Last Updated: 12/02/26

Ardingly Reservoir

Ardingly Reservoir is a 198 acre water, set in the heart of West Sussex, built in 1978 as a drinking supply reservoir. The reservoir is extremely deep and can hold around 5,000 million litres of water. The reservoir is filled from the River Ouse when the river is at high levels.. The area has now been designated as a nature reserve and is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Fishing: Ardingly Reservoir is very popular for predator fishing with some good size Pike (28lbs+), and Carp (36lbs), there is also good match fishing with bags up to 100lbs, a good range of fish including Bream, Tench, Rudd, Roach and Hybrids.

The fishing at Ardingly Reservoir is run on a day ticket and season ticket basis via the Ardingly Reservoir website and Mid Sussex Angling (see contact details below).

Other Activities: There are a range of fun leisure activities at Ardingly Reservoir including Windsurfing, Sailing, Canoeing and boat fishing. The majority of equipment is available for hire at the venue. Stand up Paddle boarding and sit-on-top kayak hire are also run at Ardingly Reservoir.

Wildlife: If you are not one for the more energetic activities there are some great nature walks (King nature trail) to take in the picturesque sights and sounds, with some stunning wildlife to be seen, you may spot Kingfishers, Great Crested Grebe, Barn Owls, a mix of bat species, Osprey along with Dormice and Glow Worms.

Facilities: Sit by the water and enjoy refreshments at the Black  Hut café, toilets, parking and a public footpath around most of the water's edge with picnic benches all this makes for a great family day out.

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