A large artificial lake surrounded by rolling hills and woodland, offering scenic walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and water sports such as sailing and fishing.
This place is for those who love fishing and exploring woodland trails. Opening hours is a bit dodgy, for general public till 5 and till 8 pm for fishermen. Free parking with plenty of spaces. Ample opportunity to feed and get close to ducks though the roaming area was studded with their litters. Pretty ordinary kids playground with few slides and swings. It was a bit uncomfortable to walk around the area as numerous tiny flying bugs were making big swirls. Boats are only for fishing. Quite costly (PS33/person). It would be a very attractive place if there is facility for pleasure boat trip. There's an opportunity for volunteering in disability sailing every Wednesday and Thursday. Not sure how it works but would like to see it in future. The restaurant looks good. It is better to go there in the morning to explore the nature along the trails. Not suitable for a pleasant afternoon walk. Overall Okayish...
Came here to see the redo our and sit by it but could not get there quickly so decided to sit on a bench in the wooded area. Was not dog friendly and to be honest it's just plain and ordinary. Cafe is a rip off and not much choice and the gift shops the same. Toilet smelt bad and doors wedges open offering no privacy to men or women. Donations are asked for but as much as you can afford. I didn't donate because it was not worth it. Parking was free I think. Would not come again
Nice spot, and great that there are ducks and geese running around - my 2 year old loved it!
I was very disappointed with this place I definitely wouldn't recommend it to anyone. They charge a lot of money for the fishing and for that charge they don't let you do anything. You couldn't come with your wife or child and have them spend time together with nature or watch someone fish (even though nothing was biting anyway) because you also have to pay for them to fish even if they aren't fishing, and if you don't do this they tell you to leave. They said for those who haven't paid for the fishing to go to the cafe or bar and wait separately till we're done fishing. The toilets near the pond were in a terrible condition and definitely haven't been looked after in a long time.
Lovely reservoir full of different types of birds. Very nice sandwiches and large pot of tea HOWEVER the cafe hours are until 4pm but they put closed sign up and locked the doors at 3.50 so the remaining customers outside could not use the toilets before leaving and to my knowledge there are no others, so if you wanted to stay until 5pm closing you would have a problem.
August update not so many fish but still okay ..
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Good for kids
Hello! I'm your AI guide for Hanningfield Reservoir. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Discover hotels in Giffords Ln, Chelmsford CM3 8HX
Searching for hotels...
This place is for those who love fishing and exploring woodland trails. Opening hours is a bit dodgy, for general public till 5 and till 8 pm for fishermen. Free parking with plenty of spaces. Ample opportunity to feed and get close to ducks though the roaming area was studded with their litters. Pretty ordinary kids playground with few slides and swings. It was a bit uncomfortable to walk around the area as numerous tiny flying bugs were making big swirls. Boats are only for fishing. Quite costly (PS33/person). It would be a very attractive place if there is facility for pleasure boat trip. There's an opportunity for volunteering in disability sailing every Wednesday and Thursday. Not sure how it works but would like to see it in future. The restaurant looks good. It is better to go there in the morning to explore the nature along the trails. Not suitable for a pleasant afternoon walk. Overall Okayish...
Came here to see the redo our and sit by it but could not get there quickly so decided to sit on a bench in the wooded area. Was not dog friendly and to be honest it's just plain and ordinary. Cafe is a rip off and not much choice and the gift shops the same. Toilet smelt bad and doors wedges open offering no privacy to men or women. Donations are asked for but as much as you can afford. I didn't donate because it was not worth it. Parking was free I think. Would not come again
Nice spot, and great that there are ducks and geese running around - my 2 year old loved it!
I was very disappointed with this place I definitely wouldn't recommend it to anyone. They charge a lot of money for the fishing and for that charge they don't let you do anything. You couldn't come with your wife or child and have them spend time together with nature or watch someone fish (even though nothing was biting anyway) because you also have to pay for them to fish even if they aren't fishing, and if you don't do this they tell you to leave. They said for those who haven't paid for the fishing to go to the cafe or bar and wait separately till we're done fishing. The toilets near the pond were in a terrible condition and definitely haven't been looked after in a long time.
Lovely reservoir full of different types of birds. Very nice sandwiches and large pot of tea HOWEVER the cafe hours are until 4pm but they put closed sign up and locked the doors at 3.50 so the remaining customers outside could not use the toilets before leaving and to my knowledge there are no others, so if you wanted to stay until 5pm closing you would have a problem.
August update not so many fish but still okay ..
