels have captured Countryside Rangers assisting cygnets that have slid down the spillway and need to be returned to safety on the reservoir. This highlights the ongoing conservation efforts and the active role the park staff play in protecting its inhabitants.
Walking and Recreation
While the core paths follow the water, there are options to extend your walk by venturing onto the country lanes that encircle the park. These lanes can offer different perspectives and lead to the nearby village of Ulley. However, visitors should be aware that these lanes can be narrow and experience fast-moving traffic, so caution is advised.
For those seeking a more active experience, the park's terrain, including short climbs on the lanes, can be suitable for training. Some visitors have also noted the presence of small sailboats launched from a boathouse, suggesting a community involved in water-based recreation.
Community and Art
The park also hosts creative workshops, such as pottery and sculpture workshops, where participants can craft woodland animal figures. These events foster a sense of community and provide unique opportunities for artistic development, with participants sharing their creations, like a red squirrel sculpture.
+1Furthermore, Ulley Country Park is involved in initiatives like the 'Blue Influencer Event,' which brings together local students and organizations to focus on community and inclusion. This demonstrates the park's role in fostering social connections and promoting positive community values.
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