Days out
Snettisham
SnettishamOpenSee opening timesLook out across the vast and dramatic Wash, and watch tens of thousands of birds take to the air, shimmering and whirling above the mudflats in a feathered cacophony.
About
Snettisham reserve sits on the stunning Norfolk coast, tucked into the huge Wash. Enjoy panoramic views across brackish lagoons, salt marsh and a vast expanse of mudflats.
From late summer to early winter, tens of thousands of wading birds gather on the mudflats where they roost overnight. During an incoming tide, these birds are pushed closer to the beach and on especially high spring tides, vast flocks of Knot, Dunlin and Oystercatchers take to the air en masse as the water covers the mudflats. The commotion of thousands of wingbeats, excited calls and swirling flocks creates an exhilarating nature spectacle. We call this the 'whirling wader spectacle', a special event that doesn't happen every day. Check out our Snettisham Spectacular Dates and Times guide below for your best chance of seeing it. Please do not expect to see the Snettisham wildlife spectacles outside of the dates and times we have selected. You may be disappointed.
During the winter months, up to 40,000 Pink-footed Geese make their way from Iceland and Greenland to gather on the The Wash. At first light they take flight in close V-shaped formations of trailing skeins across the pale sky of a Norfolk dawn. The high-pitched 'wink-wink' sound of geese calling to each other resonates across the seascape then slowly diffuses as they head inland to find food for the day.
Groups are welcome by prior arrangement. Please contact Titchwell Reserve on 01485 210779 prior to your visit.
At a glance
The car park is shared with the local angling club. Reserve visitors should use the unmarked bays at the end of the access road. There are 80 spaces in this area.
Please do not park on the side of the access road or in marked bays belonging to the angling club.
Visitors with special access needs can contact Titchwell Marsh (titchwell@rspb.org.uk) for an accessibility permit to park closer to the hides. There are limited spaces available and permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. Please contact the reserve at least five working days prior to date of visit.
Please note that our car park has a height barrier of 2.1m (6' 9"), with no alternative parking for tall vehicles.
Visitors with limited mobility may drive to within 100 m of first hide along a rough, gated track. Car park surface loose gravel.
Coach parties must please contact Titchwell Marsh nature reserve prior to visiting.
No lighting. No overnight parking or camping.
We have a parking machine and parking app. RSPB members need to get a ticket from the machine (free of charge).
We don’t have any toilets here. The nearest public toilets can be found at Heacham Beach South, which is a 10 minute drive from the reserve.
We don’t have any changing facilities here. The nearest public toilets can be found at Heacham Beach South, which is a 10 minute drive from the reserve.
From the car park to the reserve the access path has 53 steps with handrails, width restrictions and uneven, compacted gravel and sand surface.
Three signposted trails of different lengths and mixture of flat and undulating surfaces. Part of the Loop trail, from the special access parking area to the Shore hide is a cement concrete path adapted for wheelchair users and other visitors with access needs.
From the car park to the reserve the access path has 53 steps with handrails, width restrictions and uneven, compacted gravel and sand surface.
Three signposted trails of different lengths and mixture of flat and undulating surfaces. Part of the Loop trail, from the special access parking area to the Shore hide is a cement concrete path adapted for wheelchair users and other visitors with access needs.
We don’t have any toilets here. The nearest public toilets can be found at Heacham Beach South, which is a 10 minute drive from the reserve.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted here at any time.
Assistance Dogs and other well-behaved dogs on leads welcome at all times.
Assistance Dogs and other well-behaved dogs on leads welcome at all times.
See what’s here
Snettisham Spectacular Guides:
Contact Snettisham
snettisham@rspb.org.uk Snettisham, Beach Rd, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 7RA 01485 210779