Cheddar Reservoir

Cheddar reservoir is now open for public access again with both car parks accessible. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Please remember to stay hydrated during your visit, wear sunscreen, and avoid being in direct sun between 11am and 3pm where possible, as temperatures and humidity remain high.

We also ask all visitors to follow safety guidance when visiting our reservoirs.

Swimming is not permitted in our reservoirs. They are dangerous environments, with hidden machinery and other hazards that pose a serious risk to life. Water temperatures rarely rise above 12°C, creating a high risk of cold water shock.

We have decided to extend the closure notice for Cheddar reservoir until 9am on Thursday 16th of July. 

This action is in line with our routine water safety practice at Cheddar Reservoir for extreme heat scenarios.

With the extreme heat, and very little shade around the reservoir’s permissive path, we want everyone to stay safe. We know the water can look very tempting on hot days, but it can be extremely dangerous, and we don’t want any extra pressure on the emergency services on what will already be a very busy time for them.

We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this causes.

We have further information and updates on our notice page.

Find out more

There will be no public access to Cheddar reservoir from 00:00am on Wednesday 8th of July to 9:00am on Monday 13th of July. This action is in line with our routine water safety practice at Cheddar Reservoir for extreme heat scenarios.

With the extreme heat, and very little shade around the reservoir’s permissive path, we want everyone to stay safe. We know the water can look very tempting on hot days, but it can be extremely dangerous, and we don’t want any extra pressure on the emergency services on what will already be a very busy time for them.

We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this causes.

We have further information and updates on our notice page.

Find out more

Dating from the 1930s, Cheddar Reservoir has a capacity of 135 million gallons. The reservoir is supplied with water from the Cheddar Yeo river in Cheddar Gorge.

Paddle boarding was introduced at Cheddar Reservoir in 2017 as a result of the partnership with local ecologists, Natural England and Cheddar Watersports Club in 2016. Paddle boarding is available to members and guests of the local community group. The club is an evolution of Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club. While still being a protected conservation site for wildlife, the specifics of Cheddar’s designated conservation status make it a much more suitable site for managed paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing than Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes.