Dusk is a magical time to explore Minsmere’s heathlands. Look for special heathland wildlife, including Dartford Warblers and Stonechats, then listen for the mechanical song of the Nightjar as the sun sets, before our guides introduce you to the many mysterious sounds of the night. Please bring a torch as it will be dark when these walks finish. Please note that these walks may be cancelled, or switched to a different date, in the event of wet weather (we'll aim to let you know by the day before).
Please note that this walk DOES NOT start from the Minsmere visitor centre. The meeting point is the Forestry Commission car park 42. This is located about 1/4 mile north of Westleton village on the Blythburgh Road (B1122) and is marked by a white rectangle with 42 written in red. The OS grid reference for this car park is TM449702.
Note: tickets go on sale no earlier than six months before the event date.
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
There are no age restrictions, but as most walks last about 2.5 hours, they may not be suitable for younger children. We don’t recommend bringing pushchairs on our guided walks.
I am not an RSPB member, can I still attend?
Yes, non-members are welcome. Entry fees are included in the ticket prices. If you decide the join the RSPB then you receive free entry to all RSPB nature reserves and discounted tickets for events. 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.
Why have the ticket prices gone up so much this year?
Our ticket prices have not been increased since 2021. We have added a small amount to the ticket price this year to reflect increased costs. In addition, we have included the entry fees in the ticket price for non members this year, rather than charging an additional entry fee payable on arrival. The entry fee for non members is £9 for adults, £5 for children. We have also included a hot drink in some ticket prices this year.
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). Please note that this walk DOES NOT start from the Minsmere visitor centre. The meeting point is the Forestry Commission car park 42. This is located about 1/4 mile north of Westleton village on the Blythburgh Road (B1122) and is marked by a white rectangle with 42 written in red. The OS grid reference for this car park is TM449702. There are no toilets in this car park, but the Minsmere visitor centre toilets will be open before the event, and there are two pubs in Westleton village.
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. There are no refreshments available. The Minsmere closes at 4.30 pm, but there are pubs in Westleton, Dunwich and Blythburgh villages and Eastbridge. 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.
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. Alternatively, we will happily transfer your ticket to another event of the same title. 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 of the same type 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.