# Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve, Colchester — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Explore wildlife around this vast reservoir with accessible visitor facilities, snacks available and well-equipped amenities including baby changing areas. Perfect for families seeking nature walks in Essex countryside. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/abberton-reservoir-nature-reserve (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Visitor Center # Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve Church Road, Layer de la Haye [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=10041662329490846362&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Essex Wildlife Trust Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/112375448127283793431) **In short:** Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve is a visitor center in Colchester, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,275 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve Explore wildlife around this vast reservoir with accessible visitor facilities, snacks available and well-equipped amenities including baby changing areas. Perfect for families seeking nature walks in Essex countryside. ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Free car park - ✓Free street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet - ✓Accessible seating ### Payment - ✓Credit cards - ✓Debit cards - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Opening hours **Monday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM **Tuesday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM **Wednesday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM **Thursday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM **Friday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM **Saturday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM **Sunday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [Louise Jones](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110883362688408364700/reviews) ★★★★★ Plenty of parking up at the visitor centre. Helpful staff. Lovely cafe with great views. Easy access Hides. All trails easy walks. Saw a Kestrel close up, lots of beautiful bird song, particularly Blackcaps. A wide variety of water birds to see from the Hides. Added to all this, it's free · via Google [Gary Mixture](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117778130534632993021/reviews) ★★★★★ Beautiful place to go for a walk, with the various hides adding to the experience. Lovely coffee shop as well. · via Google [Kim Flanagan](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110020536093613959654/reviews) ★★★★★ A beautiful Wildlife Trust. Stunning walks and views. Great for bird twitches. Lots of areas for children as well. · via Google [Ian Wilson](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109641395216882752133/reviews) ★★★★★ Whether you like birdwatching, just relaxing in a pleasant nature reserve, or just fancy a cuppa / snack in a fantastic cafeteria and shop, then this is a great place. The shop/cafe overlooks Abberton Reservoir, with large picture windows ensuring you have plenty of viewing opportunities. There are plenty of trails of various lengths. However, our favourite viewing spot is on nearby Layer Breton Causeway. You can park here, and the bird viewing is superb. There are usually a few friendly birdwatchers around to help those who are inexperienced. Spring and summer is a great time to see the nesting Spoonbills - an amazing bird to watch. Visit - you won’t regret it! · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x47d91c99e76be8fd:0x8b5b26af87b9329a!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Visitors say this nature reserve offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with a wide variety of birds and well-maintained hides, along with beautiful walking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. They also highlight the convenient free parking and the cafe, which serves delicious homemade cakes and light meals. Guests mention the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** Rows Farm, Church Road, Layer de la Haye, Colchester, CO2 0EU [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=51.8246497%2C0.8492021) **Category** Parks & Play Areas **Guest rating** 4.6 / 5 (1,275 reviews) **Suitable for** Ages 4+ **Setting** Indoor & outdoor **Good for children** Yes **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Colchester [More attractions in Colchester](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions) ★ 4.6 (1,275 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.essexwt.org.uk/reserves/abberton-reservoir?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01206 738172](tel:01206738172) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Colchester **Postcode** CO2 0EU **Payment** Cards, Contactless **Plus Code** 9F32RRFX+VM [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x47d91c99e76be8fd:0x8b5b26af87b9329a!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d91c99e76be8fd:0x8b5b26af87b9329a!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d91c99e76be8fd:0x8b5b26af87b9329a!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Colchester Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DColchester%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve? Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve is open Mon–Sun 10am–4pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve any good? Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,275 Google reviews. ### Is Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve good for children? Yes, Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve is listed as good for children. ### Is Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve indoors or outdoors? Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve suitable for? Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve is best for ages 4+. ### Is Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve wheelchair accessible? Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve? Yes: free car park and free street parking. ### How do I contact Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve? Call Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve on +44 1206 738172. ## More near Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Woodview Bed & Breakfast ★ 4.6 · 1.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/hotels/woodview-bed-breakfast) - [Donkey & Buskins ★ 4.5 · 2.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/hotels/donkey-buskins) - [Five Lakes Resort ★ 4.3 · 3.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/maldon/hotels/five-lakes-resort) - [The Victory At Mersea ★ 4.0 · 4.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/hotels/the-victory-at-mersea) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Baytree Cottages - Baytree Cottage 1 ★ 5.0 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/cottages/baytree-cottages-baytree-cottage-1-31049) - [Longridge 1.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/cottages/longridge-uk42852) - [Rose Cottage 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/cottages/rose-cottage-uk45810) ### Campsites nearby - [Rockinghams Farm Glamping and Camping ★ 4.5 · 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping/rockinghams-farm-glamping-and-camping) - [Firs Chase Caravan Park ★ 4.2 · 3.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/essex/camping/firs-chase-caravan-park) - [Colchester Country Park ★ 4.2 · 4.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping/colchester-country-park) - [West Mersea Holiday Park ★ 4.2 · 5.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping/west-mersea-holiday-park) ### Things to do nearby - [Layer Marney Tower ★ 4.6 · 2.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/layer-marney-tower) - [Colchester Zoo ★ 4.7 · 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/colchester-zoo) - [Jungle Adventure ★ 3.4 · 3.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/jungle-adventure) - [Bourne Mill ★ 4.3 · 4.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/bourne-mill)