In a nutshell
The ultimate nature reserve. More species of bird, insect, plant and mammal have been spotted at Minsmere than at any other RSPB reserve. It is not an accident that this diverse mix of woodland, reedbeds and lakes on the Suffolk coast has been chosen again for this season’s BBC Springwatch – wild drama abounds here.
Best thing about it
In my childhood, nature reserves were forbidding places dominated by middle-aged geeks with beards and binoculars who shushed if you set foot in their wooden bird hides. The middle-aged bird buffs are still here but the RSPB has made strenuous efforts to welcome newcomers and provide engaging activities for children. My four-year-old twins played for hours in the small Wild Zone adventure playground, which features child-size sand martin holes just like the real ones you can watch, close-up, outside the cafe.
There is den-building, binocular hire, activity sheets and the staff are extremely helpful. During the summer holidays (but not half-term) there are extra family activities: pond-dipping, owl pellet dissection, minibeast adventures and bird-ringing demonstrations. And there really is more nature here than in the wider countryside – booming bitterns and bearded tits are rare attractions. We didn’t find these but saw red deer, marsh harriers, red admiral and small copper butterflies and a mysterious rustling in the undergrowth (a lizard?) without looking very hard.
Fun fact
Minsmere became an RSPB reserve in 1947 after the avocet, an elegant black-and-white wading bird, bred here (and at nearby Halvergate Marshes) for the first time in Britain for more than 100 years. There are now more than 100 pairs breeding at each site, and the avocet is the RSPB’s logo.
What about lunch?
There is an excellent pop-up cafe in the woods over half-term, and also the regular cafe serving “Doreen’s homemade crumble”, some nice soups (£4), potatoes and chilli (£6.50) and gluten-free and veggie options. Kids’ meals (cheesy pesto pasta £2.50) are also available and the outdoor benches have superb views of nesting sand martins.
Exit through the gift shop?
The RSPB does a very good gift shop: bird-feeders, bird seed and binoculars galore and a mix of classy wildlife-themed gifts for adults and children. The toy snowy owl with a head that turns 360 degrees is particularly cute.
Getting there
Minsmere is on the Suffolk coast and a good 2.5hrs from London by car, following the brown signs from the A12 at Blythburgh. There is a “demand-responsive” bus from the nearest train stations – Saxmundham and Darsham on the East Suffolk Line – that must be booked in advance. Call Suffolk Link on 01728 833526.
Value for money?
Obviously you can walk for free in plenty of wild places, and as a nature reserve Minsmere isn’t the best place for children to completely go on the rampage (you are advised to stick to paths, for instance). But both cityphiles and seasoned nature lovers will appreciate that Minsmere provides one of the best chances to get close to wild nature in Britain. It is free for RSPB members, but otherwise prices are: adult £8, child £4, students £5.50, one child free with two paying adults; under-5s free. Extra activities such as pond-dipping usually cost £2 a child.
Opening times
Reserve trails and hides open from dawn to dusk daily except 25 and 26 December. 1 Feb to 31 Oct: visitor centre 9am-5pm (4pm in winter); rspb.org.uk
Verdict
An outdoor adventure that doesn’t require parents to be wildlife experts.
9/10
