A Wild Norfolk Escape for Bird-lovers and Beyond
Tucked along the windswept North Norfolk coast, Cley & Salthouse Marshes form one of the UK’s most celebrated nature reserves - a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for those seeking space, serenity, and sky-wide views. Managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, this 300-hectare reserve is a patchwork of reedbeds, freshwater pools, saltmarsh, and shingle beach, offering a rich and ever-changing landscape that draws birdwatchers, walkers, and nature lovers year-round.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious first-timer, the marshes are a spectacle. From spring’s booming bitterns and nesting avocets to autumn’s swirling flocks of waders and winter’s dramatic skeins of pink-footed geese, there’s always something stirring in the reeds or soaring overhead. Several well-placed bird hides offer peaceful vantage points to observe rare and resident species alike.
Explore at Your Own Pace
A network of boardwalks and trails leads you through the reserve, with routes suitable for all abilities. The East Bank walk is a favourite, offering sweeping views across the marshes to the sea, while the shingle beach provides a bracing coastal contrast. Keep an eye out for grazing cattle, which help manage the habitat, and don’t forget your binoculars, there’s magic in every direction.
Pause at the Visitor Centre
The award-winning Cley Marshes Visitor Centre, built into the hillside, is the perfect base. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits, a café serving locally sourced treats, and a gift shop stocked with nature-inspired goodies. The panoramic windows alone are worth the visit, offering a warm, dry perch to watch the weather roll in across the marsh.
More Than Just Wildlife
The centre also hosts art exhibitions, seasonal events, and educational activities at the Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre, ideal for families or anyone keen to deepen their connection with the natural world.
📍 Good to Know
- Located just off the A149, near the village of Cley-next-the-Sea
- Open year-round; reserve access is free, with a small fee for hides and parking
- Dogs are welcome on certain paths but not within the reserve itself (except assistance dogs)
- Plan your visit with Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Whether you come for the birds, the big skies, or the quiet moments in between, Cley & Salthouse Marshes is a place that stays with you; wild, windswept, and wonderfully alive.