Photo credit: Eleanor Church
Violet Bennell
Walthamstow Wetlands
Location
Know before you go
Dogs
Please be advised that trained assistance dogs on duty are welcome, but in order to protect the sensitive habitat and drinking water supply, we cannot allow other dogs or pets of any kind on-site, as the wildlife may become distressed.
When to visit
Opening times
October - March: 9.30am - 4pm (last entry 3.45pm on weekdays, 3.30pm on weekends)April - September: 9.30am - 5pm (last entry 4.45pm on weekdays, 4.30pm on weekends)
Please note on the following dates the reserve will be closing one hour early at 4pm
09/05/25
10/05/25
17/05/25
31/05/25
[Please note: café and access to toilet facilities closes 30 minutes before site closure]
Best time to visit
All yearAbout the reserve
Walthamstow Wetlands is a fully operational 160 hectare Thames Water reservoir site which is the main source of water supply for 3.5 million people. Walthamstow Wetlands is also an internationally important nature reserve, providing home and shelter to a wide range of wildlife, from rare waterfowl to majestic birds of prey.
Walthamstow Wetlands contains a range of habitats and experiences, from sheltered dense scrub-lined banks to wide windswept views towards the city. It remains the largest fishery in London. It is part of the Walthamstow Reservoirs Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the Lee Valley Special Protection Area, Ramsar site of international importance, and Lee Valley Walthamstow Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.
Species
Contact us
Environmental designation
Visiting Walthamstow Wetlands
To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience at Walthamstow Wetlands, please observe the below terms and conditions for all visitors:
- The reservoirs supply drinking water to 3.5 million people every day. Thames Water staff on site will do their best to keep out of the way of visitors, but they have an important job to do. This has to take priority and they need your understanding and co-operation as they go about their work.
- No paddling, swimming or sitting near water's edge. The water is deep and extremely cold just below the surface, even in summer. There are hidden dangers, including strong currents caused by the need to pump water around, and the banks are steep and slippery. Keep away from the water at all times.
- No dogs are allowed on site (except assistance dogs) – even the best-behaved dogs can frighten wildlife and disrupt habitats.
- Do not feed the wildlife, there is plenty of natural food available.
- Angling is permitted on site, both for day and seasonal permit holders. To avoid accidents from anglers casting their leads or flies, we ask all visitors to be aware of their surroundings and keep a safe distance.
- No foraging allowed. The plants (including berries, seeds and wildflowers) and fungi are important sources of food for our wildlife year-round.
- Cyclists and joggers are welcome but must stay on designated paths. Most visitors are pedestrians, taking their time to walk round the site, and their needs have priority.
- Please take your litter home (or use the bins at each exit) - even the smallest piece of litter spoils other people’s enjoyment of this very special place and can harm wildlife.
- No BBQs are permitted onsite to avoid the risk of fire.
- Smoking is prohibited in all buildings.
- No alcohol is allowed at Walthamstow Wetlands as it is a Thames Water operational site as well as a nature reserve.
- Parts of the site may need to be closed at any time. This could be when machinery is in use, or to protect nesting birds. Please stay on the marked paths and look out for signs.
Guided map
Click on the map image to download.
Visitor Survey
Have you recently visited the Wetlands?
We are keen to understand how satisfied our visitors are, and how we can improve the visitor experience on our reserves and would be grateful if you could complete this short survey, which should take no more than 10 minutes.
The opening of Walthamstow Wetlands has only been possible due to a partnership between Thames Water, landowner, London Borough of Waltham Forest, grant holder, and London Wildlife Trust, the conservation delivery partner.
Of the £10.6m required to renovate and prepare the site, £4.47m was generously funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, £1.8m from Thames Water and £1.8m from the London Borough of Waltham Forest. We also received £750k from the Greater London Authority to support the 2km cycle path through the site.
