Startop’s End, Marsworth, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4LJ
Tring Reservoirs
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
6.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free to visit
Cost
Big-sky
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.4Built to serve the canal system, Tring Reservoirs have become one of southern England’s leading birdwatching spots. The Trust describes the reserve as a 98-hectare wetland landscape.
A working canal-era landscape with a well-established birdwatching draw, rather than just a stretch of open water. The Trust highlights visits in April–July and November–February; current works may affect some paths.
Big-sky · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapStartop’s End, Marsworth, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4LJ
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The experience
Come for a birdwatching visit to the reservoirs. Check the Trust’s current works notice first: path closures are reported at Wilstone, although its car park and hide are currently accessible.
Things to do
Watch for birds
Birdwatch at the reservoirs, a site the Wildlife Trust describes as one of southern England’s best birdwatching spots. No particular species or sightings are guaranteed by the supplied research.
Visit the hide
The Trust says the Wilstone car park and hide are currently accessible despite embankment works. Check its latest notice before visiting, as conditions can change.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short birdwatching visit
- 01
Check the Trust’s current notice for path closures before travelling.
- 02
Visit the reserve for birdwatching and use the hide if it is accessible on the day.
- 03
Dress for exposed, potentially cold conditions on the reservoir banks.
Verified history
The reservoirs were originally built to serve the canal system. The supplied source does not provide construction dates or further historical detail.
Hidden details
A water landscape with a canal purpose — The reservoirs were built to serve the canal system, a practical origin behind today’s birdwatching destination.
When to go
April · May · June · July · November · December · January · February · Check before visiting; the supplied reserve source does not specify a best time of day.
The Wildlife Trust lists April–July and November–February as the best times to visit. The supplied source does not give further seasonal detail.
The reservoir banks are often exposed to cold winds; wear warm clothing. Check current path-closure notices before setting out.
Worth pairing with
Natural History Museum at Tring
A sourced town-centre pairing for a broader natural-history day. Tring Town Council notes that the collection includes specimens of extinct animals and Darwin’s finches; it also states the finches are not on public display. Check current opening details before visiting.
What to look for
Take time to watch for birds from the reserve’s hide. The supplied research does not identify particular species or guarantee sightings.
The story
Reservoirs originally built to serve the canal system.
Best time to go
April–July and November–February, according to Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
The Trust identifies April–July and November–February as the best visiting periods. Wear warm clothing: the banks are often exposed to cold winds.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Birdwatchers · Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust lists the reserve as open at all times and free to visit. Path closures are currently reported at Wilstone Reservoir due to embankment works; check the reserve’s latest notice before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The Trust lists a free car park at Wilstone and a pay-and-display car park at Startop’s End. Current access to paths may be affected by works at Wilstone; check before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs should be under effective control.
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, while the Trust notes very steep steps from the car park to the top of the reservoir banks. Confirm the specific access route and current conditions before visiting.
Cost
Free to visit; donations welcome. Startop’s End car park is pay and display; Wilstone car park is free.
Water
Reservoirs; swimming and boating are not permitted.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Tring Reservoirs
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
