Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
RSPB shop at Carsington Water
AshbourneClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesWelcome to this bustling reserve that blends peaceful nature reserve with family-friendly activities. Whether you're birdwatching or sailing, welcome to Carsington Water.
About
Carsington Water is owned by Severn-Trent Water. Please check their website for opening times of facilities other than the RSPB shop at this site.
This is not an RSPB-run car park, so there is unfortunately no free parking for RSPB members. Please see Severn Trent Water's car parking information for details of parking charges at this site.
Carsington Water is a large reservoir surrounded by wildflower meadows and native woodlands, ponds and reedbeds.
Explore on your own or ask for some birdwatching tips from our staff in the RSPB shop, where you can watch for Buzzards, Kingfishers and Lapwings. Carsington Water reserve boasts a range of wildlife habitats from ancient hedgerows, species-rich wildflower meadows and native woodlands, to pond and scrapes, reedbeds and contains carefully-managed islands.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities at Carsington Water, including cycle hire, picnics, a climbing wall, adventure playground and a sailing club.
At a glance
There is no RSPB car park here, so there is unfortunately no free parking for RSPB members. Prices up to £7.
Please see Severn Trent Water's car parking information for details of parking charges at this site.
You have 15 minutes free parking from when you arrive on site but be sure to check your arrival time, as once the 15 minutes are up, you'll need to pay.
Severn Trent has three unisex accessible toilets, two beyond the courtyard and one upstairs near the restaurant.
There are baby changing facilities in the visitor centre and in the Courtyard.
There's a trail of 8 miles around the reservoir and various smaller ones that are wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly.
Toilets: Severn Trent has three ‘unisex’ disabled toilets.
Nature trails access: There's a trail of 8 miles around the reservoir and various smaller ones that are wheelchair -and pushchair- friendly.
Shop: The shop is all on one level, and is fully accessible with no stepped access.
Many parts of Carsington Water are wheelchair-friendly and you can borrow a chair when you arrive.
Two mobility scooters are also available for free. For more information, please contact the Severn Trent Water visitor centre on 03306780701.
Severn Trent has three unisex accessible toilets, two beyond the courtyard and one upstairs near the restaurant.
We have a changing place toilet which is located in the visitor centre courtyard and can be reached from the rear of the centre from 07:30 to 18:30 every day.
The door requires a RADAR key and but one can be borrowed from the reception, which is open from 10:00 until 17:00 every day
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
At this site you're welcome to walk your furry friend.
Dogs are welcome in the RSPB Shop.
Due to the nature and wildlife on site you will need to keep your dog on a lead at all times.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Grab the bikes and helmets and go on an adventure.
There are plenty of cycle route choices on site from a 5km (3 mile) cycle route perfect for little legs (and big ones too) to completing a full 12km (8 mile) circuit of the reservoir for those who want a bit more of a challenge.
You can also hire bike here, see Severn Trent website for more details.
See what’s here
Save nature while you staycation
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.
Contact RSPB shop at Carsington Water
carsington.water@rspb.org.uk RSPB Shop, Unit 1 Carsington Water Visitor Centre, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1ST 01629 541842