Birdwatching and fresh air at RSPB Minsmere
RSPB Minsmere is a twitchers heaven but also a fabulous experience for us mere mortals too!
There’s tons to see (and hear) with stunning coastal scenes accompanied by rare birds breeding and calling in on their annual migrations. There are also otters to be seen in the reed beds if you look carefully and a plethora of wild flowers and plants.
It’s a great place all year round and the visitors centre is free, with helpful staff and volunteers. They also have a great little RSPB shop and café, serving teas and light meals using locally sourced ingredients. There’s also their Discovery Centre and Wild Zone for families, and they have guided walks throughout the year.
We get so many guests going to Minsmere, with or without dogs (see below for dog rules) and just had two guests staying in Alde Barn go there. This is what they wrote in the Guest Recommendations Book:
“A lovely stay. We went to Minsmere and had a wonderful walk. Saw Otters, Marsh Harriers and Kingfishers. Lots of twitchers gearing up to see a rare wader that was due to arrive at 3.45(!?) Little Crake. Got back to the barn and were surrounded by owls!! Next time we will do so much more!”
Thanks ever so much to Ann & Carol from London for that. Ironic that we had some owls for you right on your doorstep but that’s the great thing about where we are situated!
Back to RSPB Minsmere…
The car park, hides and countryside walks are open from dawn to dusk every day, except Christmas and Boxing Day. The visitor centre and shop are open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. The café closes at 4.30 pm. From November to January, the visitor centre opens daily, 9 am to 4 pm.
Entrance charges
Entry to the visitor centre is free for all. Reserve entry fees are adults £9, students £6, children £5, under 5s free, family ticket: one child free with each party. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers free.
For birdwatching novices, they have volunteer guides who are often on hand to help visitors to spot some of Minsmere’s special wildlife.
Information for families & dog owners from the RSPB website
Bring the family and discover nature together in our Wild Zone and Wild Wood Adventure. The Wild Zone has many fun activities including a play tree and the chance to become a bittern or a sand martin. In the Wild Wood Adventure, you can build a den or seek and find minibeasts. Younger children will love our special Riverwatch Hide. Don’t forget the Wildlife Lookout either, where you can see some of Minsmere’s special birds. Also, keep an eye out for seasonal activities.
Information for dog owners
We are sorry, but no dogs are allowed on the nature trails or in hides, except assistance dogs. There are a limited number of shaded car parking places available for dog owners on a first come, first served basis – please ask at reception on arrival. Dogs are allowed around the visitor centre and car park only. Dogs cannot be taken on guided walks. Dogs are, however, welcome on public rights of way that cross the reserve, including a 5-mile circuit around the reserve perimeter, but these are not accessible from the main car park. Dogs are also welcome on Open Access land on Westleton Heath, if kept on a lead.
Do go to the RSPB website for full info. And take a look at our holiday cottages for somewhere to stay if you want to visit Minsmere.
