Name: Blakeney National Nature Reserve
Rating: 5.0

Blakeney National Nature Reserve

The National Trust, Friary Farm, Cley Road, Blakeney, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7NW, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Blakeney National Nature Reserve at the heart of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney National Nature Reserve boasts wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the beautiful North Norfolk coastline. The four mile long shingle spit of Blakeney Point offers protection for Blakeney Harbour and the surrounding saltmarshes, providing a perfect habitat for the vast array of residential and migratory wildlife.

Internationally important, the reserve is noted for its spectacular displays of the summer breeding tern colony and winter breeding grey seals ensuring delight for visitors all year round. Great for walkers, sightseers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, Blakeney National Nature Reserve guarantees an inspiring and memorable visit no matter the season.

The best way to see the wildlife on Blakeney Point is to enjoy a ferry trip, departing from Morston Quay. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Blakeney Point: A four-mile shingle ridge and dune, backed by salt marsh and mudflats. Noted for seals in winter and terns in summer.
Grey seals: Blakeney Point is home to England’s largest grey seal colony with around 9,000 pups born each winter.
Breeding birds: Blakeney National Nature Reserve is noted for its spectacular displays of the summer-breeding tern colony.
Blakeney Freshes: Approximately 160 hectares of freshwater grazing marsh. An important area for breeding birds and over-wintering wildfowl.
Stiffkey Marshes: Stiffkey Marshes is home to one of the country's richest saltmarshes for wildlife. Flooded daily by the tide it is an important conservation area for breeding birds.
Stay: Stay within easy reach of Blakeney National Nature Reserve at Blakeney Lodge, a compact and cosy, dog-friendly holiday cottage sitting in the shadows of an old windmill.
Things to do at Blakeney National Nature Reserve: Blakeney National Nature Reserve is home to England's largest grey seal colony at Blakeney Point, as well as important wetland habitats and wildlife at Stiffkey Marshes and Blakeney Freshes.
Wildlife walks at Friary Hills and Blakeney Freshes: Explore the scenic Friary Hills and Blakeney Freshes, home to important habitats and diverse wildlife that changes with the seasons.
Stiffkey Marshes: Stiffkey Marshes, part of Blakeney National Nature Reserve, is home to one of the country's richest saltmarshes for wildlife. Flooded daily by the tide it is an important conservation area for breeding birds.
Top trails: Blakeney Freshes and Friary Hills circular walk, Blakeney Freshes coastal wildlife walk, Gramborough Hill and Salthouse circular walk, Blakeney to Stiffkey coastal walk.

Facilities

Parking: Pay and display (members free) at Blakeney Quay (administered by Blakeney Parish Council) and Morston Quay. Cley beach (managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust - parking charges apply for non NWT members). Quayside car parks liable to flooding - please take note of the signs.
Toilet: The toilets at Blakeney Quay are not operated by the National Trust. There is one accessible toilet on Blakeney Point which is open to the public between March and October.
Dogs allowed: Dogs welcome, but some restrictions apply. There are clearly marked restricted areas, beyond which you cannot take dogs on Blakeney Point during ground nesting bird season (1 April to 15 August) and seal pupping season (late October to mid-January).

What to see

The Second World War at Blakeney Point: During the Second World War, East Anglia was targeted by German planes as fierce battles took place in the skies. Seventy years later, erosion from the tides briefly provided a glimpse of what’s believed to be the wreck of a German aircraft, shot down during the Second World War.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blakeney-national-nature-reserve/second-world-war-at-blakeney-point

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Nature reserve: Dawn - Dusk.

Address: The National Trust, Friary Farm, Cley Road, Blakeney, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7NW, UK

Post Code: NR25 7NW

Council: North Norfolk

County: Norfolk

By road: Blakeney, Morston Quay and Cley are all on the A149 Cromer to Hunstanton road.
On foot: The Norfolk Coast path goes through Blakeney Quay. Access to Blakeney Point is from Cley beach car park.
By train: Sheringham 8 miles to Blakeney Quay.
By bus: Coasthopper bus service is available between King’s Lynn and Mundesley. Stops at Blakeney village.
Parking: Pay and display (members free) at Blakeney Quay (administered by Blakeney Parish Council) and Morston Quay. Cley beach (managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust - parking charges apply for non NWT members). Quayside car parks liable to flooding - please take note of the signs.