What's here? at Saltholme
Available on site
100 spaces. 7 Blue Badge spaces. Blue Badge spaces are 43 yards (40 m) from the visitor centre. Blue Badge spaces are tarmac. The main car park surface is bound gravel. Overflow area is grass-covered hard standing. No formal drop-off point but drop off possible next to the visitor centre.
Coach drop-off point 103 yards (95 m) from visitor centre, with dropped curb. No lighting in car park. No height restriction barrier. No overnight parking or camping. Bicycle racks available. Please don't park on the road, verges or in gateways, as it causes an obstruction for residents and emergency services.
Open daily, 9.30am-5pm (4pm 1 November-31 March). They are located on the ground floor and first floor of our visitor centre.
Open daily, 9.30am-5pm (4pm 1 November-31 March). Our baby changing facilities are located in our toilets on the ground floor and first floor of our visitor centre.
The level, circular walk around our trails makes RSPB Saltholme the perfect place for a stroll in nature with a pushchair. You and the little ones can spot ducks and geese on the pools, taking in the stunning views across the reserve and fresh air as you go.
Level, circular trails.
Open daily, 9.30am-5pm (4pm 1 November-31 March). They are located on the ground floor of our visitor centre.
Open daily, 9.30am-3.30pm Last orders 3.15pm (3.30pm, 1 April-31 October) Our friendly team are on hand to serve you. You can choose to dine indoors with stunning views over the nature reserve, or you can takeaway. Breakfast sandwiches available 9.30am-11.45am. Lunches available 12pm-2.30pm. Snacks and drinks available throughout the day.
The café is located on the first floor of the visitor centre, along with an additional accessible unisex toilet. The first floor is easily accessible by 18 steps with handrail, or lift. Large cutlery and two handled cups are available on request. Clear print menu available on request. Good lighting. Tiled floor.
Our shop is open daily, and our friendly team are on hand to serve and advise you.
You are welcome to bring a picnic with you to enjoy on your visit. Our picnic area is located next to the children’s playground and we have a number of other benches around the reserve. All nine picnic tables have wheelchair spaces. All are on grass, just off the trails. Our indoor cafe seating is for visitors who have purchased food and drink from our café only.
Our popular RSPB binoculars are available to hire on your visit:
£3 RSPB Puffin Juniors
£5 RSPB Puffins
£7 RSPB Avocets
Binocular hire is available daily from 9.30am, to be returned by closing time.
Guided Walks
Guided Walks
We have four hides in total. Three hides all on level ground with double doors. Some floor-to-ceiling viewing windows, plastic chairs. One hide with ramp and sliding door. Volunteer Saltholme guides are often available to assist with wildlife sightings.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
Four signposted trails surfaced in bound gravel, mostly on level ground with seating provided. One way-marked trail over rough and uneven grass and two stiles. The Lake Walk is 0.7 miles long, taking around 20 minutes to complete.
The Kestrel Trail is a 0.5 miles extension of the Lake Walk. The Wildflower Walk is a 0.7 miles addition to the Kestrel Trail. Allow an extra 20 minutes to complete this walk. The Dragonfly Walk is a 0.9 miles linear path.
The Wilderness Trail, this 1.3 mile path links the Kestrel Trail with the Wildflower Walk. Although it’s way marked it’s certainly off the beaten path, allow around 4 minutes to clamber over stiles and wade through mud to get a sense of how wild a wet grassland can be.
Our play area is open daily and is very popular with families. It is located next to the visitor centre. Go wild on our nature-inspired play equipment including: Den building, Welly Splash, Mud kitchen.
Open daily, 9.30am-5pm (4pm, 1 November-31 March). Main entrance and reception area on the ground floor, with step free, level access throughout on tiled flooring. Good lighting. Lowered reception desk. Hearing loop.
Ground floor shop accessed directly from the main entrance of the Visitor Centre. Level entry with no doors once you are in the building. Access out of the building and on to the reserve is made via powered doors as is the return to the building.
Not available on site
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Restrictions
Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the nature reserve (except assistance dogs), due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here.
Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season. Thank you for protecting the special wildlife by not exercising your dog here.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.