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Saltholme

Saltholme
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About Saltholme

Families running
Family running

Come and explore the breathtaking, state-of-the-art building with panoramic views of this huge wetland... A brilliant café - just follow your nose for freshly-brewed coffee, gooey cakes and mouthwatering meals... A great shop where you'll be able to spend a bit of pocket money or splash the cash... Three architect-designed hides to get you closer to the oodles of wildlife that call this place home, including the striking Wildlife Watchpoint which overlooks one of our busiest pools.

Still wanting more? Later in the year the walled wildlife garden designed by celebrity gardener Chris Beardshaw will be in full bloom. Don't forget to stop by our fantastic adventure play area, with its wildlife-themed swings and things. For the active out there, opening later this year will be the cycleway.

No-one's going to tell you what to do or where to go. But, if you do want our help, you only have to ask. There's a gang of friendly, passionate, well-informed folk here, whose aim is to make sure you have a great time. So you see, a visit to Saltholme is exactly what you want it to be and no two visits will be the same.

We can't wait to show off what we've got!

Opening times

Saltholme is open every day except Christmas Day. From 1 April to 30 September, we're open from 10 am to 5 pm, and from 1 October to 31 March, 10 am to 4 pm.

Entrance charges

£3 per car - but RSPB members get in free. Come by bike, public transport or on two feet and it won't cost you a penny - no matter how long you stay.

If you are new to birdwatching...

Saltholme's friendly staff and volunteers are here to help - if you want it. One of the places you'll be able to meet them is in the Wildlife Watch Point. Our roving wardens, Emma and Toby, will be out and about with cameras, looking for amazing sights which will be shown live in the café and shop area. So, you can enjoy watching wildlife at the same time as enjoying our scrumptious food! What could be better?

Information for families

Starting in summer 2009, we'll have adventure play, minibeast safaris, pond dipping, a cycleway and long walks away from the crowds so you can explore all that Saltholme has to offer (the wildflower meadow is sure to be a firm favourite!). Why not call in to one of our three hides? Make it the Family Hide to learn a little from the friendly staff that will often be on hand, or go for a gentle stroll down to the peaceful Saltholme Pools Hide for a better look at residents such as the great crested grebes and mute swans. In spring a summer, you'll see a variety of butterflies such as red admirals, peacocks and common blues feeding on wildflowers along the banks, and dragonflies such as common darters and migrant hawkers. From guided walks to face-painting and fancy dress parades, there's sure to be an event for everyone.

Information for dog owners

Adjacent to the car park we have a small dog exercise area. In the coming months we are installing four shaded parking bays specifically for dog owners. Dogs are not allowed on the wider reserve, this policy is driven by the need to protect our wetland wildlife.

Contact us

01642 546625

Nearest town: Middlesbrough

Grid reference: NZ506231

Directions

For directions, please see our How to get here page.