UK / East / Suffolk
RSPB Minsmere
RSPB Minsmere, Sheepwash Lane, Westleton, Saxmudham, IP17 3BY
Some of the UK's rarest wildlife calls Minsmere nature reserve home. Take an idyllic walk through the reedbed or head to the coastal lagoons to see an array of birds, including Avocets, Bearded Tits and Bitterns. If you're lucky, you might even spot an Otter around the reedbed pools.
Minsmere’s mix of landscapes makes it an ideal spot to see how we manage and protect different habitats for the benefit of wildlife. On a visit to this Suffolk nature reserve, you can look forward to exploring reedbed, shallow lagoons, wet grassland, heathland and vegetated shingle. All our habitats are carefully managed to make them ideal places for thousands of species of wildlife. Take the reedbeds, where Marsh Harrier, Otters and Water Voles can be found. Or the heathlands, where Nightjars churr, Adders slither and Silver-studded Blue Butterflies flutter.
Don’t be surprised to see ponies grazing here. They play a vital role improving the habitat for some of our rarest plants and minibeasts, such as the brilliantly named Great Green Bush-cricket. Water is a vital part of Minsmere’s appeal and we work hard to get water and salt levels right across the reserve, as different species thrive in different conditions. We are always developing our ways of managing the land, as well as converting former farmland into acid grassland and heathland, to make more space for birds such as Woodlarks and rare Stone-curlews.
Families can build a den together, explore the trails and play in the Wild Zone’s sand martin tunnels. Follow the seasonal self-guided trails in search of Minsmere’s wildlife. Families can take part in family-fun activities, like pond dipping or minibeast hunting, with friendly volunteers, during school holidays.
RSPB Minsmere is a great place to bring the family to enjoy nature on the Suffolk coast. After a friendly welcome in the visitor centre, there’s a choice of easy walks through beautiful woodland, wetland and coastal scenery. After you’ve finished exploring, why not browse our shop for a keepsake or relax and recharge in our nourishing café enjoying picturesque views of Minsmere?
Visit WebsiteOpening Times
Visitor Centre and Shop
9.00 - 17.00
1st February to 31st October
9.00 - 16.00
1st November to 31st January
Café
9.30 - 16.00
1st February to 31st October
9.30 - 15.30
1st November to 31st January
Nature reserve, Car Park, Toilets and Hides
Dawn - Dusk
Visitor Centre, Shop, Café, Nature Reserve, Car Park, Toilet and Hides are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Prices
RSPB Members
FREE
Adult*
£9.00
16-24 year olds
FREE
Under 5s
FREE
First child
FREE
Child
£5.00
Student (Please bring valid ID)
£6.00
*We do have an admission charge to access our nature trails and hides. However, if you are wanting to browse our shop or have lunch in our café you are welcome to enter for free.
Facilities
Baby Changing
Café
Car Parking
Disabled Access
Toilets
Picnic Site
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