Things to do at Blakeney National Nature Reserve

Common seals, on a sand and shingle spit at Blakeney Point, Norfolk, amongst a breeding colony of sandwich terns — Common seals and sandwich terns on a sand and shingle spit at Blakeney Point, Norfolk in winter | © National Trust Images/Ian Ward

Blakeney National Nature Reserve is home to England's largest grey seal colony at Blakeney Point, as well as important wetland habitats and wildlife at Stiffkey Marshes and Blakeney Freshes.

Seal watching at Blakeney Point

Blakeney Point is home to England's largest grey seal colony with around 9,000 pups born between the end of October and mid-January each year.

The best way to get up close and personal with the wildlife on Blakeney Point is by boat, with one of the seal boat tour operators that are based at Morston Quay. Click here for more information about the seal boat trips.

Preventing disturbance to the colony

To prevent disturbance during pupping season, it is not possible to reach the seal colony on foot. Restrictions are in place from late October to early January. Our staff and volunteers, and signs on the beach, will clearly indicate how far along Blakeney Point you can walk.

Grey seal pupping season at Blakeney Point

Duncan Halpin, Norfolk Coast Ranger, explains how Blakeney Point has become home to the UK's largest grey seal colony and what to expect during the pupping season, from end-October to mid-January.

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A view across the lush green scenery of Blakeney Freshes at Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk — A view across Blakeney Freshes | © National Trust Images/Ian Ward

Explore Friary Hills

To the east of Blakeney village is a small area called Friary Hills. Part of an old friary, the site is a mixture of grassland, trees and gorse and overlooks the Blakeney Freshes. It's family friendly and perfect for a picnic.

Birdwatching at Friary Hills

Friary Hills is known locally as being a great spot for birdwatching. This part of the coast is the first place that migrating birds flying in from the continent are able to stop and rest.

Hilltop views

Head to the top of the Friary Hills, where you'll find a couple of well placed benches. Pause to take in the panoramic views over Blakeney Freshes and beyond to Blakeney Point and harbour.

Discover Blakeney Freshes

Comprising approximately 160 hectares of freshwater grazing marsh, Blakeney Freshes is an important area for breeding birds and overwintering wildfowl. For this reason, it's a popular place for birdwatchers.

Some areas are closed for grazing but the National Trail Norfolk Coast Path goes around the perimeter and offers spectacular elevated views.

Wildlife watching at Blakeney Freshes

During the warmer months, Blakeney Freshes is an important area for ground-nesting birds. Species such as lapwing and avocet raise chicks in the surrounding fields.

It's also home to water voles and otters, so be sure to keep an ear out for the tell-tale 'plop' as they drop into the water in the ditches that criss-cross this site.

As the weather turns colder this expansive area becomes the feeding and roosting spot for the thousands of pink-footed and brent geese that migrate to this part of Norfolk.

Walking trails

Whether you're looking for a short meander or a longer stroll, Blakeney Freshes is perfect for a scenic walk. Take a short circular walk to Friary Hills, taking in three different habitats along the way. Or why not take a coastal walk through Blakeney village and around Blakeney Freshes? The 3-mile wheelchair-accessible route is fantastic for spotting wildlife.

Stiffkey Marshes

Stiffkey Marshes is home to one of the country's richest saltmarshes for wildlife. Flooded daily by the tide it is an important conservation area for breeding birds.

Large flocks of over-wintering geese and waders can be seen during the colder months. Brent and Pink-Footed Geese can both be seen on the saltmarshes, and the skeins of Pink-Footed Geese filling the skies whilst flying in to roost at dusk are an iconic north Norfolk winter sight and sound.

During the warmer months the saltmarsh is a kaleidoscope of colours, with the flowering pink thrift in May and June and the beautiful purple carpet of flowering Sea Lavender in July and August turning into autumnal colours as the weather cools.

The Norfolk Coast Path skirts the saltmarsh towards Blakeney to the east and to Wells-Next-The-Sea to the west, offering amazing walks with breathtaking views and sightings of birds.