Venue Description

Get closer to nature at RSPB Minsmere. There are several miles of trails through Suffolk’s gorgeous coastal and wetland scenery, bringing you close to a wide variety of wildlife. Families and youth groups can explore the Wild Zone and Wild Wood Adventure, discovering more about how some of Minsmere’s special wildlife lives whilst having fun. Each season brings its own delights and sensory experiences. The woods and reedbeds resound with birdsong in spring. Still summer days see darting dragonflies and flitting butterflies take centre stage. Autumn brings a blaze of colour and prehistoric bellows of rutting red deer stags. Winter sees flocks of ducks at their glorious best set off by golden reedbeds and vast Suffolk skies. Meet our volunteer guides who will help you to discover more, or simply explore the beautiful landscape. Join us for a guided walk, or our popular family activities, then relax with locally sourced, homemade hot and cold meals in the cafe and choose from a superb range in the RSPB Shop. Fully accessible toilets and car park. Mobility scooters available to hire by calling 01728 648281 or email minsmere@rspb.org.uk (Coming Winter 2022 a new accessible trail to the newly extended East Hide)

Accessibility

Visitor centre: Pedestrian access by a tarmac sloping path from Blue Badge parking or steps closer to the visitor centre. Enter through heavy doors, opening outwards. A door bell is provided for assistance. Ground floor, tiled, step-free and level throughout with a slight slope on entry. Clear print displays. Low counter section. Chairs available on request. Good lighting. Portable hearing loop. Nature trails access: A mix of different paths, both flat and undulating, where walks can be enjoyed. Some nature trails and hides are adapted for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Benches on many parts of the trails. Viewing points: Ramped or level entry into four hides (North, West, South and Island Mere). (Coming Winter 2022 new accessible path and access to East Hide). Café: Level surface, tiled floor and step-free throughout. Upright chairs without arms. Mix of self-service and staff assistance. Additional seating outdoors. Contrasting crockery. Dogs: No dogs, except Assistance Dogs. Water provided at visitor centre The shop is in the visitor centre next to the tearoom. Space limited in places. Good lighting. Some goods may be difficult to reach. Staff available to assist. Full accessibility information here https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-minsmere-nature-reserve-0

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/minsmere/

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-minsmere-nature-reserve-0

Accessible Performances

Majority of guided events are accessible for all visitors, but please let the reserve know of any additional support that may be required when booking events online so that the guides can adapt their routes accordingly.

Awards List

Visit England Welcome Accolade 2021 Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Award 2022

Toilets

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors. From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 1400mm wide, or more. The toilet door is 850mm wide. The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the left. There is 750mm at the side of the toilet. There is 920mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 450mm high. The toilets have handrails.

Staff

The reception area is permanently staffed during opening hours by RSPB personnel who can provide assistance if necessary. There is a door bell to call for assistance if required. Volunteers patrol the reserve during opening hours available to assist with any visitor enquiries. All staff have disability awareness training. We have information in large print. We have other services for people with accessibility requirements. We can provide a bespoke volunteer guide experience (booked in advance) to assist with individuals or family groups to see or hear wildlife. There is a fee for this service and can be discussed with the staff over the phone, email or in person.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

As a nature reserve we do not allow dogs to be off leads on any part of the site to protect the vulnerable wildlife. The main car park has grass areas between each bay which assistance dogs may use as a toilet area and the closest dog bins are at the visitor centre.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water bowls at the front of the visitor centre and rear of the cafe.