​Hanningfield Reservoir and Waterside Park

Hanningfield Reservoir and Waterside Park

Hanningfield Reservoir and Waterside Park is the ideal destination for a day out. Adjacent to the Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, it really is a stunning location. The Hanningfield Waterside Park is situated in the pretty Essex countryside, 15 minutes away from Chelmsford and is recognised as a site of special scientific interest. It is the perfect spot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, fishermen/women and families alike, with something of interest on offer to everyone.

As a fishing destination it is considered one of the UK’s best “any method still water trout fishery,” which means that fly and bait fishing are both permissible. Intentions this year were to stock 51,000 high quality rainbow trout. This was to be augmented with home reared fish, including specimens of 10lb+. Fishing lessons are available for both adults and children. At the moment there have been changes made to fishing rules and regulations at the fishery and you are strongly advised to refer to their very informative website before visiting. The website also contains all the information you need regarding ticket prices and permits. There is also a very useful “Hints and Tips” page regarding fishing techniques at Hanningfield. A tackle shop is well supplied should you have forgotten anything for your fishing trip.

Hanningfield Reservoir is well known for its important populations of wildfowl, which can be viewed from various bird hides across the site.

As mentioned before, Hanningfield Waterside Park is next to the Hanningfield Essex Wildlife Trust which is nestled in beautiful woodland and easily accessible by road or can be reached on foot either by walking through the woods or along the shoreline. There is also a sculpture trail featuring wooden animal characters from the Wind In The Willows, which is very popular with those with young children. With brass plates on each sculpture, the children can collect rubbings as they find the characters along the trail.

Back at the Hanningfield Waterside Park, there is plenty of space for children to play and picnic tables for those who want to bring their own food. There is also a very nice restaurant which was refurbished in 2018, called the Café on the Water serving a range of sandwiches, baguettes, paninis, salads and jacket potatoes along with hot meals and a selection of drinks. Here you can sit outside on a lovely decking area and really appreciate the beautiful setting.

Within the café there is a gift shop offering a range of products for the home as well as a variety of homemade jam and jars of honey.

As always, at this time of coronavirus, I would always recommend visiting the venue’s website, to check any restrictions that may be in place before you visit.

https://www.watersideparksuk.com/contact-us

ADDRESS: Hanningfield Waterside Park,

Gifford’s Lane,

S Hanningfield Road,

Chelmsford

CM3 8HX

TELEPHONE: 0345 155 0236