Welcome
If you're new to birdwatching, Saltholme is the perfect place to start. These family-friendly wetlands have a helpful visitor's centre, hides and screens which let you get up close to water rail, yellow wagtails and terns, plus a family discovery zone, cafe, play area and accessible trails. We also have three mobility scooters available for hire.
Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Welcome DeskDownstairs Accessible ToiletUpstairs Accessible ToiletSaltholme CafeShopClassroomPhil Stead HideWalled GardenDormans Pool HideThere is level access from the car park to:
Picnic AreaHearing
Visual
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
The nearest railway station is in Middlesbrough, with trains from York, Whitby, Newcastle and Leeds. The connecting bus service to Saltholme is the number 1 from Middlesbrough (towards Hartlepool, High Tunstall).
Parking
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
Getting around inside
Lift
Lift to cafe
Ticket/ information desk
Welcome Desk
Things to See and Do
Public toilet
Downstairs Accessible Toilet
The downstairs accessible toilet is next to the rear exit of the visitors centre next to the classroom.
The toilet also features: A flashing light when the fire alarm sounds, an emergency alarm pull cord, non-slip tile flooring, and lever taps on the sink.
There are no toilet facilities beyond the visitor centre
Public toilet
Upstairs Accessible Toilet
The upstairs accessible toilet is located on the balcony next to the cafe. There is a baby changing table that is accessible from a seated position and folds down for use
The toilet also features: A flashing light when the fire alarm sounds, an emergency alarm pull cord, non-slip tile flooring, and lever taps on the sink.
Shop
Shop
The shop is on the ground floor and sells a range of bird food, souvenirs and books. It is accessed directly from the main entrance of the Visitor Centre. A trolley or sack barrow can be borrowed to transport bird food to the car park. Staff and volunteers can assist with this if required.
Place to eat and drink
Saltholme Cafe
We provide 2 handled cups and large cutlery upon request.
Classroom
The classroom is situated on the ground floor of the visitor centre. The room can be divided into two rooms. The door opening width to both halves of the room is 85cm. Fluorescent lighting is installed. The floor is level throughout, with a smooth, uncarpeted surface. There is a hearing loop installed.
Getting around outside
Lake Walk
The path is a minimum of 1m wide and is surfaced in bound gravel.
Designated Walking Trail
Kestrel Trail
This is a tranquil, half-mile extension to the Lake walk. The path is a minimum of 1m wide and is surfaced in bound gravel.
Designated Walking Trail
Wildflower Walk
Allow 20 minutes to walk this hilly, 0.7-mile addition to the Kestrel trail. The path is a minimum of 1.2m wide and is surfaced in bound gravel.
Designated Walking Trail
Dragonfly Path
This 0.9-mile linear path towards the Saltholme hide is a minimum of 1.2m wide and is surfaced in bound gravel.
There are no steps to access the Saltholme pools hide but there is a lip on the doorway at the moment, this is currently in the process of being rectified.
There is a second floor tower to this hide which is only accessible by a spiral staircase.
Designated Walking Trail
Wilderness Trail
Wildlife Watchpoint Hide
Saltholme Pools Hide
Paddy's Pool hide
Picnic Area
Phil Stead Hide
The Phil Stead hide is 5 minutes from the visitor centre, accessed via a gravel path, small ramp and sliding door with width of 900mm /35.5”. Situated just off the main car park, this hide is open from 08:30am.
Walled Garden
The wildlife garden is accessed from the visitors centre along a short, flat pathway. There are 4 benches to sit on to enjoy the garden surroundings.
Dormans Pool Hide
Dorman’s Pool (RSPB members only)is a 5 minute car journey from Saltholme. From the small car park, there is a 270 m long, 1.5m wide bound gravel trail to a small hide, with ramp.
Customer care support
There are 3 heavy duty mobility scooters available for hire for a small donation.
Please ask at the reception desk and they will find the nearest suitable location.
Emergency evacuation procedures
We have an evacuation chair located in the staff area behind the cafe.