Don't forget that kids go free at all of Norfolk Wildlife Trust's nature reserves!

What to expect from the Cley Marshes reserve

Cley Marshes is our oldest nature reserve, with the land being bought back in 1926. It has gone on to become one of the most famous nature reserves in the UK!

When you arrive at Cley, you'll be able to see the beautiful open marshes and long stretches of shingle beach straight away. Head in any direction along the boardwalk trails and you'll almost certainly spot some incredible birds, as Cley is a real haven for all sorts of rare birds.

There are six hides to discover across the reserve, with three of them being accessible from the boardwalks. These offer a spectacular view across the pools and scrapes, giving you the chance to see a huge variety of birds in their natural habitats.

Depending on what time of year you visit, you'll have so much wildlife to spot! Spring and summer may bring dragonflies, butterflies, avocets, and spoonbills, while the autumn migration could see almost anything turning up! If you're heading out for a winter walk, you may be treated to the sound and sight of thousands of pink-footed geese, while Salthouse is possibly the best place in the country to see snow buntings.

Cley is a wonderful place to simply wander and see what you discover, away from the rush of everyday life and completely at your family's own pace. If you're looking for a relaxing seaside walk, with lots of rare wildlife to discover, this is the place to be!

Visit Cley Marshes visitor centre

Our distinctive, award-winning visitor centre is built into the hillside across the road from the marshes, offering beautiful panoramic views across the coastline. You'll find everything you need here to refresh yourselves during your day out, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.

Our popular cafe is the perfect spot to fuel up, with our menu including hot and cold drinks, homemade soup, handmade cakes, seasonal bakes and more. We use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with options for vegetarians and vegans too. There is plenty of seating available both inside and out on the terrace, and both offer great views of passing wildlife while you're enjoying your lunch!

Make sure to pop by our gift shop before heading home; our shelves are filled with nature-inspired books, toys, gifts, clothing and more to explore. All profits from our cafe and shop go back into funding our vital work for wildlife.

We also have a beautiful gallery space at Cley, which hosts exhibitions by local artists all year round. This is a fantastic way to explore different types of art, all themed around Norfolk's special wildlife.

Cley's visitor centre is also home to the Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre, a vibrant hub for learning and exploring. Opened by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, this is the place to explore interactive displays and discover fascinating facts about the wildlife you can find around Cley Marshes. Great for when little legs need a rest!

What else can you do at Cley as a family?

We run a varied events programme at Cley Marshes all year round, from guided walks and workshops, to live musical performances and a book group. During Norfolk school holidays, we run plenty of activities for children, all designed to introduce kids to the wonder of nature. Depending on the time of year, you could join us for pond dipping, moth trap opening or a wildlife filming workshop! Once a month on a Sunday, we also host a free family fun day, featuring a host of hands-on activities in our Education Centre. Accompanying adults also go free on these days! Check out our event listings before your visit (some events do need to be pre-booked).

There is plenty more to see around Cley-next-the-Sea, including its famous 18^th-century windmill. As well as featuring a beautiful shingle beach, Cley is also set along the Norfolk Coast Path – so if you're in the mood for a longer walk, you can follow the trail and explore more of the stunning coastline. The neighbouring village of Blakeney also offers plenty to discover.

We can't wait to welcome you for a day out by the coast! You can also find all our wonderful Norfolk nature reserves on our website.

How to get to NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes

Car park: The car park entrance is on Coast Road, just in front of the visitor centre. Parking is free for NWT members and there is a charge for non-members, with different tariffs available for different stay lengths. There is additional parking available at the beach car park. The NWT East Bank car park is free. Find out more about car parking here.

What3Words: overruns.swooned.roughness will take you to the visitor centre car park.

Nearest postcode: NR25 7SA

Visiting without a car: The Coasthopper bus service stops just outside the nature reserve – please check the Sanders Coaches website for details. You can also take the train to Sheringham station and hop on a bus – the scenic ride along the coast is just as much a part of your day out!

How to contact the visitor centre: Give us a call on 01263 740008