Coombe Hill Nature Reserve
A free, muddy gem in Gloucestershire, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife spotting with charming wetland walkways and hides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Coombe Hill Nature Reserve
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, muddy gem in Gloucestershire, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife spotting with charming wetland walkways and hides.
"Fabulous for water bird spotting and a beautiful location, despite the mud!"
👢 Wear Waterproof Boots
The reserve can be very muddy, especially after rain. Wellies or good walking boots are essential year-round.
🚗 Mind the Car Park
The small car park has a bumpy entrance. Drive slowly and be cautious with low-clearance vehicles.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bird Hides
North side of the wharf
Discover a fantastic range of birds and wildlife from strategically placed hides, including a raised wooden walkway through wetlands.
Wetland Walkways
Willow wetland area
Explore the reserve via a charming raised wooden walkway, offering unique views of the wetland habitat and its inhabitants.
Abundant Wildlife
Throughout the reserve
Spot diverse bird species, dragonflies, and other fascinating creatures in this beautiful English countryside gem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mud!
Car Park & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👢 Wear Waterproof Boots
The reserve can be very muddy, especially after rain. Wellies or good walking boots are essential year-round. +1
🚗 Mind the Car Park
The small car park has a bumpy entrance. Drive slowly and be cautious with low-clearance vehicles.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with limits)
Dogs are welcome, but restricted in certain areas. Keep them on a lead for on-lead walks. +1
📸 Bring Your Camera
Excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife photography, especially from the hides.
Tips
from all over the internet
👢 Wear Waterproof Boots
The reserve can be very muddy, especially after rain. Wellies or good walking boots are essential year-round. +1
🚗 Mind the Car Park
The small car park has a bumpy entrance. Drive slowly and be cautious with low-clearance vehicles.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with limits)
Dogs are welcome, but restricted in certain areas. Keep them on a lead for on-lead walks. +1
📸 Bring Your Camera
Excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife photography, especially from the hides.
📍 Explore Beyond
A lovely farm shop with a coffee shop is nearby for refreshments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Coombe Hill Nature Reserve is a beloved free nature spot, praised for its abundant birdlife and scenic wetland views, especially from its hides. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to see diverse wildlife. However, be prepared for very muddy conditions year-round, and note the small car park and bumpy entrance. +2
"It's free! Excellent place to see some unusual birds and dragonflies. If you keep walking on the North side of the wharf, you eventually find a path to the Bird Hides. Can get very muddy, most of the year. Wellies or good walking boots!"
Tony Riordan
"Beautiful location & fabulous for water bird spotting! 🔭 note its dog friendly however there are parts of the reserve where dogs are not permitted.
Car park entrance is bumpy so extra care needed to not damage vehicles & I wouldn't advise taking low cars.
Lovely little farm shop just down the road from the entrance with a beautiful coffee shop and seating area."
Paige Neale
"Great reserve. Great to get back on it now that it's open after the landslip. Very muddy after the Coronation day rain and wellies were crucial. Excellent range of birds. Small car park, can handle 8-10 cars."
David Lawrence
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coombe Hill Nature Reserve is located down a small country track. The nearest town is Gloucester. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. Be aware the car park is small and the entrance road can be bumpy. +1
Yes, there is a small, free car park that can accommodate about 8-10 cars. Due to its size, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. +1
While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, cycling is a viable option for reaching the reserve, especially if you are local. The surrounding countryside offers pleasant cycling routes.
The raised wooden walkway to the bird hide is generally accessible, but the rest of the reserve can be very muddy and uneven, making it challenging for wheelchairs. +1
While a specific postcode isn't always provided in reviews, searching for 'Coombe Hill Nature Reserve, Gloucestershire' on your GPS should guide you to the location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Coombe Hill Nature Reserve is free! This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
The reserve is generally open year-round, though specific hours might vary. It's best to check local listings or the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust website for any seasonal changes or temporary closures, especially after adverse weather.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Coombe Hill Nature Reserve, but they must be kept on a lead in most areas. There are specific sections where dogs are not permitted to protect the wildlife. +1
You can visit, but be prepared for very muddy conditions. Waterproof footwear is highly recommended, and some paths might be more challenging after heavy rain. +1
No, the bird hides are free to access as part of the nature reserve. Enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities without any additional cost. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The bird hides offer excellent vantage points for capturing birds and other wildlife. The wetland areas and meadows also provide great opportunities for nature photography. +1
You can expect to photograph a variety of bird species, including waterfowl, waders, and smaller birds. Dragonflies are also a common sight during warmer months.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for bird and wildlife photography to get clear shots of distant subjects. However, even with a standard lens, you can capture the beauty of the landscape and closer subjects.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the wildlife. Professional or commercial photography might require prior permission.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This is also when wildlife is typically most active.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While dogs are welcome on leads, ensure you're aware of the restricted areas to keep them safe and respect the wildlife. The nearby farm shop with a coffee shop also offers a nice spot for a family break or a treat after exploring.
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Watching at Coombe Hill
The bird hides are a key feature, offering excellent vantage points for observing waterfowl and other avian life. Beyond birds, the reserve is also known for its dragonflies, particularly during the warmer months. The presence of apple and willow trees adds to the picturesque landscape, creating a perfect environment for a variety of flora and fauna. For those interested in conservation, the reserve is managed by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, focusing on habitat management and conservation efforts, even in the face of climate change challenges.
Remember that the terrain can be muddy, so appropriate footwear is crucial for a comfortable experience. The small car park means it rarely gets overwhelmingly crowded, allowing for a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.
Navigating Coombe Hill: Paths and Terrain
A particular highlight is the raised wooden walkway that leads to the bird hide. This feature provides a more accessible and pleasant route through the willow wetland, offering unique perspectives of the water and its inhabitants.
While the reserve offers flexibility to walk as far as you choose, the primary access point is via a small car park. The entrance to this car park is noted as being bumpy, requiring careful navigation for vehicles.
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