What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 9am - 4pm

Hanningfield Waterside Park

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Hanningfield Waterside Park

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Stunning scenery, alive with wildlife and primed for exploration, you can really make a day of it at Hanningfield.

07/10/2026

Fishing at Hanningfield will remain closed until Spring 2027.

With continued dry weather and lack of rainfall this summer, Hanningfield reservoir has reached a level that has now made access to the banks unsafe.

Our jetty has now been moved out to the maximum distance on its alternative moorings; this means we are unable to launch and retrieve boats safely. We had hoped that the start of autumn and cooling temperatures may have allowed us to reopen this season but now we are in October it has become clear that reopening the fishery will not be possible this year.

Whilst water supplies are unaffected by the closure, the reservoir is only 38% full, which is why it's important that we continue to keep our hosepipes down, and use water wisely.

We are extremely disappointed to have to shorten this season, and we would like to thank all our customers for their ongoing support throughout the season, and we are all excited to welcome you back in the spring of 2027.

The Ranger Team

21/09/2026

We're thrilled for our cafe to be back open to the public today. Pop down for a coffee or grab a bite to eat for lunch.

Our team are excited to welcome you back.

18/09/2026

We're delighted to share some good news!

We are reopening on Monday 21 September at 9am

Following recent concerns around subsidence, we're pleased to confirm that the building has been confirmed safe to reopen. The safety of our visitors, staff and community will always be our top priority.

We'd like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this matter was carefully assessed.

We can't wait to welcome you back from 9am, with our full menu available and ready to enjoy.

02/09/2026

🏃‍♀️🌿 Schools Are Back... Now It's Time for You! 🌿🏃‍♂️

With the children back in school, why not take some time for yourself and enjoy a run at Hanningfield Waterside Park?

Whether you're looking to boost your fitness, clear your mind, or simply enjoy some peaceful time outdoors, our scenic waterside trails offer the perfect escape.

🌳 Stunning reservoir views
🏃 Routes to suit every pace
🌿 Fresh air and beautiful surroundings
☕ Reward yourself with a well-deserved coffee afterwards

Take a break from the daily routine and discover the benefits of running in nature.

📍 Hanningfield Waterside Park

01/09/2026

🚧 Important Update: Improvements at Hanningfield Waterside Park 🚧

Visitors may notice some structural works taking place around the park over the coming weeks. These works are necessary to address areas affected by ground subsidence and to ensure the continued safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of our facilities for all visitors.

The project is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete. Whilst every effort will be made to minimise disruption, some areas may be temporarily restricted during this period. We kindly ask visitors to follow all signage and guidance from our team while the work is underway.

☕ Please note that the Café & Toilet’s will be temporarily closed while these works are carried out with food and refreshments being served from the Fishing Lodge.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we complete these essential works.

The park remains open throughout the works, and visitors can still enjoy our beautiful reservoir views, nature trails, picnic areas and children's play area.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you during your visit.

31/08/2026

🧺🌳 Why Not Pack a Picnic and Visit Hanningfield Waterside Park? 🌳🧺

Make the most of the fresh air and beautiful surroundings at Hanningfield Waterside Park. Bring a picnic, relax by the reservoir, and let the children enjoy our fantastic play area while you soak up the scenery.

Whether it's a family day out, a catch-up with friends, or simply an excuse to get outdoors, Hanningfield is the perfect place to unwind and make lasting memories.

🥪 Picnic spots with stunning views
🛝 Adventure-filled play area for the children
🌿 Beautiful walks and wildlife to discover
📍 Hanningfield Waterside Park

30/08/2026

🌳🎉 Let the Adventures Begin at Hanningfield Waterside Park! 🎉🌳

Looking for the perfect family day out? Our children's play area is open and ready for fun! 🛝✨

Bring the little ones along to burn off some energy, explore, climb, slide and play in the great outdoors while you relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Hanningfield Reservoir.

Whether it's a quick visit or a weekend family adventure, there's plenty of space to play, explore and make memories together.

📍 Hanningfield Waterside Park
☀️ Fresh air, outdoor fun and family adventures await!

📸 Don't forget to share your favourite play park moments with us!

28/08/2026

Café update for the Bank Holiday Weekend

Please remember that the café is still closed whilst we carry out structural works to the building.

We have started to offer some hot options but currently due to the pop-up kitchen we are unable to offer any breakfast items while the café is closed. All food will be in takeaway boxes.

For all your drinks, snacks and hot food please head to The Fishing Lodge where the team will be happy to serve you.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

27/08/2026

Some good news we have been working out of the Fishing Lodge for all your drinks and snacks over the last couple of days.

From tomorrow (Friday 28 August) we will have a small hot offering from our kitchen which will include sausage rolls and toasties they will be served from 10am to 3pm. Unfortunately, due to the new location of our small kitchen, we are unable to offer any breakfast items at this time.

Thank you for your understanding, continued support, and patience. We look forward to seeing you soon.

25/08/2026

Update from Hanningfield Waterside Park

Unfortunately, our café is temporarily closed while we carry out some essential building works.

The site is reopening tomorrow (Wednesday 26th August) and there is still plenty to enjoy during your visit:

• The play area remains open, with lots for all the family to enjoy
• The Fishing Lodge is open and serving hot and cold drinks, along with a selection of snacks and ice creams.

We are looking at offering some elements of our menu in due course so therefore continue to keep an eye on our updates.

We're working hard to complete the building works as quickly as possible and will let you know as soon as we're ready to welcome you back into the café.

We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to seeing you at Hanningfield Waterside Park.

Address

Hanningfield Reservoir, Giffords Lane
Chelmsford
CM38HX

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm
Saturday	9am - 4pm
Sunday	9am - 4pm

Website

https://www.watersideparksuk.com/park/hanningfield/

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