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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for birdwatching & quiet

Tring Reservoirs
Best Time
Best for birdwatching & quiet

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene escape with stunning reservoir views, rich birdlife, and scenic canal walks, perfect for nature lovers and peaceful strolls.
"Absolutely loved it, had a lovely long walk along the canal, lovely views, immaculately clean and just so refreshing!"

🐦 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Birdwatching Paradise
Wilstone Reservoir
A premier UK birdwatching spot, especially in winter. Spot diverse waterfowl and waders.

Grand Union Canal Walk
Adjacent to reservoirs
Enjoy scenic walks along the historic Grand Union Canal, offering beautiful water views.

Soothing Reservoir Views
Various points around the reservoirs
Mesmerizing and soothing scenery with boats and calm waters, perfect for picnics.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Birdwatching & Serenity
Parking & Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐦 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.
🅿️ Parking Clarity
Parking fees can be confusing; check the app for accurate pricing.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Ideal spot for picnics with friends and family, offering beautiful, soothing views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐦 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.
🅿️ Parking Clarity
Parking fees can be confusing; check the app for accurate pricing.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Ideal spot for picnics with friends and family, offering beautiful, soothing views.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A very pleasant walk for pups, though keep them on a lead near open water.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Absolutely! You can walk all the way around the reservoirs and along the adjacent Grand Union Canal, offering lovely views and a refreshing experience.
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.
The reservoirs are interconnected, and paths allow you to move between them. Wilstone Reservoir is particularly noted for birdwatching.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, the reservoirs offer beautiful scenery, water reflections, and abundant wildlife, making it a great spot for photography, especially for nature and landscape shots.
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.
The raised walkways and the edges of the reservoirs offer excellent vantage points. Wilstone Reservoir is particularly popular for bird photography.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Goat Yard Restaurant is located at the reservoirs and is open on weekends, offering food and drinks.
Absolutely! Tring Reservoirs is a fantastic spot for picnics. There are plenty of scenic areas to set up and enjoy your meal.
The Goat Yard Restaurant typically offers a range of food and drinks, and sometimes features live music or DJs on weekends.
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.
You can bring your own food for a picnic or potentially pick up takeaway from Tring town to enjoy by the reservoirs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Haven for Birdwatchers
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.
Walking and Recreation
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. 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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit