Situated on the banks of the Conwy estuary, with magnificent views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle, this reserve is delightful at any time of year.
Conwy's a great place to get close to wildlife, to spend time with family and friends, or just take time out in fantastic scenery that embraces 4,000 years of human history. There’s a network of pushchair-friendly trails with viewpoints and hides to make the most of your visit and plenty of information to explain what you're watching. Perhaps you’ll meet one of our friendly volunteer wildlife guides who can help you discover just a little bit more?
In our Visitor Centre, our warm welcome will ensure you have exactly what you need for your visit. We have activities that involve the whole family, such as Wildlife Bingo, encouraging you to look out for nature as you walk the trails. Immediately behind the Visitor Centre, an area we call Y Maes, has lots of opportunities for wildlife discovery and natural play – and it's not just for kids; we see plenty of older people trying the hula-hoops!
We have events to suit families and adults, whether your interest is wildlife, history, art or any number of other subjects.
We love our food at Conwy so why not visit our monthly Farmers' Market or call in at the Waterside Coffee Shop, overlooking the lagoon, and enjoy a drink, a snack or light lunch using delicious local produce. We have a well-stocked shop, too, with good advice on everything from feeding birds to new binoculars.
We welcome group visits, but please book these with us in advance so that we can give you the best possible service. Entry rates are listed below, but we can also organise guided walks for a flat-fee of £30 for a group of up to 15 people, £50 for a group of 15 to 30 people. Please ring the reserve at least six weeks before your proposed visit to arrange a group visit.
Opening times
The shop and visitor centre is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9.30 am-5 pm. The coffee shop is open from 10 am-4 pm.
On Christmas Eve the Coffee Shop will close at 2pm and Visitor Centre/car park at 3pm. We are closed on Christmas Day. Otherwise, open usual times, with Coffee Shop open until 4.30pm from 26 December to 2 January.
Entrance charges
Members free. Non-members: £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. A family ticket is £12.50.
Accessibility
Before you visit
How to get here
Car parking
Visitor centre and shop
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. Two seats in reception. Good lighting. Clear print materials. Most text in English and Welsh. Binoculars hire. Some goods may be difficult to reach. Staff available to assist.
Nature trails
Three signposted trails, mainly flat; a mixture of surfaces including rolled slate and boardwalk. Benches provided. Information boards in large print.
Viewing facilities
Four viewing hides with adjacent viewing screens. Four stand-alone viewing screens with variable height viewing slots. Occasional weekend staffing at hides.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
A unisex accessible toilet with baby changing facility is in the coffee shop. Visitor toilets are behind the coffee shop.
Catering
Coffee shop 50 m 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.
Picnic area
10 tables with wheelchair spaces between the visitor centre and the coffee shop. Visitors are welcome to consume their own food and drink here.
Education facilities
Step-free, level access throughout. Flexible layout. Non-slip vinyl flooring. Good lighting.
Playspace
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.
