RSPB Snettisham
RSPB Snettisham
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
RSPB Snettisham is open! Where you can witness two of the UK’s finest nature spectacles: The ‘Whirling Wader Spectacle’ and, in winter, the ‘Pink-footed Goose Sunrise Spectacle. Please see our website for full facilities and accessibility information, as well as dates and times of the spectacles.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
93 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
33
Average
6
Poor
3
Terrible
5
auntieshaz21
Lanton, France663 contributions
Sept 2020
This reserve is worth visiting. The day we were there, we spotted three Swan Geese among the hundreds of Greylag Geese but a word of warning. There is a height barrier, stopping motorhomes from entering so please car drivers be considerate. There is a parking area before the barrier allowing two motorhomes max. to park but cars had parked there trying to avoid the £2 parking charge. Come on, the RSPB reserve is free!
Secondly, there is a 10-20 minute walk (depending on your speed) from the carpark into the reserve. Something to consider if you're wanting to arrive for high tide. Otherwise an enjoyable day.
Secondly, there is a 10-20 minute walk (depending on your speed) from the carpark into the reserve. Something to consider if you're wanting to arrive for high tide. Otherwise an enjoyable day.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there.
Thanks for your review, and I'm glad that you had an enjoyable visit. Don't forget that the walk from the car park to the sea is still part of the reserve and - depending on the time of year - a great place to spot turtle dove, cetti's warbler, kingfisher, grasshopper warbler (to name but a few!)
Do come and visit again soon.
Written October 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Simon W
57 contributions
Sept 2022
Arrived at 6.30am midweek in late September to see the spectacular waders. Although an early start, many others also arriving to a busy car-park. Its unclear on arrival as to how to make use of the 'Free parking for RSPB members' as the display boards don't give instructions. A very helpful visitor told us that a ticket from the machine was still required and should be displayed in the car alongside a membership card. As many were arriving at the same time, be aware of need to queue for a couple of minutes at the machine before heading out.
Once we arrived at the beach (1.5 mile walk), the tens of thousands of waders we saw were certainly spectacular! Amazing to see thousands taking flight at once as the tide moves them along, and crossing from the shore overhead. Check the website for best dates and times to arrive.
Once we arrived at the beach (1.5 mile walk), the tens of thousands of waders we saw were certainly spectacular! Amazing to see thousands taking flight at once as the tide moves them along, and crossing from the shore overhead. Check the website for best dates and times to arrive.
Written September 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cennenypedr
Wales750 contributions
Sept 2021
Enjoyed our visit here. Would have liked to see more informative notice boards and boads helping ID. Also had trouble working out was was required for parking, as no explanation. There were a number of us trying to work out what we needed to do
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Cennenypedr
Thank you for taking time to give some feedback on your recent visit to RSPB Snettisham. We have just completed an extensive audit on all signage and interpretation for both of our visitor facing reserves. Planned works in this area will improve bird and other wildlife ID, visually share the importance of The Wash and address issues around parking.
I hope that you see some of these improvements in action on your next visit.
Written October 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JimW
Blairgowrie, UK32 contributions
May 2022
Confused. Followed signs to RSPB reserve, ended up at a car park that seemed to be mostly for anglers. Car park ticket machine wasn't working. We followed the obvious path for about 20 minutes but then turned around as we had no clue if we were heading the "right way" or not. Some signage or pointers would be good.
We then found the "beach car park", which although it had some RSPB signage it was a private car park and pay and display. At risk of having a second failed attempt, we didn't stay.
We then found the "beach car park", which although it had some RSPB signage it was a private car park and pay and display. At risk of having a second failed attempt, we didn't stay.
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Jim.
Thank you for taking time to let us know about the problem you had with the car parking machine at RSPB Snettisham reserve. We did have an issue at the date of your review, and an engineer has subsequently visited and it is fully functioning again.
RSPB Snettisham reserve is a natural wilderness of brackish lagoons, saltmarsh and mudflats and is popular with visitors who want to experience a feeling of remoteness and being 'away from it all'. Due to its location there is a 1.5 km walk from the car park to the seafront which is lovely at this time of year, but we completely understand that once you are on the trails, it can be confusing to know the direction.
We do have map and trail information on the RSPB Snettisham website and at the beginning of the trail from the car park, but thank you for your feedback regarding the need for arrows; we are currently in the process of organising these.
To confirm, Snettisham Beach is managed by the RSPB, but you can also access the main reserve via another 1.5km walk from there southwards. As you mention, the car park there is owned by the Ken Hill estate.
We do hope that you will choose to revisit RSPB Snettisham reserve on another occasion. For reassurance, the marked bays are for visitors to the RSPB reserve.
Warmest regards, Lucy.
Written June 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan D
Norwich, UK181 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We drove from Norwich, a fair distance.
However, the parking machine was a nightmare. We tried fourteen or fifteen times, with different cards, by inserting and contactless cards, none of which worked.
A couple we got talking to suggested putting a note on the windscreen saying the machine wasn't working. But knowing how heavy handed parking companies are, we didn't want to risk a fine so decided to try elsewhere.
Titchwell RSPB was far better, and we were greeted by a friendly man, who told us about the reserve.
If places want to be more customer friendly, better parking ticket machines should be installed.
However, the parking machine was a nightmare. We tried fourteen or fifteen times, with different cards, by inserting and contactless cards, none of which worked.
A couple we got talking to suggested putting a note on the windscreen saying the machine wasn't working. But knowing how heavy handed parking companies are, we didn't want to risk a fine so decided to try elsewhere.
Titchwell RSPB was far better, and we were greeted by a friendly man, who told us about the reserve.
If places want to be more customer friendly, better parking ticket machines should be installed.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
md1mm
Sheffield, UK1,621 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
This is one of my favourite RSPB reserves. There are not many facilities, other than hides but I have never before seen so many birds in one place. We visited during a storm with 60mph winds and still loved it. The best time to visit is as the tide comes in and forces the birds in the air. There are clouds of birds such as 40,000 knot, 8000 Oystercatchers etc. It is a long walk from the car park (free to RSPB members) to the hides.
Written August 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JulieBrew
Rochdale, UK195 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Accessed from the pay and display car park, a sign informs visitors that it is 1.5 km to the rotary hide. The gravel path is mainly today and bordered by high hedges, offering occasional glimpses of the water and wildlife.
Eventually, one comes out at a banking, accessed via steps. Walking along the banking gives beautiful sea views. Turn left for a further walk to the hides. We visited on a very hot day and the initial walk was more than enough.
Unfortunately we didn't make it to the hides because of the heat.
There are no facilities at all, no toilets, cafe or shop. Well worth a visit though.
Eventually, one comes out at a banking, accessed via steps. Walking along the banking gives beautiful sea views. Turn left for a further walk to the hides. We visited on a very hot day and the initial walk was more than enough.
Unfortunately we didn't make it to the hides because of the heat.
There are no facilities at all, no toilets, cafe or shop. Well worth a visit though.
Written September 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olibot
Bishop Auckland, UK1,253 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
We made a very special effort to attempt to come to RSPB Snettisham but were ultimately unable to. It is very frustrating when you drive a talk vehicle but there is no mention of any such restrictions on the website, TA site or anywhere apart from 6ft from the car park!
Written February 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sending in your feedback. We are sorry that the height restriction on the car park spoiled your visit. Our Snettisham web page does inform visitors about the height restriction for the car park, if you look under 'full facilities information'. If you ever need further information about our reserve at Snettisham please call 01485 210779. We hope that you will be able to visit again soon.
Written February 18, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris K
4 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
There were persons shooting and killing geese from the edge of the reserve on Saturday 15th Sep over quite a long time period. I saw 6 geese fall out of the sky from ‘V’ Formations. Because of the long, narrow nature of the reserve, some of these landed in the lagoon, relatively close to visitors. I have taken it up with the RSPB but have been told that these activities are legal. However, we found it very distressing and wonder what sort of person(s) would, even if legal, choose to shoot so close to the reserve boundary that these birds would come down in an RSPB reserve. Not recommended for those engaged in bird appreciation. By the time you have reached the reserve it is a long way back and you can hear the shooting all of the way.
Written September 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Chris
I am sorry to hear that your recent visit to Snettisham was marred by witnessing the shooting of geese close to the reserve.
I understand why you might have found it distressing to witness this activity taking place next to the reserve. We have investigated the incident and can confirm that this was a legal shoot of greylag geese. However, we are taking steps to ensure visitors are made aware when similar activities might be taking place in the future. Where possible, notification of legal shoots will be posted at the entrance to the nature reserve.
Written September 27, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie M
Pontefract, UK363 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Walked to the 3 hides and it was very open and windy. The tide was very far away and we did not see as much as RSPB Titchwell which we preferred. We did see lots and lots of Knots and pink footed geese so it was worth seeing those. There is no visitors centre just rugged pathways if you like it that way. Did not see many people so that is a bonus when looking for wildlife. Need good footwear on the path.
Written September 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Julie
Thank you for posting your review of RSPB Snettisham. This reserve certainly does have a different offer to Titchwell Marsh, it's unique wilderness attracts thousands of visitors each year but as you discovered, it feels as if you have the reserve to yourself. We have recently invested in improving pathways and access routes across the reserve making it easier for visitors to walk to our hides and viewing areas. We will continue to invest in the infrastructure whilst retaining Snettisham's wild and rugged appeal.
I'm glad you had good sightings of waders and geese during your visit. There are currently just over 75,000 knot on the reserve and numbers of pink-footed geese are building up as we head into late autumn.
Written October 1, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have booked to stay in Snettisham on Saturday 7 Nov. This will be our first visit and we are keen to get the most out of both days: Saturday and Sunday - tips welcome please we'll be bringing our bins and cameras!
Also I am not keen on muddy walks - love walking just not on slippy mud! Are there gravel paths or boardwalks at Snettisham and, if so, where do we find them please?
Thank you in advance 👍
Written October 29, 2020
Good parking at RSPB Snettisham. Walks are not muddy - gravel, sand and some boardwalk. There are no toilets - plenty of bushes though. Some hides. Beautiful scenery. RSPB Titchwell not far either and that has cafe and toilets and not muddy. Have fun!
Written October 29, 2020
How long does the Wader spectacular last?
Written July 27, 2020
Thanks for your message.
Because of the unpredictability of nature and the wild, the times can vary depening on a number of factors including time of day, weather, tide height, number of birds. Some have lasted for over half an hour, but of course, you can spend as much or as little time there as you like.
For dates and times, please see our website RSPB Snettisham
Thanks,
Lucy, Visitor Operations Manager.
Written August 3, 2020
We are hoping to see the pink footed geese spectacular when our friends visit between 28th Jan 2018 and 4th Jan 2019. Could you suggest a good day/time?
Written December 6, 2018
Please contact the RSPB localy and they will have the best information.
Good luck !
Written December 6, 2018
Hi. We are leaving Norfolk on Friday. Ate thrre any chances of seeing the waders at snettisham ? Any other recommendations please? Thanks jennifer
Written October 28, 2018
Check the website for the latest news, good luck !
Written October 29, 2018
We'll be in the area Thursday 11th - Saturday 12th October. When would be the best time to visit during those dates?
Written August 29, 2018
Paul R
King's Lynn, United Kingdom
Hi - There are two good high tides at Snettisham on 11th & 12th October. On the 11th it is at 8.22am and on the 12th 9.02am. Ideally you should be down on the reserve an hour before to enjoy the best bird spectacle.
Written September 1, 2018
We hope to witness the spectacle of the Knots taking off as well as derive the best of birding on the 3rd Nov 18. We were wondering; 1. Is this a good time to go, 2. Where should we go to get the best view and 3. What time of day is best?
Written August 17, 2018
Paul R
King's Lynn, United Kingdom
I'm afraid that 3 November is not a particularly good day for watching the knot flocks at Snettisham. High tide is at 15.05, but it's not a particularly high tide, so extensive areas of mud will remain exposed. The knot won't come onto the pits and may remain quite distant.
If you do decide to come on that date, around an hour to an 90 minutes before the high tide is best to be present (bear in mind that there is a 30 minute walk from the car park). Watch from the path at the top of the beach. Follow the tide in as it advances, and the knot are likely to either be along the tide edge, or may fly a short distance further up the mudflats and roost on the higher areas of mud.
If you are able to change the dates of your visit there are much better tides on 9/10 November. High tide is at 7am on the 9th and 7.40am on the 10th. It is very early, and the knot are likely to already be in the lagoons as light gathers, but you will be able to see them leave the lagoons as the tide drops (assuming they come into the lagoons - never guaranteed).
Written August 21, 2018
Would Wednesday 29th November be good regarding the tides to see the pinkfoot spectacular?
Written October 15, 2017
Paul R
King's Lynn, United Kingdom
There should be good numbers of pink-footed geese roosting at Snettisham on 29th November. The high tide on 29th is at 01.45am and 14.45pm. Of course, the weather will impact on how good the spectacle will be and fog/mist often have an impact in late autumn. For more details, please phone 01485 210779.
Written October 16, 2017
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