Bird watching in Suffolk

Birdwatching and fresh air at RSPB Minsmere

By

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.

Reasons to Stay at Woodfarm, Suffolk

We happen to think what we have on offer is pretty bloomin' good. However, we thought you might like a bunch of reasons to stay, other than we think you should!

dog paw print
Dogs stay FREE

Genuine, welcoming Dog-Friendly ethos, making you all feel at home, and they won’t cost you a penny.

dog biscuit
Free Doggy treats

Dog bowls, treats, showers, towels and more. Your furry family are safe, secure & happy in our fully enclosed gardens.

thumbs up
Over 1,000 5 star reviews

Peace of mind from our 1,200 + Five Star Tripadvisor, Facebook & Google Reviews. Over 30% of our guests come back!

beach huts
Brilliant beaches

We know that guests want the best location and surroundings. Suffolk has an incredible Heritage Coast, all in easy reach of us.

fence
Dog exercise meadow

Pawesome, fully-enclosed two acre Pooch Paddock at the Barns for your Dogs to go bonkers and make new friends in. Happy hounds!

trophy
Multi-awards

Rest assured choosing Woodfarm: Visit England Gold Awards for all our properties, as well as their ROSE Award for Service Excellence.

hot tubs
Private Hot Tubs

Private Hot tubs with seven of our eight Barns and Cottages. The ultimate in relaxation and reconnection: just because you're worth it.

boots
Stunning Countryside

Unwind and connect with nature in our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yes, plural. Suffolk Coast & Heaths, and Dedham Vale.

river walks
River Walks

Stunning river walks directly from your gangplank on either Barge! Wildlife and breathtaking scenery in abundance.

Fetch the latest news!

Holiday Cottage in Tuscany

Why Going Abroad Might Be Exactly What You (and Your Dog) Need

We know. Staycations are great. We do them! No flights, no passports, no dodgy plug sockets. But let’s be honest… sometimes you want more than a cosy night by the fire and a trip to …

Our little Tuscan Villa featured in The Times!

Casa Trebbio in The Times – One of Tuscany’s Top 21 Villas!

Guess who has a little place in Tuscany, that features in The Times in an article on 21 Amazing Villas in Tuscany? Yes, we do! Absolutely delighted to share some brilliant news. Casa Trebbio, our …

How Not Going Abroad Could Pay for Your Holiday (Yes, Really!)

How Not Going Abroad Could Pay for Your Holiday (Yes, Really!)

How Not Going Abroad Could Pay for Your Holiday (Yes, Really!) Let’s be honest: the idea of jetting off somewhere sunny and showing off your airport Prosecco on Instagram sounds great… but have you actually …

Join our newsletter for £50 OFF your first break!

Please provide a valid email address.
* indicates required