Blakeney National Nature Reserve

Saltmarshes, tidal creeks and coastal wildlife

Blakeney National Nature Reserve extends along the north Norfolk Coast within the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, bringing together extensive saltmarshes, tidal creeks, mudflats, shingle beaches and coastal dunes. Centred around Blakeney Point and the sheltered waters of Blakeney Harbour, the reserve forms one of the most distinctive coastal landscapes in north Norfolk.

Managed by the National Trust, the reserve supports an internationally important variety of coastal wildlife. Saltmarshes and tidal mudflats provide feeding grounds for waders and wildfowl, while the shingle and dunes of Blakeney Point support breeding seabirds, including terns. The Point is also home to a major grey seal colony, with pups born along the coastline during the winter months.

The Norfolk Coast Path follows the mainland through this part of the coast, connecting Stiffkey, Morston, Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea. Walkers can explore paths beside saltmarshes, tidal channels and grazing marshes, with wide views across Blakeney Harbour towards the shingle ridge and dunes of Blakeney Point.

Blakeney Point extends westwards from the coastline near Cley, forming a long shingle spit that shelters the harbour and surrounding saltmarshes. Access is possible on foot from Cley Beach, although the shingle can be difficult to walk on and seasonal restrictions protect breeding birds and seals. Boat trips departing from Morston Quay provide opportunities to view the seal colony without disturbing the animals. Visitors should check current National Trust guidance before planning a visit.

The reserve can also be explored through shorter mainland walks around Blakeney Freshes and the saltmarshes between Blakeney, Morston and Stiffkey. The landscape changes with the tides and seasons, with open skies, winding creeks and coastal wildlife creating a distinctly wild character along this stretch of the Norfolk coast.

For visitors exploring Blakeney National Nature Reserve, The Blakeney Hotel in Blakeney provides a nearby base overlooking the harbour and saltmarshes. The Norfolk Coast Path passes through the village, making the hotel well placed for walks towards Morston, Stiffkey and Cley-next-the-Sea, as well as exploring the wider coastal landscape.

Overview

Type: National Nature Reserve
County: Norfolk
Region: East of England
National Landscape: Norfolk Coast National Landscape
Landscape: Saltmarshes, tidal creeks, mudflats, shingle beaches and coastal dunes
Key Trail: Norfolk Coast Path
Best For: Coastal walking, wildlife, birdwatching, seals, saltmarshes and tidal landscapes