Cheddar Reservoir Webcam – Where UK Reservoir Sailing Began

The Cheddar Reservoir Webcam looks out from the base of Cheddar Watersports and the Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club across the open water of Cheddar Reservoir, between Cheddar and Axbridge in Somerset. A wooden jetty juts into the lower left of the frame, and beyond it the reservoir stretches toward a low wooded shoreline under wide Somerset skies. On still days the surface turns to glass and holds perfect reflections of the clouds. On club days it fills with dinghies, windsurfers and paddleboards. The water level moves with the seasons too, and after a dry summer a broad strip of shoreline can show below the jetty. This was the first reservoir in Britain to allow sailing, and the camera looks over that same water today.

About Cheddar Reservoir

Cheddar Reservoir lies just west of Cheddar village and southeast of Axbridge, which is why it is sometimes called Axbridge Reservoir. It was built by Sir Robert McAlpine and completed in 1937. The circular basin covers about 105 hectares (260 acres) and holds 135 million gallons, around 613,700 cubic meters, of water. It is filled from the Cheddar Yeo, the river that rises in Cheddar Gorge, and is run by Bristol Water as part of the supply for the Bristol area. A public footpath runs around the whole embankment, a circuit of about 3.6 kilometers (2.25 miles).

The reservoir’s place in sailing history is secure. It was the first British reservoir to permit sailing, and the Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club, based at the northern end, is now an RYA training centre and one of the best-known sailing clubs in the South West. Cheddar Watersports runs from the same base, and stand-up paddleboarding was added in 2017. Bristol Water points out that the water temperature rarely rises above 12 C (54 F), and swimming is not allowed.

The water is also an important wildlife site. It was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1972 for its wintering waterfowl and gull roosts. Mallard, gadwall, tufted duck, pochard, wigeon, goldeneye and goosander all turn up regularly, along with a large flock of coot and many great crested grebes, and more than 21 rare vagrant species had been recorded by 2004. Anglers fish for pike, tench, roach, perch and eels.

Weather and Climate at Cheddar Reservoir

Sitting at around 13 meters (43 feet) on the Somerset Levels, the reservoir has a mild, fairly wet climate. Ten years of ERA5 data (2016 to 2025) put July and August highs at about 20 to 21 C (68 to 69 F), with nights around 13 C (56 F). Summer is the busiest time on the Cheddar Reservoir Webcam, with long light evenings and up to 16 and a half hours of daylight in June. Spring highs rise from about 10 C (51 F) in March to 17 C (62 F) in May, and April is usually the driest month.

Autumn and winter bring most of the rain. October, November and December each average around 100 to 110 millimeters (about 4 inches), and the reservoir tends to fill back up over these months after the summer drawdown. Winter highs sit around 7 to 9 C (46 to 48 F), nights stay just above freezing on average, and snow is rare, a centimeter or two in a typical month. Winter is also when the SSSI waterfowl and gulls are here in the largest numbers.

Things to Do Near Cheddar Reservoir

Cheddar Gorge is the obvious first stop, a short drive or a long walk from the reservoir. The limestone gorge cuts deep into the Mendip Hills, and at its foot Gough’s Cave and the other show caves draw visitors all year. The village itself is still home to cheesemakers selling the famous cheddar. To the west, the ridge of Crook Peak gives one of the classic Mendip walks, with views out over the Somerset Levels.

Axbridge, on the reservoir’s northwest side, is a small medieval town with a market square and King John’s Hunting Lodge, a timber-framed building that now houses a local museum. The Strawberry Line, a walking and cycling path on an old railway, passes through Axbridge and Cheddar. A little further afield, Wells Cathedral and Wookey Hole Caves make an easy day out from the reservoir.

Similar Webcams You Might Like

For more water and coast views in the south of England, try these.

• Norfolk Broads Webcam
• Lyme Regis Harbour Webcam
• Bournemouth Webcam

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cheddar Reservoir?

Cheddar Reservoir is in Somerset, England, just west of Cheddar village and southeast of Axbridge, below the Mendip Hills. Cheddar Gorge is a short distance to the east.

What can you see on the Cheddar Reservoir Webcam?

The camera looks from the Cheddar Watersports and Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club base, past a wooden jetty, across the open reservoir to the far shore. It can show dinghies, windsurfers, paddleboards, water birds and big reflections of the sky on calm days.

Can you sail on Cheddar Reservoir?

Yes. It was the first reservoir in Britain to permit sailing. The Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club and Cheddar Watersports run sailing, windsurfing and paddleboarding for members and guests. Swimming is not allowed.

Can you walk around Cheddar Reservoir?

Yes. A public footpath follows the embankment all the way around, a circuit of about 3.6 kilometers (2.25 miles), with views over the water to the Mendip Hills.

How big is Cheddar Reservoir?

It covers about 105 hectares (260 acres) and holds 135 million gallons of water. It was completed in 1937 and is fed from the Cheddar Yeo river.

What birds can you see at Cheddar Reservoir?

The reservoir is an SSSI for its wintering waterfowl and gulls. Regulars include tufted duck, pochard, wigeon, goldeneye, goosander, great crested grebe and a large coot flock.

What is the weather like at Cheddar Reservoir?

Summers are mild, with July highs around 21 C (69 F). Winters are cool and wet, with highs near 8 C (46 F), rare snow, and the most rain from October to December.

Source: Beach Life Cams (Cheddar Watersports / BCYC)