Waterside Cafe

It's an ideal spot for a coffee, a light lunch, or a slice of cake after a walk or cycle around the water's edge. The reservoir itself is popular for various watersports, including sailing and paddleboarding, and it’s a fantastic area for birdwatching, with dedicated hides. Many visitors also enjoy the well-maintained paths for a peaceful stroll or a longer jog, and the cafe serves as a natural break point.

The reservoir, constructed in the 1960s, serves as a vital drinking water supply for Oxford, transforming the local landscape and creating this significant recreational space. It’s a straightforward, comfortable place to recharge before continuing your explorations of the countryside. Conveniently located, it's easily accessible from communities like Filchampstead, Cumnor, Swinford, and Eaton, making it a good meeting point or stop-off when passing through Bablock Hythe or West End.