Walthamstow Wetlands

River Lea from Walthamstow Dock

The Walthamstow Wetlands was created in 2017 and is operated by London Wildlife Trust. The large area contains several former reservoirs that are now home to a wide range of wildlife.

Entrance

There is no entry fee which means the site can often get very busy as Londoners take a break from the surrounding city. The main structure on the site is the “Engine House” which houses a cafe and small gift shop.

View from Above

Be sure to climb the stairs to the first floor of the “Engine House” for great views of the surrounding parkland. When we visited there was a charming mobile made of glass jars filled by local school children of things they thought they would see when the wetlands opened…(several are empty which is a bit troubling). “Coppermill Tower” on the south-east side of the “East Warwick Reservoir” also provides a good viewpoint.

Glass Jars

There is fishing on site (permits are for sale) but for the most part visitors spend their time walking on the trails surrounding the reservoirs and taking in the peace and quiet.

Pylon - Spot the bird Reservoir

Getting to the wetlands is a bit tricky but there is a large pay-and-display car park (after administration costs, the fees go to the London Wildlife Trust) along with the Tottenham Hale and Blackhorse Road tube stations nearby. Of course, you can also get here by bike or walk along the paths alongside the River Lea.

South End by Side of Reservoir

Note that the entrance gates do have closing times that vary based on the time of year so be sure you are not locked in/out!