Reserve Closure
Some of our facilities will be closed on 18 September for an all staff meeting. The reserve trails will be accessible to visitors. Please check locally for more details. All facilities will reopen as normal on Thursday 19th September.
What's here? at Rye Meads
Available on site
Open daily, 9am-5pm. Closed and locked outside of these hours.
3 Blue Badge spaces
Blue Badge spaces 33 yards from the visitor centre.
Parking and pedestrian access is all on one level.
Tarmac surfacing.
Drop off in coach bay outside the visitor centre when not in use.
No height restrictions.
Bike racks.
Our toilets are open daily, to the rear of the visitor centre. Surface lino and tiles in the toilets.
Baby changing facilities are located in the toilets, at the rear of the visitor centre.
Check access suitability for events and activities.
Check access suitability for events and activities.
Staff are trained in disability awareness.
Mobility scooter - available for hire, free of change, bookable in advance.
Manual push wheelchair for hire, free of charge, bookable in advance.
Our toilets are open daily, to the rear of the visitor centre. Surface lino and tiles in the toilets.
The visitor centre is open daily. Our friendly team are on-hand to welcome you on arrival and help you make the most of your visit.
Ground level access with no steps or kerbs.
Entry through double doors.
One level with step-free access throughout.
Good lighting.
Staff available to assist.
Basic take away refreshments such as hot drinks, snacks and ice cream are available daily. Staff are available to assist visitors.
There is a picnic area to the rear of the visitor centre. The tables are on an uneven grass surface.
We have a range of binoculars available to hire for £5 each, including our popular RSPB Puffins and RSPB Avocets. Binocular hire is available daily from 9am, to be returned by visitor centre closing time. Last hire is an hour before closing.
The hides are open, daily 9am-5pm
There are eight viewing hides on the reserve with level or access ramps (some steep).
Hides have adapted sections for wheelchair access.
Guided Walks
Guided Walks
We have three trails at the reserve. Access the trails through the visitor centre by a hard path. Paths linking the hides are generally flat with some grass areas, Some parts of the paths are narrow, but passing places are provided. Paths are level and low gradient ramps are provided for bridges.
Seating available along paths.
Bring your science and geography lessons to life with our curriculum linked sessions run by our learning team on the reserve. We offer a variety of hands on, practical sessions which you can choose from. Find out more about our school visits on our reserve home page or email rye.meads@rspb.org.uk
Not available on site
Barbecue
Barbecue
Restrictions
Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the nature reserve (except assistance dogs), due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here.
Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season.
Thank you for protecting the special wildlife by not exercising your dog here.
Assistance dogs are welcome on all parts of the reserve.