Alton Water | | |  | Please wait while image loads hit F5 to refresh Instructions: To move the image around, keep your finger pressed on your mouse button, with the cursor inside the image box and drag from left to right. PC users: To zoom in press 'A'. To zoom out press 'Z' MAC users: To zoom in press 'Ctrl & shift'. To zoom out press 'Ctrl' |  | Alton Water
In the 1960s a water shortage in Ipswich led to Alton being chosen as the site for a new reservoir. The reservoir took about 13 years to construct and fill.
The land that disappeared under the water was mostly agricultural but Alton Hall was lost, and Alton Mill was dismantled and rebuilt at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket.
Alton Water is the largest area of inland water in Suffolk. It is home to a variety of interesting waterfowl, especially in winter. New conservation zones and bird hides have been established to increase biodiversity, with the help of local conservation volunteers.
There is a visitor centre and cafeteria with panoramic views across the water. Activities include sailing, windsurfing, an eight mile rambling route and a ten mile cross-country cycle track. Cycle hire is available.
Web link: Anglian Water |
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