Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Visitor Centre
Norfolk Wildlife Trust at Cley-next-the-Sea
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust at Cley-next-the-Sea is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, offering beautiful landscapes and a wealth of wildlife to explore. Located just a short drive from Holkham Hall, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes is one of the most important nature reserves in the region, providing a tranquil escape into nature. Spanning over 400 acres of coastal wetlands, reed beds, salt marshes, and heathland, this reserve is home to a vast range of wildlife and offers spectacular views of the North Norfolk coast.
Wildlife:
The reserve is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, making it a must-visit spot for enthusiasts. Throughout the year, Cley Marshes attracts a variety of birds, from migratory species to resident populations. You might spot waders, waterfowl, and marsh harriers, as well as occasional rarities that make the reserve a popular spot for birding. The salt marshes and reed beds are home to sedge warblers, reed buntings, and kingfishers, while the wetland areas provide a perfect habitat for species like spoonbills and bitterns. Cley is particularly famous for its role as a stopover point for migrating birds, with a number of birdwatching hides positioned throughout the reserve to offer a closer look at the action.
Walking Trails and Accessibility:
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust has created a series of walking trails through the reserve, allowing visitors to explore the diverse habitats at their own pace. There are designated paths, including boardwalks, making it accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Many of the trails provide breathtaking views of the marshes, wildlife, and the coastline. Whether you're a keen birdwatcher or simply looking for a peaceful walk in nature, there’s something for everyone here.
Visitor Centre and Facilities:
The Cley Marshes Visitor Centre is an excellent starting point for your visit. It offers informative displays about the reserve's wildlife and habitats, as well as an indoor viewing area that looks out over the marshes. The centre also features a small shop, selling wildlife-related books, binoculars, bird feeders, and other nature-inspired items. There's a café offering hot drinks and light snacks, making it a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the view after your walk.
Parking at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Visitor Centre
There is plenty of parking at the visitor centre but car parking charges do apply.
Parking is free to Norfolk Wildlife Trust members (must display a valid NWT parking permit), local residents of Cley and Salthouse who can obtain a NWT parking permit from reception (must be displayed) and blue badge holders.
The parking ticket machine takes card and cash payments.
Chargeable period 10am to 5pm
- Up to 1 hour £1
- Up to 3 hours £3
- over 3 hours £5
The cafe
The café at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes Visitor Centre serves a range of light refreshments, perfect for a break after exploring the reserve. You can enjoy hot drinks, including coffee and tea, alongside a selection of homemade cakes, biscuits, and sandwiches. The café often offers a variety of seasonal snacks and locally sourced products, providing a tasty and convenient option for visitors looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It’s a lovely spot to grab a light bite while taking in the view of the marshes.
Dog-Friendly Policy:
Dogs are not permitted on the reserve, except for assistance dogs. In all other areas, dogs must be kept on a lead. Dogs are welcome on Cley beach, but they must be kept under control at all times, especially during birdwatching months to avoid disturbing wildlife and to ensure your pets stay safe and respect the local wildlife.
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes Visitor Centre is not currently dog-friendly, although we hope that this policy may change. Dogs are welcome on the reserve, as long as they are kept on a lead. This makes it a great option for those wishing to explore the beautiful natural surroundings with their pets. However, it's very important to ensure that dogs are under control, particularly during the birdwatching months, to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Although the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes Visitor Centre is a wonderful stop for anyone visiting the reserve, dogs are not generally allowed inside the café or visitor centre. It’s always a good idea to check directly with the centre before your visit, just in case their policy has changed.
The visitor centre offers informative displays about the wildlife and habitats of the area, along with a café and shop for refreshments. For more information, including opening times and admission details, you can visit their official website here.
Sustainability and Conservation:
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust at Cley-next-the-Sea is committed to preserving and enhancing the reserve's unique habitats. They work hard to maintain the natural landscapes, ensuring that the area remains a sanctuary for wildlife. They also offer various educational programmes, conservation efforts, and volunteer opportunities, allowing visitors to engage with nature and contribute to its protection.
Nearby Attractions:
- Cley-next-the-Sea Village: After visiting the reserve, you can explore the charming village of Cley-next-the-Sea, known for its flint cottages, Cley Windmill, and the Cley Marshes Nature Reserve, which is just a short walk from the village.
- Blakeney Point: A nearby point that’s famous for its seal colonies, offering boat tours to observe these playful marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Opening Times and Admission:
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust at Cley Marshes is generally open year-round, though the visitor centre may have more limited hours during winter months. Admission is free. It’s always best to check the website for the latest information on opening times.
The visitor centre's opening hours are as follows:
- March to the last Sunday in October: 10am – 5pm
- Last Monday in October to February: 10am – 4pm
- Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Please note, the café closes half an hour before the centre.
How much does membership of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust cost?
Membership with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust starts from £3.35 per month for an individual. They offer various membership options, including individual, joint, group, and student memberships. Members enjoy benefits such as free entry to reserves and visitor centres, a complimentary nature reserves handbook, quarterly mailings including the Tern magazine and impact reports, discounted event tickets, and opportunities to engage through walks, talks, and volunteering. For detailed information on membership types and to join, please visit their official website.