Tophill Low, near Watton, Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire YO25 9RH
Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
7.8
Wildland
Half day to full day
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.8Two reservoirs sit at the heart of this 300-acre reserve, bordered by marshes, ponds, woodland and grassland. Twelve hides and a varied wetland landscape make it a strong place to spend time watching birds and other wildlife.
The draw here is the scale and variety of the wildlife experience: two reservoirs, surrounding wetlands and woodland, and 12 hides across a 300-acre site. More than 160 bird species are recorded annually, with over 60 reportedly visible even in midwinter.
Peaceful · Wild · Wildlife-rich
Find your way
Open mapTophill Low, near Watton, Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire YO25 9RH
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The experience
Come for a short, focused visit to a hide, or give the reserve a longer stretch of the day to explore its trails and varied habitats. Bring lunch: the reserve advises that the nearest town is nearly 10 miles away.
Things to do
Watch from the hides
Visit the reserve's 12 hides and scan the different wetland and reservoir habitats for birds and other wildlife.
Explore the reserve paths
Walk through the reserve's network of paths, which crosses a landscape of reservoirs, marshes, ponds, woodland and grassland. Stay on the paths.
Look for wetland wildlife
Watch patiently from suitable paths and hides. The reserve highlights otters and dragonflies, though sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: A hide and a wildlife pause
- 01
Check current opening and entry information before setting off.
- 02
Use the reserve's paths to reach a hide and spend time watching the surrounding wetland or reservoir.
- 03
Keep to the paths and do not swim.
Half day · Half day
Make a Half Day of It: Follow the habitats
- 01
Bring lunch, as Yorkshire Water recommends and says the nearest town is nearly 10 miles away.
- 02
Explore the reserve's paths and visit hides across the reservoir and wetland landscape.
- 03
Pause to watch for birds and other wildlife across the marshes, ponds, woodland and grassland.
Full Wildland day · Full day
The Full Wildland Day: Take your time at the reserve
- 01
Arrive during the reserve's current opening hours and bring lunch.
- 02
Explore the paths at an unhurried pace, making time for several of the 12 hides.
- 03
Look across the reservoirs, marshes, ponds, woodland and grassland, allowing time to watch for wildlife.
- 04
Check current opening and access information before travelling.
Verified history
Tophill Low is an active Yorkshire Water treatment works built in 1959. It formally opened as a nature reserve in 1993. The site covers 300 acres and includes two reservoirs, which the reserve source says have SSSI status for their wildfowl numbers.
Hidden details
A reserve within a working water site — The wildlife landscape occupies an active water-treatment site, built in 1959; the reserve formally opened in 1993.
A midwinter birdwatching opportunity — The reserve reports that over 60 bird species are readily visible even in midwinter, despite recording more than 160 species across the year.
When to go
· No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources; check current reserve information.
The reserve reports substantial bird diversity across the year and more than 60 bird species readily visible even in midwinter. The supplied sources do not establish exact seasonal peaks.
A visitor account describes the lane to the reserve as narrow and, in places, poorly surfaced and potholed, particularly after heavy rain. Check local conditions and drive carefully.
What to look for
- 01
Scan the reservoirs for wildfowl, and look out from the hides across marshes, ponds, woodland and grassland. The reserve highlights wildlife including otters and dragonflies
- 02
sightings are not guaranteed.
The story
A working Yorkshire Water treatment site, built in 1959 and formally opened as a nature reserve in 1993.
Best time to go
Year-round; midwinter is noted for the number of birds readily visible, while the changing wetlands and woodland offer different wildlife-watching opportunities through the year.
Midwinter is a worthwhile time to watch waterbirds: the reserve source says more than 60 bird species are readily visible even then. Check the reserve's current updates before setting out.
How long to spend
Half day to full day
Perfect for
Wildlife lovers · Birdwatchers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 9am-6pm
- Tuesday: 9am-6pm
- Wednesday: 9am-6pm
- Thursday: 9am-6pm
- Friday: 9am-6pm
- Saturday: 9am-6pm
- Sunday: 9am-6pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A Yorkshire Water nature reserve on an active water-treatment site. The supplied reserve information lists daily opening from 9am to 6pm and an entrance fee; check current details before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
A car park is listed by Yorkshire Water. Check current arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets and disabled toilets are listed by Yorkshire Water; check current availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
No café is confirmed in the supplied reserve information. Yorkshire Water recommends bringing lunch; it says the nearest town is nearly 10 miles away.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed, except registered assistance dogs.
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet. Check with the reserve about current routes and the accessibility of individual hides and paths.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Two reservoirs, marshes and ponds; swimming is not permitted.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
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Dryham Lane, Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire HU15 2LY
24.4 km away
Place photograph6.6North Landing
North Landing, Flamborough, near Bridlington, East Yorkshire
28.7 km away
