What's here? at Cliffe Pools
Available on site
The car park is open daily, 10am-4pm, except over the Christmas period when it is closed. 40 spaces Blue Badge bays. Secure parking. Some parking on the road - please do not block the access gates. No height restriction.
Pushchair Accessible
Six viewing points/mounds overlook fresh pools and saline lagoons including the Pinnacle Viewpoint, which gives excellent views over the reserve and wider Thames area.
Main viewpoint 300 m from the car park. At end of a steep incline to the top of a chalk pinnacle. Bench without back or armrests.
View over the Thames, 1 mile (1.5 km) from the car park with a bench (no back or arm rests).
Long and short waymarked nature trails take you around the pools and to the main viewpoints.
An easy trail takes you to the Pinnacle Viewpoint, which affords spectacular views of the reserve and across the River Thames into Essex.
Another trail takes you out to the River Thames itself. Trails are level, but unsurfaced. No steps or stiles. Gates to restrict motorcycle access immediately by car park, but these have been designed to allow access for foldable wheelchairs.
Choice of circular trails. All less than 0.75 mile (1 km) long. No benches apart from on the public rights of way.
Not available on site
Nearest public conveniences are in the villages of Cliffe and Cooling around two miles away.
Nearest public conveniences are in the villages of Cliffe and Cooling around two miles away.
Wheelchair Accessible
Nearest public conveniences are in the villages of Cliffe and Cooling around two miles away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
There is no visitor centre here and this reserve does not have any staff on site.
There is no cafe or shop here, the nearest place for food and drinks is Buckland Lake on Salt Lane 1 mile (1.6 km) away and the Horseshoe and Castle Pub in the village of Cooling, 3 miles (4 km) away.
We recommend you bring your own food and drinks if this is likely to affect your visit.
Restrictions
Dogs are permitted on Saxon Shoreway only.
We welcome responsible dog owners and note that you are sharing this nature reserve with very rare ground-nesting birds.
Dogs are permitted on all public footpaths but must be under close control and kept out of the pools at all times.
Sheep, cattle, and visiting families all appreciate the cooperation of dog walkers.
Please clear dog mess off the paths, preferably using the dog bins provided, or take it home for disposal.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.