RSPB - giving nature a home
Search
Close
Skip to content
Shop | Community
Log in | Sign up
  • About the RSPB
      About us
    • Our History
    • What we do
    • How the RSPB is run
    • RSPB Media Centre
    • RSPB job vacancies
    • At home & abroad
    • International
    • England
    • Northern Ireland
    • Scotland
    • Wales
    • Get in touch
    • Contact us
    • RSPB offices
    • Connect with us your way
      Our activities
    • Gardening for wildlife

      Gardening for wildlife

      See our ideas to keep you connected to nature during coronavirus

    • Connect with us your way

      Connect with us your way

      From our regular emails to your favourite social media, there’s more than one way to keep in touch with nature

    • Our History

      Our History

      Discover how a campaign against feathers in fashion sparked a global force to save nature with more than a million members

  • Our work
      Nature conservation
    • Conservation and sustainability
    • Projects
    • Landscape scale conservation
    • Centre for Conservation Science
    • Satellite tracking birds
    • RSPB News
    • RSPB News
    • 'Our work' blog
    • Policy and Insight
    • Policy and Insight: England and Westminster
    • Casework
      Featured news
    • Mindful mornings

      Mindful mornings

      If you can’t get outside, why not bring the outside in by downloading our bird song radio app?

    • How nature can help protect our homes

      How nature can help protect our homes

      Following the floods this winter, watch how one area is using nature as a natural protector.

    • Casework

      Casework

      Catch up with the RSPB’s own nature detectives on the case as they look to save some very special places.

  • Birds and wildlife
      Wildlife guides
    • Identify a bird
    • Bird A-Z
    • Other garden wildlife
    • Guide to birdwatching
    • What is the Red List for UK birds?
    • Nature's Calendar
    • Nature's Home magazine
    • About Nature's Home magazine
    • Birds and wildlife articles
    • RSPB Podcasts
    • Nature's Home blog
    • Birds and Wildlife Advice
    • How you can help birds
    • Gardening for wildlife
    • Ask an expert
    • Wildlife and the law
    • How to report crimes against wild birds
    • Bird songs
    • Which bird song is that?
    • Most popular bird guides this month
    • Bird migration

      Bird migration

      Migrating birds have travelled thousands of miles just to get here. Find out why.

    • Who to contact if you spot an injured or baby bird

      Who to contact if you spot an injured or baby bird

      Read more advice about what to do if you find a bird that needs help

    • In for a duck

      In for a duck

      It’s nesting season for our waterfowl too but what are the rules you need to follow for ducks, geese or swans?

  • Get Involved
      Activities
    • Big Garden Birdwatch
    • Nature on Your Doorstep
    • RSPB Competitions
    • Dolphinwatch
    • #MyClimateAction
    • Community & advice
    • Join our local groups
    • How green are you?
    • RSPB Community
    • Get involved blog
    • Volunteering & fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Fundraise
    • Help nature thrive as a corporate partner
    • Our grant funders
    • Campaigning
    • Campaigning in Scotland
    • Campaigning in Wales
    • Campaigning in England
    • Campaigning in Northern Ireland
    • The nature and climate emergency
    • Protecting wildlife sites
    • Campaign with us
    • Top activities to do
    • Nature on Your Doorstep

      Nature on Your Doorstep

      Great ideas on how your garden, or even a small backyard or balcony, can become a mini nature reserve

    • How green are you?

      How green are you?

      See some of the ways you can get into green living.

    • Campaigning

      Campaigning

  • Reserves & events
      Reserves A-Z
    • Consall Woods
    • Fore Wood
    • Haweswater
    • Langford Lowfields
    • Loch Spynie
    • Oronsay
    • Otmoor Reserve
    • Loch Druidibeg
    • Events, dates & inspiration
    • Events
    • COVID-19 information
    • Dates with nature
    • Places to visit blog
    • #ThanksToYou
    • Reserves Alerts
      Top reserves this month
    • Marshside

      Marshside

      This fantastic wetland site is located north of Southport town centre and has some of the best wildlife in the region.

    • Lytchett Fields

      Lytchett Fields

      The reserve has seen more than thirty species of wading birds.

    • Arne

      Arne

      Heathland home to more than 2565 species.

  • Fun & learning
      For teachers
    • Supporting resources
    • Wild Challenge
    • School outreach visits
    • Big Schools Birdwatch
    • Sign up for the newsletter
    • School trip ideas
    • For kids
    • Fun factoids for all the family
    • Games and activities
    • Kids stories
    • RSPB kids competitions
    • For families
    • Big Wild Sleepout
    • Wild Challenge
    • Nature reserves for families
    • Robin Robin
    • Cameron's Cottage
    • Your Support
    • About Cameron's cottage
    • Latest kids' activities
    • Wild Challenge

      Wild Challenge

      Nature is an adventure waiting to be had. Get out, get busy and get wild!

    • Fun factoids for all the family

      Fun factoids for all the family

      Find out more about the nature and wildlife outside your window.

    • Youth membership

      Youth membership

      As well as a free gift and magazines, you’ll get loads of ideas for activities to try at home.

  • Join & Donate
      Join us
    • Choose a membership
    • Family membership
    • Youth membership
    • Gift membership
    • Nature is stronger with you on its side. Become a Life Fellow today.
    • Renew your membership
    • Donate
    • Philanthropy & Major Gifts
    • Our appeals
    • Make a one-off donation
    • Make a regular donation
    • In Memory Donations
    • Plant a celebration tree
    • In Memory Booklet
    • Leave a gift to nature in your Will
    • Why Include a Gift to Nature in Your Will
    • How to Include us in Your Will
    • Information for executors & solicitors
    • Download your free guide
    • Other ways to help
    • Gift Aid
    • Support us when you shop
    • RSPB Images
    • RSPB second-hand binocular scheme
    • Win with the RSPB
    • Payroll Giving
    • Stamp out albatross deaths
  • Login to your account Sign up for an RSPB account
  • Shop
  • Community
  • Home
  • Reserves & events
  • Reserves A-Z
  • Titchwell Marsh

Titchwell Marsh

gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
gallery image
Address
Titchwell Marsh, Main Rd, Titchwell, King's Lynn PE31 8BB
Grid ref
TF750438
What3Words
natural.stiletto.flask

Located on the north coast of Norfolk, between the villages of Titchwell and Thornham, Titchwell Marsh is blessed with diverse habitats that include reedbeds, saltmarsh and freshwater lagoons where avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers nest. There's also a wide sandy beach here, which offers extensive views across The Wash.

Plan your visit

Opening times

  • Nature reserve: open daily, at all times.
  • Car park: open daily, at all times.
  • Welcome Hub: open daily, 9.30am-4.30pm.
  • Shop: open daily, 9.30am-4.30pm.
  • Café: open daily, 9.30am-4.30pm.
  • Toilets: open daily, 9am-5pm. 

Festive opening times

  • Christmas Eve: nature reserve and car park open at all times.
    Welcome Hub, shop, café and toilets closed.
  • Christmas Day: nature reserve and car park open at all times.
    Welcome Hub, shop, café and toilets closed.
  • Boxing Day: nature reserve and car park open at all times.
    Welcome Hub, shop, café and toilets closed.
  • New Year’s Eve: nature reserve and car park open at all times.
    Welcome Hub, shop, café and toilets open, 9.30am-4.30pm.
  • New Year’s Day:nature reserve and car park open at all times. Welcome Hub, shop, café and toilets open, 9.30am-4.30pm.
  • All other days in the festive period are open our usual opening hours as above.

Entrance charges

Free entrance to RSPB members
Yes
Adults
£5
Children
£2.50
Free entrance for first child
Free entrance for under 5s
Student
£3.75 (with valid NUS card)
Free entrance for carers
Yes

Facilities

  • Visitor centre
  • Car park
  • Toilets
  • Accessible toilets
  • Baby changing
  • Pushchair friendly
  • Café
  • Picnic area
  • Binocular hire
  • Guided walks
  • Viewing point
  • Nature trails
  • Shop
  • Educational facilities

Accessibility

  • Full accessibility information (external website)

How to get here

By train

The closest station is King's Lynn, approx. 22 miles from reserve.

By bus

The closest bus stop is on the main road outside the reserve.

By bike

National Cycle Route number 1 is within two miles of the reserve.

By road

Take the first left after driving eastwards along the A149 through Thornham village. The reserve is signposted with a brown tourist sign.

Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

Get directions from Google Maps
View on What3Words
RSPB reserves on Google Earth

Information for dog owners

Dogs are welcome on the West Bank path, which is a public footpath.

Please keep your dog on a lead at all times, due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here. We know that the countryside is a dog walking paradise. It’s important to remember the special surroundings here are wonderful havens for rare wildlife so we have dog-friendly routes for you and your pooch to enjoy. Even if dogs are very well behaved, wildlife and livestock can easily become startled by a loose dog they perceive as a predator.

Thank you for protecting the special wildlife here by keeping your dog on a lead, under close, effective control, and staying in the permitted areas.

No dogs are permitted on Fen Trail, East Trail, Meadow Trail and Autumn Trail other than assistance dogs. This is to minimise disturbance to wildlife.

Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of the season. 

  • Dog water bowl available in the courtyard of the visitor centre.
  • Dog waste bins available in the car park and at the top of the west bank path.
  • Dogs are welcome in the welcome hub and shop.
  • Dogs die in hot cars, please do not leave your dog in the car when visiting us.

Group booking information

Groups are welcome by appointment - please telephone in advance. Guides can be hired if required. Limited parking for coaches. Group food orders should be made in advance.

Schools booking information

School groups are welcome by appointment. Guides and activity leaders can usually be arranged on request. Self-led trail sheets and activity sheets that support Key Stage 1-4 learning objectives are available. Please email us titchwell@rspb.org.uk or phone 01485 210779.

Viewing structures and hides are easily accessible. One hide has low level seating and a work table suitable for young children.

Equipment such as binoculars, bug hunting kits and activity packs can be hired.

Schools are welcome to bring their own food to eat in our picnic area. There is limited parking for coaches.

Also, check out our fantastic range of resources for teachers here, or take on the Schools’ Wild Challenge here.

Downloads

Helping you find your way around. PDF, 1.7Mb.

Titchwell Marsh trail map

Contact Titchwell Marsh

  • Titchwell Marsh, Main Rd, Titchwell, King's Lynn PE31 8BB
  • titchwell@rspb.org.uk
  • 01485 210779
  • @RSPBTitchwell
  • Find us on facebook

Save nature with a staycation in the UK

Family arriving at a Travel Chapter cottage

Saving the nature that you love for future generations to enjoy. Make the most of your visit by staying in one of thousands of handpicked cottages across the UK. Simply book your stay here to support our partnership. Throughout 2021 holidaycottages.co.uk are supporting our conservation work – saving species and restoring habitats right across the UK at a time when the future of our planet has never been more important and protecting nature for future generations.

BOOK NOW

What will you see?

Our star species

    Marsh Harrier male in flight

    Marsh harrier

    Look for marsh harriers in spring performing their skydancing display.

    Bittern illustration

    Bittern

    Listen out for their booming call across the reedbed in spring.

    Bearded tit male

    Bearded tit

    Listen for their bell-like 'pinging' calls.

    Wading Avocet Illustration

    Avocet

    Look out for fluffy avocet chicks on the fresh marsh during late spring.

Recent sightings

 Avocet kneeling allowing chicks to find shelter under wing

Find out about recent wildlife sightings at Titchwell Marsh.

Read more

Nature spectacles

Titchwell is renowned for its wading birds, wildfowl and geese. These gather in significant numbers from mid autumn onwards and with the arrival of migrant birds from Scandanavia and Northern Europe the fresh water lagoons are soon filled with a variety of resident species and visitors.

During autumn, marsh harriers can be seen soaring low over reedbeds as the light falls but in spring, visitors can watch them spiralling high overhead in a courtship skydance.

Avocets, the RSPB emblem bird, can be seen on the fresh marsh all year round but in late spring they will be guarding newly hatched fluffy chicks. At this time of year it's possible to hear the mating calls of two wetland birds familiar to Titchwell's visitors. Listen out for the booming call of the bittern from deep within the reedbeds whilst alongside the West Bank path, the metallic 'ping-ping' of the much smaller bearded tits can be heard above the rustle of the reeds.

About Titchwell Marsh

Habitat

This is a place where water and land merge and combine in different ways to create ideal places for a wide range of wildlife. Head out around vast reedbeds where bitterns boom and bearded tits ping. The Freshmarsh lagoons are the motorway service station for migrating wading birds and wildfowl. Where there was once farmland, saltmash now rules, with the salty waters providing a home to little egrets, water pipits and Chinese water deer.

Pockets of woodland and grassland come alive in spring to the sound of Cetti’s warblers, spotted flycatchers and the soulful purr of turtle doves.

Conservation

To remain in the perfect state for nature to thrive, the reserve is managed in a number of ways. Reedbeds are cut back in winter to create a mosaic of habitats including reedbed edges and muddy margins, vital for species such as bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers.

The freshwater lagoons and islands are maintained by carefully controlling water levels and vegetation growth, to create the ideal conditions for avocets and black-headed gulls as well as wintering wildfowl and wading birds.

Areas of the coast are protected for ringed plover which breed in summer, while annual surveys take place to monitor the tiny dune tiger beetle.

Saltmarsh, shingle and sand dunes are allowed to develop in a natural way to create new habitats for different species. We also manage the woodland and grassland areas to create the best conditions for our wildlife.

We know that the low-lying nature of the reserve means it vulnerable to the damage caused by surge tides and storms as well as rising seas caused by climate change. The Titchwell Coastal Change Project has seen us realign sea defences and re-enforce sea banks which we hope will help protect the reserve for the next 50 years.

Partners

An easy walk takes you from the car park through woodland glades to the Visitor Centre and Café. From here you can choose from two paths. The West bank trail leads you across wild landscapes of saltmarsh, reedbeds and freshwater lagoons fed by a natual spring. You then step foot onto Titchwell’s vast and undeveloped beach.

On the East Trail you’re taken by quiet pools and vistas of wildflowers and yellow gorse. The latter is popular with the reserves raptors which scour the reedbeds and marsh for prey.

Those with a keen eye will spot signs of Titchwell’s past – from prehistoric remnants to the remains of Britain’s sea defences built during the Second World War.

Dark Skies

Site information

An easy walk leads from the car park through woodland glades to the Visitor Centre and Cafe. From here, the West Bank path opens up to wild landscapes of saltmarsh, reedbeds and freshwater lagoons fed by a natural spring and on to Titchwell's vast and undeveloped beach. The East Trail lends itself to quiet contemplation with outlooks across quiet pools full of wildlife. Secluded seating set amidst vistas of wildflowers and yellow gorse affords views of raptors scoping reedbeds and marsh for prey.

Remnants of a prehistoric age and a time when the Norfolk coast formed part of Britain's sea defences can be seen sporadically across the reserve and form the boundary of Titchwell's seascape.

Latest blog posts

  • Titchwell sightings - a July summary

    It has been a while since we have updated you on what has been seen at Titchwell, so here is a roundup of July. Car park / visitor centre / east trail At the start of July a crossbill flew west over the reserve and 3 coal tits were on the feeders. A ...

    Posted 04/08/2022 by Lizzie Bruce
  • Plovers in Peril: A summer of plovers!

    Summer holidays are finally here! That means more time with family and friends and long days at our favourite beach splashing about in the sea, getting sand between our toes and finding new places to explore! But did you know - we aren’t the only one...

    Posted 27/07/2022 by RSPB NWNorfolk
  • Plovers in Peril: An update following the devastating coastal park fires at Wild Ken Hill

    People are often surprised to learn that ringed plover and oystercatcher nest on the beach and not in the vegetation of the dunes and scrub behind. At times like these we are incredibly grateful that they do as the nests for these birds were just out...

    Posted 21/07/2022 by RSPB NWNorfolk
  • Recent sightings - 23/6/2022

    There has been plenty on offer at Titchwell over the past couple of weeks from firsts and seconds for the reserves and the continuing baby boom. Reedbed The star bird in the reebed has been the bitterns, with the female putting on a quite a show this...

    Posted 23/06/2022 by Lizzie Bruce
read our blog

What people are saying about Titchwell Marsh

May both my wife & myself congratulate you all in the superb way you have made Titchwell an amazing place. We were worried about being able to take our 8 week old baby Ruby in the pushchair, but it was so easy and we walked all the way to the beach. We saw some fantastic waders along our walk. We couldn't stay too long as you would understand with an 8 week baby but our visit was remarkable, it was like stepping on to another planet!

Daryn Godfrey (and family)

I never tire of coming here - there is always something exciting to see. Yellow-browed warblers on the Meadow Trail were today's highlight!

Mark Ward

Where do I start! The best day out I have had in a while. Went on a guided tour to see the wonders of world waders. Malcolm, our guide, taught me tons about the different waders, and we got to see a bearded tit (the main reason for the visit). Thanks to the great tour guide I saw a juvenile. Thank you all at Titchwell for making the day magical.

Tiffany Baxter

Activities and events

Activities for children and families

For more information on our full programme of events and to book tickets, please visit events.rspb.org.uk/titchwellmarsh

RSPB Titchwell Marsh is a fantastic place for families to discover. There are plenty of opportunities for young explorers to get close to wildlife on our multi-habitat reserve. Seasonal variations in fauna and flora make the reserve the perfect venue all year round for families to explore the natural world.

Self-led trails will inspire curiosity while our backpacks are perfectly packed for adventure. Pushchair friendly paths and easily accessible hides mean wildlife is only a step away and our friendly and informative team is always on hand to help you have a memorable and wild experience.

During school holiday periods, our family events will challenge, inspire and enthuse through hands-on activities, workshops and bushcraft days.

 

Leisure activities

Many visitors enjoy time spent on Titchwell's wide, sandy beach which is host to seabirds and other marine life all year round. At low tide areas of petrified forest and remnants from the Second World War are exposed. These have become natural 'reefs' and make the shoreline ideal for beachcombing or a family scavenger hunt.

Make the most from your journey

Strands of grass from the dunes at titchwell beach, with the beach and sea in the background

Titchwell Marsh Archaeology and History

Find out about the archaeology and history of Titchwell Marsh.

View of the wooden hide amongst the reed beds and lakes at Titchwell

Titchwell Marsh Guides and Walks

Titchwell’s friendly volunteer guides are here to help. Here’s how.

Share this

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

You might also be interested in

RSPB Giving Nature a Home Campaign

Join us - legacy

Become an RSPB member by signing up here.
A group of people in hiking gear walking through a hilly landscape

Volunteer

At the RSPB there are hundreds of ways you can volunteer and take action to help save nature.
Flock of knots and bar-tailed godwits on The Wash at RSPB Snettisham nature reserve

Snettisham

This reserve consists of bird lagoons and bird hides, where in autumn tens of thousands of wading birds gather.

We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy

Quick links

  • Contact us
  • Online Community
  • Vacancies
  • Media centre

Information for

  • Teachers
  • Policy makers
  • Farmers & landowners
  • Scientists

Our work in

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
  • Northern Ireland
  • International

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Email

Partnering with

The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International.

The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International. Find out more about the partnership

Fundraising Regulator logo OSCR logo

© The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654

  • Terms & conditions
  • Cookie policy
  • Privacy policy
  • Charter and statutes
  • About our site
  • Modern Slavery Act

Cookie Preferences

Accepting all non-essential cookies helps us to personalise your experience

Edit settings
Accept all

Essential cookies are required

These cookies are required for basic web functions

Enable analytics cookies

Allow us to collect anonymised performance data

Enable marketing cookies

Allow us to personalise your experience

Save settings
Read our cookie policy