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Hire A Guide

Book your own exclusive, personalised, half-day tour with an experienced Minsmere guide to explore our important habitats and discover some of the amazing wildlife found here. These are tailormade walks for groups of up to four people, and our guides will try to accommodate specific requests from attendees, wherever possible. They are perfect for small groups of friends who wish to learn more about Minsmere together.

FAQs 

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? 

We do not recommend our walks for children under 8 years old. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult please.

I am not an RSPB member, can I still attend? 

Yes, non members are welcome. You will be required to pay the reserve entry fee on arrival, in addition to the pre-paid event fee. If you decide to join the RSPB after the event, then this entry fee will be refunded, as will the difference between member and non-member event fees. Please ask about membership at reception.  

Join 1.2 million members who are helping to protect wildlife and the special places they live. Explore some of the UK’s most treasured landscapes and seek out some of our most iconic wildlife with unlimited free access into 170 nature reserves. 

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event? 

Minsmere is signposted from the A12 and the village of Westleton (two miles away). On arrival there is a large, free car park. Cycle racks are available at the visitor centre. There are toilets in the visitor centre 

What can I bring into the event? 

We recommend suitable outdoor clothing. Bring your own binoculars and camera if you have them, or hire binoculars from the shop – binocular hire is discounted if you book in advance. You may wish to carry a drink and/or snack. The reserve cafe will be open after the walk. No dogs, except registered assistance dogs please 

Do I need binoculars? 

We recommend that everyone has binoculars on our walks so that you don’t miss any of the spectacular wildlife our guides will show you. If you don’t have any, they can be hired from the shop. We offer a discount on any binocular hire that is pre-booked, via this website, at the time of booking. Binoculars hired on the day will cost £5 or £7. For early morning and evening walks, binocular hire is only available if pre-booked. 

There are less than four of us, do we get a discount?  

Unfortunately not. These personalised tours are designed for groups of up to four people, with tickets priced per tour, rather than per person. You might prefer to book one of our other tours, such as birdwatching for beginners, instead. 

There are more than four of us, can we still book?  

Yes. These tours can be adapted for groups of up to eight people. Please book, then email minsmere@rspb.org.uk to let us know how many people will be attending as an additional charge of £5 per person will apply for the extra people. This extra charge is payable on the day. For groups bigger than eight people, contact the reserve for details of group bookings. 

How can I contact the organiser with any questions? 

Email minsmere@rspb.org.uk or call us on 01728 648281 for further details. For cancellations, please ring 01728 648281. 

What's the refund policy? 

If we cancel an event for any reason you will receive a full refund and we will give you as much notice as practicable. Should you need to cancel, then you receive a full refund up to three days before the event, after which no refund is available. Cancellations must be made by calling us on 01728 648281 between 9 am and 4 pm. If you are unable to attend on the day, please call us to let us know so that our guides don’t wait for you. 

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? 

If possible, please bring your ticket or email confirmation with you. RSPB members should bring their membership cards with them please.  

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable? 

You can transfer your booking to another event up to one week before the event. 

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends? 

When booking, please list the names of all attendees. On the day we will check the names against the booking, so please make sure that whoever attends knows what name was on their booking.  

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