This nature reserve is set in a stunning mix of woodlands & wetlands on the banks of Loch Leven, with breath taking views and a diverse mix of habitats.
Upcoming Café and Shop closures - Due to reduced staffing in our shop and café they will temporarily be closed on a Monday and Tuesday.
Shop will be open Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm:
Café will be open Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 3pm:
Please note our opening hours under the "hours" tab may not be up to date, please check back here for correct hours.
Our car park, toilets, trails and hides will still be open as usual during this time, and we are working hard to get back to opening both the shop and café every day of the week. Please do check back for updates on our social media pages.
Loch Leven nature reserve is a haven for families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers alike. Set on the southern shore of the loch, the reserve is home to Swallows and breeding waders in spring and summer, migratory geese and Whooper Swans in autumn, and woodland birds all year round. Red Squirrels are regularly seen around the visitor centre and woodland areas, while dragonflies and bees enjoy the ponds and wild flower meadow in the warmer months.
There are plenty of trails to explore including the Wetland Trail with bird hides, a steep woodland hill trail and an accessible, gentle Leafy Loop walk. Visitors can relax in the picnic area overlooking the loch and surrounding hills.
Families can hire pond dipping kits from April- October, Nature Quest backpacks and binoculars, and we also run a programme of self-led trails and events to suit the whole family.
Car park open 24hrs a day. 100 spaces, 7 Blue Badge spaces. Rolled stone surface with adverse camber. Partially lit.
Car park charges apply 24/7. Payment by machine via cash or contactless.
12 x 7 kWh charging points for Electric Vehicles (2 of which are for Blue Badge holders) No connection fee, charge of 42p per kWh.
Changing Places toilet. Accessible toilet with baby change facility.
For further information please check our AccessAble guide.
Two family toilets and an accessible toilet with baby change facilities.
Cottage Garden, close to visitor centre, accessed by wide, gently sloping and surfaced path. Wetland and Loch Leven Heritage Trails reached from the visitor centre by a fully accessible sloping tarmac path and underpass.
Leafy Loop trail is perfect for a breath of fresh air, this quarter-mile (450m) accessible woodland loop is great for exploring the changing seasons. Visitor centre, cafe and shop accessible.
Cottage Garden, close to visitor centre, accessed by wide, gently sloping and surfaced path. Wetland and Loch Leven Heritage Trails reached from the visitor centre by a fully accessible sloping tarmac path and underpass.
Leafy Loop trail is perfect for a breath of fresh air, and this quarter-mile (450m) wheelchair-friendly woodland loop is great for exploring the changing seasons.
Visitor centre, cafe and shop are accessible. Mobility scooters and manual wheelchair available for hire free-of-charge (during visitor centre opening hours – please book in advance by telephoning the reserve on 01577 862355).
For further information please check our access map or AccessAble guide.
Toilets are located in main courtyard at ground level. All toilets are individual cubicles with their own handwashing facilities.
Well behaved dogs are welcome in the visitor centre and cafe. A tap and water bowl are available in the visitor centre courtyard.
Assistance dogs only in the hides.
Dogs under close control, preferably on a short lead, are allowed on all trails on the reserve in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This is particularly important during the bird breeding season April - August. Please pick up after your dog and dispose of any bags in bins or take it home.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
The accessible visitor centre has an RSPB shop and a cafe, with friendly staff and volunteers to welcome you. The toilet facilities include a Changing Places toilet, and we have two mobility scooters available for visitors to hire. The car park has EV charging points and Blue Badge bays.
For further access information please visit our AccessAble guide.
Discover exciting events all year at Loch Leven. Join us for the bumblebee trail or our brilliant bats guided walk. You can also hire a pond dipping kit or nature quest backpack.
We know that Loch Leven is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.
Home to Red Squirrels which can often be seen foraging, feeding and scaling trees in the woodland areas of the reserve. The squirrels frequently visit our specially made feeder, and you can watch here to see if you can catch a glimpse of one of Scotland’s most iconic species.