What's here? at Radipole Lake
Available on site
There is no RSPB car park here.
We're right next to Swannery car park which is run by Dorset Council and is pay and display. Please see their website for details.
895 spaces.
27 Blue Badge spaces - One blue badge space next to the visitor centre, the remainder are over 100m away.
The car park surface is level tarmac with a drop kerb at the Discovery Centre entrance. A gentle paved ramp, no hand rail, leads to the Discovery Centre.
Available when the Discovery Centre is open.
Other public toilets in the Swannery car park, 120m from the Discovery Centre with an accessible toilet.
Available when the Discovery Centre is open.
Toilet and baby changing: Accessible unisex toilet and baby changing facilities can be found in the Discovery Centre.
One blue badge space next to the visitor centre, the remainder are over 100m away.
Two signposted trails which are firm and generally flat, and surfaced with concrete or crushed stone with a wheelchair accessible gate to access main road.
The path to the viewing screen at the north of the reserve is generally flat, and surfaced with crushed stone.
A new, raised platform with seating is accessed by a ramp.
One blue badge space next to the visitor centre, the remainder are over 100m away.
Two signposted trails which are firm and generally flat, and surfaced with concrete or crushed stone with a wheelchair accessible gate to access main road.
The path to the viewing screen at the north of the reserve is generally flat, and surfaced with crushed stone.
A new, raised platform with seating is accessed by a ramp.
Available when the Discovery Centre is open.
Other public toilets in the Swannery car park, 120m from the Discovery Centre.
The Discover Centre is open Monday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Our friendly team are on-hand those days to welcome you on arrival and help you make the most of your visit.
Open-plan layout, including cafe and accessible toilet. Level, tiled floor throughout with no steps. Good lighting. Information panels are in clear print.
Our café is run by partner organisation SWRAC and is open Monday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
A delicious selection of hot and cold drinks and ice creams to eat-in (inside and outside seating) or take-away.
Our friendly team are able to provide allergen information.
You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on your visit or pick up refreshments here to take out with you.
We have an outdoor seating area with great views over the nature reserve. It is a concrete-tiled patio area which can be accessed from the Discovery Centre through inward opening manual doors.
Doorway width 135cm. There are moveable tables and folding metal chairs. Clear height underneath tables is 70cm.
Please help keep this place safe and special for wildlife and people by taking your litter home with you.
We run an exciting programme of guided walks and other events throughout the year.
View of Radipole Lake through the large floor-to-ceiling windows inside the Discovery Centre.
There are three, with great views across water, reed and roosting posts and an island. There are viewpoints on the Buddleia Walk. A viewing screen offers excellent views over the north end of the reserve.
Two signposted trails which are firm and generally flat, and surfaced with concrete or crushed stone with a wheelchair accessible gate to access main road.
Off the main path is the Buddleia Trail, a circular trail that starts and ends on the main tail. Three benches.
The path to the viewing screen at the north of the reserve is generally flat, and surfaced with crushed stone.
Educational facilities and sessions are now available for bookings. Bringing a flock?
Please notify us of your visit in advance so we can ensure that your needs are attended to. If you are a nature tour leader, we would love to work with you to make the most of your trip for your guests. For all group visits, please contact us at weymouth@rspb.org.uk.
Not available on site
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted here at any time.
Restrictions
Dogs on short leads are welcome on the designated dog friendly trails on the nature reserve.
Please keep to the designated routes only. We’ve created designated dog-friendly routes for you and your pooch.
Dogs are welcome in the Discovery Centre on a short lead at all times. Dog water bowls are available at the Discovery Centre, when open.
Please take dog waste home with you to dispose of.
If you require an ‘off-lead’ walk please see Dorset Council’s dog walking areas.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.