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About Saltholme
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 bring 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? From early spring to mid-summer, all manner of plants and flowers will be in bloom in the walled wildlife garden, designed by celebrity gardener Chris Beardshaw.
Don't forget to stop by our fantastic adventure play area, with its wildlife-themed swings and things. For the active out there, hop on your bike and explore the far corners of the reserve on 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. 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 31 October, we're open from 10 am to 5 pm, and from 1 November 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're with the family and want to make the most of all that Saltholme has to offer, then pick up a family 'welly pass' at reception. For just £10, two adults and up to three children can enjoy entry to Saltholme, hire of Wildlife Explorers backpacks, binoculars, a welly-wanging kit, a wish for the welly wish tree, wellyboot trails, hands-on activities and a drink in the cafe for each member of the group. Wow!
If you are new to birdwatching...
Saltholme's friendly staff and volunteers are here to help - if you want it. You'll be able to meet them in our wildlife hides. Our roving wardens 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
Saltholme has everything to bring your family closer to nature. There’s adventure play, pond-dipping, boat-building and events and activities during every school holiday. Discover Saltholme together and get face-to-face with all kinds of butterflies, ducks and monsters of the not-so-deep.
Information for dog owners
Next to the car park we have a small dog exercise area. We’ve installed four shaded parking bays specifically for dog owners. To protect our wetland wildlife, dogs are not allowed on the wider reserve.