The annual red deer rut is one of the most spectacular natural encounters you can experience in the UK. Get close to the action as our knowledgeable guides take you for a drive onto the rutting fields in our 4x4 vehicles. These safaris provide excellent photographic opportunities, so don't forget to bring your camera.
The ticket price is for up to four people per vehicle, and includes entry fees plus a hot drink in the cafe before or after the safari for all attendees (note that for afternoon safaris the cafe will be closed when the event finishes so we recommend arriving early to use your voucher before the tour.)
Tickets go on sale on 1 July 2024
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
Safaris not suitable for children who need a car seat, or for pregnant women.
What time does the Safari finish?
Each tour will last a minimum of 90 minutes but may be extended to two hours to improve deer watching opportunities.
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 the ticket prices this year. Safari tickets include four entry fees as up to four people can attend.
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 at 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, or to invite a friend to share the cost.
There are more than four of us, can we still book
Unfortunately not as there are only four spaces in the vehicle. We usually run two tours per day, so you might like to book both tours, though they will not run concurrently. Alternatively, please email minsmere@rspb.org.uk and ask whether it is possible for us to run two vehicles simultaneously. This might sometimes be possible, subject to vehicle and guide availability.
I don’t want to stay for a hot drink in your café. Can I pay less for the walk?
Unfortunately not. However, we will be able to provide you with a voucher for your hot drink which can be redeemed up to one week after the date of the walk/safari
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, subject to availability.
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.