Tourists are being warned to stay away from this viral UK beauty spot

Brombil Reservoir has become a popular beauty spot for locals and tourists (Picture: Getty Images) Tucked in the valleys of Margam, South Wales is a tranquil reservoir with striking blue waters, surrounded by lush green hills. Referred to as the ‘blue lagoon’, Brombil Reservoir dates back to the 19th century. Around 100 feet deep and rumoured to contain several abandoned cars, it’s uniquely positioned just a stone’s throw from Port Talbot steel works. It can be difficult to access: visitors need to climb a steep 900-metre public footpath. But the stunning views of the reservoir’s sparkling depths reward the effort. Some TikTok users have described this mini oasis as one of the most beautiful sights in Wales. However, before you go adding Brombil reservoir to your 2026 summer bucket list, it’s worth knowing that its owners are becoming increasingly frustrated by the growing number of tourists. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Since 2024, the reservoir has been owned by Leisure Estate Investments Ltd. And now, following concerns over visitor numbers, the company has introduced a £2 levy per visit. Described as a ‘temporary deterrent’, the owners have also installed barriers on its dam face — although reports from the BBC indicate that these have already been dismantled by trespassers. Drawn in by its secluded location and otherworldly waters (supposedly caused by the blue-green algae), the reservoir gained viral attention during the pandemic as people sought peaceful escapes from the confines of home. The owners of the reservoir say they’ve introduced this charge to ensure people can continue enjoying the area (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) But, as a result of its spike in popularity, locals started complaining about traffic issues, as well as fly-tipping and littering. Along the steep climb into the reservoir, visitors have documented enormous amounts of rubbish that have been left on the ground. One person on TikTok shared clips of drinks cans, water bottles, and plastic bags scattered around the reservoir, captioning her video: ‘A bit shocked when we visited Brombil reservoir yesterday. People have no respect for nature.’ In response, user @Katwoman, wrote: ‘I will never understand why people go to beautiful places and then leave their rubbish. There will be no beautiful places left to visit.’ A spokesperson for Leisure Estate Investments Ltd told the BBC: ‘Our long-term vision has always been to build a sustainable public-private framework so the community can safely enjoy this asset. ‘However, managing a critical piece of infrastructure presents immense structural, environmental, and financial challenges that cannot be indefinitely sustained by a private entity alone.’ One of the mounting costs that the owners face comes Natural Resources Wales, a Welsh Government Sponsored Body that ensures all natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained. Owners of regulated reservoirs pay an annual fee of £276 towards NRW’s regulatory costs. Leisure Estate Investments Ltd has stated that its repeated attempts to seek support from Neath Port Talbot council and local politicians to help fund and preserve the reservoir have been unsuccessful. The reservoir has a ‘unique aquatic system’ and plays a crucial role in flood protection, helping shield downstream residential areas. But without public sector support, it could be at serious risk. On social media, the owners are currently imploring the people who ‘love and cherish this special place’ to help keep it safe by giving donations. Our Top Shopping Picks Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Arrow MORE: Drought declared in multiple UK regions after wildfires and hosepipe bans Arrow MORE: London has a new spa boat with hot tub, sauna and treatment room hidden on board Arrow MORE: Why you should never wear black socks on a plane The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.