Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve

New Forest, Hampshire

UK nature reserve

Opening Main gates open at 9am Tuesday to Sunday; gates closed from 4:30pm every day except Christmas Day. Hides open all week. Site facilities closed on Mondays until further notice due to staff shortages.

Price Entry by donation – suggested donation £4

Typical visit Not provided yet

Age fit Suitable for families – described as a great destination to bring family and friends all year round; pushchair friendly and wheelchair friendly.

Setting outdoor

The experience

About this day out

Created from flooded gravel pits, Blashford Lakes is a 150-hectare nature reserve used by thousands of birds all year round, including kingfisher, lapwing and oystercatcher. It has six bird hides, four viewing screens, 8km of surfaced waymarked trails and spectacular views across Ibsley Water. The reserve is well known among birdwatchers and also offers a Wild Walk trail with wildlife sculptures and an Education Centre with a large classroom.

When to go

Opening calendar

Main gates open at 9am Tuesday to Sunday; gates closed from 4:30pm every day except Christmas Day. Hides open all week. Site facilities closed on Mondays until further notice due to staff shortages.

Check the venue calendar ↗

What it costs

Prices at a glance

Entry by donation – suggested donation: £4

Prices can change. Confirm ticket terms with the venue before booking.

Practical details

Facilities & accessibility

At a glance

Bird hidesToiletsAccessible toiletBaby changing facilitiesDisabled parkingAccessible trailsEducation CentreMobility scooters for hireWelcome hutBicycle parking at Education Centre

Accessibility: Level site with 8km of rolled gravel paths suitable for wheelchairs and electric buggies, though uneven gravel surfaces may make access more challenging for some users. Gates accessible with RADAR keys; hides have ramped access but are not suitable for electric buggies. Ramps to all viewing hides, benches at regular intervals, mobility scooters available for hire by prior arrangement, and disabled parking provided.
Parking: Main car park on the north side of Ellingham Drove with a height restricting barrier but ample off-road parking outside the barrier; Education Centre parking on the south side of Ellingham Drove. Disabled parking available.
Dogs: Assistance dogs only – 'working' registered assistance dogs only; other dogs may be exercised only on the permissive path between Ivy & Rockford Lakes.

Getting there

Where you'll find it

Reviews coming soon

Been here? Be the first to share your experience when reviews launch.

Is this your attraction? Claim this free listing to manage your details, add photos and see who's viewing you — two months of premium insights included.

Claim this listing →