RSPB Snettisham

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Wildlife observation hides give panoramic views across the saline lagoons, salt marsh and the vast expanse of mudflats that make up The Wash. On the biggest high tides from late summer onwards, tens of thousands of wading birds take flight as the incoming tide pushes them off the vast mudflats.

RSPB Snettisham

From late summer to early winter tens of thousands of wading birds gather on the mudflats where they roost overnight. During an incoming tide, these birds are pushed closer to the beach and on a high spring tide vast flocks of knot, dunlin and oystercatchers take to the air in masse as the high tides cover the mudflats. The commotion of thousands of wingbeats, excited calls and swirling flocks creates an exhilarating nature spectacle.

During winter months up to 40,000 pink-footed geese make their way from Iceland and Greenland to gather on the Wash. At first light they take flight in close V-shaped formations of trailing skeins across the pale sky of a Norfolk dawn. The high-pitched 'wink-wink' sound of geese calling to each other resonates across the seascape then slowly diffuses as they head inland to find food for the day.

Site Information
Opening Times:
All times
Website:
Address:
RSPB Snettisham, Beach Rd, Snettisham, King's Lynn, PE31 7RA, Norfolk
Visitor Information
Parking
Yes
Features
Wildlife
Nearby Attractions
Attraction 1:
Church of St Mary, Snettisham
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2.55 Miles Away
Pevsner called St Mary’s church “the most exciting C14th Decorated church in Norfolk.” St Mary's church with its 175 foot tall tower and spire, sits on high ground above the village, and was often a landmark for mariners navigating The Wash. Someone called it " God's rocket to heaven". The original steeple was erected by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the son of Edward III.
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Attraction 2:
Dersingham Bog
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2.9 Miles Away
Dersingham Bog is part of the Sandringham Royal Estate and includes the largest, most intact example of an acid valley mire in East Anglia. It is also one of the last remaining fragments of lowland heathland in south east England.
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Attraction 3:
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Heacham
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3.64 Miles Away
St Mary's is a 13th century church with many interesting architectural features. We have a particular association with Pocahontas through her marriage to local squire John Rolfe.
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Attraction 4:
Sandringham House, Museum and Gardens
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3.83 Miles Away
Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house, set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate, 240 hectares of which make up the woodland and heath of the Country Park.
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Attraction 5:
Church of St Peter and St Paul, Shernborne
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3.87 Miles Away
The present church was built in 1898 at the expense of King Edward VII. A late 19C structure incorporating 13C elements. The site itself dates back to the second church founded by St Felix in the 7C. The church had stood as a ruin until 16C. HRH Prince of Wales financed the rebuild as part of the Sandringham Estate.
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