What's here? at Conwy
AccessAble detailed guide
We have worked with AccessAble so that you're able to find out about our facilities before you visit.
See the guide here
Available on site
Open from 9am - 5pm.
8 Blue Badge spaces. Tarmac surface on blue badge parking bays. Gravel surface in other parking areas.
Drop off point outside the shop entrance. Bicycle parking available, and locks available to borrow from our visitor centre if needed.
We have two accessible toilets. These are open daily, 9am - 5pm, and are situated by our café.
Baby changing facilities are available in four of our toilets, including one of our accessible toilets.
The majority of our visitor trails are pushchair-friendly. If you make it as far as the grey heron trail, stick to the outer path and avoid the ganol trail as this route is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Bad weather can cause large puddles in some areas. Our welcome team will point out any routes to avoid on your arrival.
We have two manual wheelchairs, and two mobility scooters available to hire. For the latter, please call the reserve in advance (01492 584091) to book to avoid any dissapointment.
Visitor centre: Entry by three steps or a ramp with a handrail on one side. Heavy manual doors open outward. All one level with step-free entry and non-slip vinyl surface. Lowered counter. Hearing induction loop. Good lighting. Clear print materials. Most text in English and Welsh. Some goods may be difficult to reach. Staff available to assist.
Car parking: 8 Blue Badge spaces Tarmac surface on blue badge parking bays. Gravel surface in other parking areas.
Nature trails access: Trails are mainly flat; a mixture of surfaces including rolled slate and boardwalk. Gates used to access grazed areas. Benches provided. Information boards in large print.
Viewing points: Viewing screens with variable height viewing slots. Occasional weekend staffing at hides.
Café: Situated 50m past the visitor centre along a tarmac path. Panoramic windows on a single level with vinyl flooring. Self-service with staff available. Colour-contrasted crockery. Large-handled cutlery.
Toilets: We have two accessible toilets. These are open daily, 9am - 5pm, and are situated by our café.
Picnic area: 10 tables with wheelchair spaces between the visitor centre and the coffee shop.
Play area: The landscaped area we call Y Maes is designed for natural play (by children and adults!). There is a variety of ground surfaces, providing a tactile experience. These are all accessible to wheelchairs except the sandpit, which also hosts wooden climbing equipment. The tunnel, path to the top of the viewing mound, events space and grass are accessible to wheelchairs, though the grass can be soft and muddy following prolonged rain.
Educational facilities: Step-free, level access throughout. Flexible layout. Non-slip vinyl flooring. Good lighting. Before you visit:
Check accessibility for events and activities. RSPB Conwy is featured in A Rough Guide to Accessible Britain.
Our toilets are open daily, 9am - 5pm. Situated by our café.
Vegetarian options. Vegan options. Gluten-free and dairy-free options. Children welcome. Highchairs available for use.
Our soup is wheat-free (and usually gluten-free), and we aim to have at least one gluten-free cake on offer. Please speak to a member of staff for specific information about allergens.
We serve our own exclusive bird-friendly coffee that is grown, imported and roasted for The RSPB.
Most of our food is sourced from local suppliers. For example, our cakes are hand-made at ‘Food for Thought’ in Llandudno.
Our shop is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team can help with everything from choosing your first pair of binoculars to finding the right bird book, bird food or feeders for your garden.
We stock a wide range of binoculars and spotting scopes, from beginner models to premium optics, along with tripods and accessories. Our team can help you compare different options and find equipment that suits how and where you like to watch wildlife.
Alongside optics, the shop also offers a large range of bird food, feeders, nest boxes, books, outdoor clothing and gifts for nature lovers.
Thinking about buying binoculars or a spotting scope but not sure where to start? You can book a one-hour appointment with one of our optics specialists.
Our field demonstrations take place around the reserve, so you can try equipment in real conditions and compare different models before making a decision.
To arrange an appointment, call the shop on 01492 584091.
18 tables with wheelchair spaces between the visitor centre and the coffee shop. Visitors are welcome to consume their own food and drink here.
Please help keep the reserve safe and tidy for both people and wildlife by taking your litter home with you as there are no public litter bins on site.
Avocet Binoculars can be hired for £7 per day.
Harrier Binoculars can be hired for £10 per day.
Planning a group visit? Why not book a 2-hour guided walk and explore the nature reserve with one of our knowledgable guides? We charge £60 for a group of up to 10 people, or £80 for a group of up to 20 people. Normal entrance fees apply for non-members. Please call us to arrange a guided walk with plenty of notice for your proposed date to avoid any dissapointment.
We welcome self-led group visits, but do ask that you tell us that you're coming if the group size is 12 people or more (Tel: 01492 584091 or email conwy@rspb.org.uk), particularly if you plan to travel by coach. There is no additional group charge for this, but RSPB members are reminded to bring a valid membership card to obtain free entry. All other visitors will be charged the standard reserve entrance fee.
Four hides, with adjacent viewing screens. Five additional viewing screens. Viewing screens have variable height viewing slots.
Our volunteer Wildlife Guides are sometimes on hand in the hides to help you spot lots of wildlife!
Find our downloadable trail maps below, to help you plan your visit.
Blue tit trail - Just a short walk (one third of a mile) and accessible to all, this trail leads you along the boardwalk, through the reedbed and back through our wildlife garden. Watch out for wetland wildlife and spot the reserve's regulars on the bird feeders.
Redshank trail - This trail incorporates the blue tit trail and is almost one mile long. It takes you over the Bridge Pond, to two hides and back through our wildlife garden. Enjoy wetland birds and stunning views from the hides. Accessible to all, but may be muddy or uneven in places.
Grey heron trail - This two mile trail is great for seeing wildlife on the estuary saltmarsh. A choice of paths means you can visit the Vardre viewpoint to see wading birds roost at high tide. Accessible to all, may be muddy or uneven in places, with areas that may be more challenging for some wheelchair users.
Trails are mainly flat; a mixture of surfaces including rolled slate and boardwalk. Gates used to access grazed areas. Benches provided. Information boards in large print.
The landscaped area we call Y Maes is designed for natural play (by children and adults!).
There is a variety of ground surfaces, providing a tactile experience. These are all accessible to wheelchairs except the sandpit, which also hosts wooden climbing equipment.
The tunnel, path to the top of the viewing mound, events space and grass are accessible to wheelchairs, though the grass can be soft and muddy following prolonged rain.
Not available on site
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.
Restrictions
Sorry we don't allow dogs on the nature reserve, except assistance dogs.
This is due to the disturbance caused to breeding and roosting birds, otters and other sensitive wildlife.
Dogs are allowed on a lead in the shop, but not any further on to the reserve, including the café and playspace.
However, there is a popular dog walk along the estuary, running north from the car park. There is no charge for parking, but please be aware that the car park is locked at 5pm daily.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.