Welcome
Minsmere is the beating heart of Suffolk’s wild coast. It’s the RSPB’s ‘ark’ on the Suffolk coast: where rare species have recovered, where common species thrive, and where people and wildlife come face-to-face in a wild environment. The reserve is located in the beautiful landscape of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with leisurely walks. The site offers fantastic birdwatching, with hides which bring you close to avocets, waders and terns in spring and summer and hundreds of ducks in winter on the coastal lagoons known as the Scrape. The reedbeds at Island Mere host bittern and marsh harrier and elusive wildlife such as otters.

Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Visitor Centre ReceptionVisitor Centre toiletsVisitor Centre CafeVisitor Centre ShopDiscovery Centre WildZoneHearing
Visual
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
Accessible transport from Darsham or Saxmundham railway station or Leiston bus stop to the reserve can be booked in advance through Suffolk Link – Blyth, simply call 01728 833526 (see further details at http://www.suffolkonboard.com/suffolk_links_demand_responsiv e_transport).
Travel by taxi
Please contact the visitor centre on 01728 648281 for further advice about visiting the reserve by public transport or private hire.
Parking
Please contact the visitor centre on 01728 648281 ahead of your visit so that we are aware of any support you require to access the reserve.
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
The reception area is permanently staffed during opening hours by RSPB personnel who can provide assistance if necessary. There is a door bell to call for assistance if required.

Getting around inside
Visual Impairment - General Information
Ticket/ information desk
Visitor Centre Reception
Things to See and Do
Public toilet
Visitor Centre toilets
Shop
Visitor Centre Shop
Place to eat and drink
Visitor Centre Cafe
Getting around outside
Designated Walking Trail
Coast Trail
We are in the process of improving accessibility to East Hide, by extending the hide and to create a new accessible path to the hide. This was due to take place in 2020 but work has been delayed due to the pandemic.
Designated Walking Trail
Island Mere Trail
North Hide
Bittern Hide
Wildlife Lookout
Island Mere
South Hide
Canopy Hide
East Hide
Public Viewpoint
Beach
We advise wheelchair users not to access the beach as the sand and shingle make the route inaccessible.
Picnic Area
Discovery Centre picnic area
There are numerous benches around the trails to
Discovery Centre WildZone
WildZone is a play area for children and where we often run events such as Bird-ringing demonstrations, specialist workshops and talks. There is an accessible toilet within the building when events are taking place.
Customer care support
Accessibility equipment
We have two electric mobility scooters (tramper model) available to hire from the visitor centre.
We have our own scooters available to hire but we do not allow anyone to charge their own on the site.
Emergency evacuation procedures
Customer care support
We can provide a volunteer guide (booked in advance) to assist with individuals or family groups to see or hear wildlife. There is a fee for this service and can be discussed with the staff over the phone, email or in person.