Cley Marshes
England's oldest county-level nature reserve, where reedbeds and birdwatching hides offer sightings of avocets, bitterns and other rare waterbirds.
Cley Marshes was established in 1926 by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and is the oldest county wildlife reserve in England. Its reedbeds, freshwater marshes and saltmarsh attract large numbers of waders, geese and ducks, and rare species often turn up during the spring and autumn migrations. The visitor centre has a café and viewing windows, and several birdwatching hides offer telescope rental. Entry costs about £6, and is free for Trust members. The reserve lies beside the coast road on the east side of Cley village and is served by bus.
Opening hours
Daily, sunrise to sunset; visitor centre approx. 10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Cley Windmill
- Blakeney Village & Quay
- Holt
- Blakeney Point Seals
- North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line)
- Binham Priory
- Sheringham Park
- Thursford Collection & Christmas Spectacular