Bird PlacesBishop's Hide
step-freeseats 20
West over Pat's Pool scrape
Often seen: Avocet, Marsh Harrier, Spoonbill
Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve · Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Cley Marshes birdwatching guide
Founded in 1926, Cley Marshes is the oldest Wildlife Trust reserve in the country and remains a place of pilgrimage for British birders. Reedbeds, scrapes and shingle beach attract spectacular numbers of waders, and its five hides are linked by wheelchair-friendly boardwalks.
Key facts
- Habitat
- wetland
- Size
- 176 ha
- Entry fee (adult)
- £5.50
- Entry fee (child)
- Free
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- 5
- Wheelchair access
- Yes
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- 600m via boardwalk
- Toilets
- Yes
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- spring, autumn
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) | common | — |
| spring | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | frequent | Booming males in the reedbed from March |
| spring | Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) | common | — |
| summer | Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) | common | — |
| summer | Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) | frequent | — |
| autumn | Bearded Tit (Panurus biarmicus) | frequent | — |
| winter | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | occasional | — |
Hides at Cley Marshes
Bishop's Hide
Getting there
Coast Road, Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR25 7SA
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Reserve open dawn to dusk; visitor centre 10am–5pm
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay to visit Cley Marshes?
Adults pay a small entry fee that funds the Norfolk Wildlife Trust; children and NWT members go free.
How many hides are at Cley Marshes?
Five hides overlook the scrapes and reedbed, most reached by level boardwalk from the visitor centre.
Nearby reserves (all organisations)
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Information last updated 25 July 2026.