Natural England - The Wash: how to get there

The Wash: how to get there

The Wash National Nature Reserve is in Lincolnshire and Norfolk.

The reserve spreads across the southern reaches of the Wash and can be accessed along minor roads from the A17, between King’s Lynn and Sutton Bridge.

We encourage the use of sustainable transport whenever possible.

By cycle

There is good cycle access, with cycle stands at both Kirton and Point Green. King’s Lynn is on the junction of National Route 1external link and National Route 11external link of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.

By train

The nearest station is Kings Lynnexternal link.

By bus

Bus services along the A17 between King’s Lynn and Sutton Bridge are provided by Norfolk Green and Cavalier Travel. However, the stops are a long way from the reserve.

By car

The main car parks are at:

  • Kirton Marsh – accessed from small roads from Kirton.
  • Point Green – accessed through the King’s Lynn Dock.
  • A council-run car park at East Lighthouse (also called Guys Head)

On foot

A number of footpaths and trails allow access to the reserve from local towns and villages.

The Peter Scott Walkexternal link runs along the coastline within the reserve between the mouth of the River Ouse to the River Nene, where it connects with another major trail, the Nene Wayexternal link. The walk offers easy access but is not suitable for wheelchairs.

The circular walk up to Point Green begins at a small car park at the end of a rough track leading from the port in King’s Lynn. From here there is an easy access track that leads to a boardwalk that takes you out on to a stunning area of saltmarsh. There are some interpretation panels there, too. The path then leads to the point where the River Babingley joins the Great Ouse – an excellent place for bird watching.

Kirton Marsh, near Boston, is one of the oldest and most extensive stretches of saltmarsh on the Wash and adjoins the RSPB Frampton reserveexternal link. It became part of the NNR in 2005 . There is a large car park with interpretation boards and disabled access to a screen hide overlooking a pool on the grassland.

Local amenities and neighbouring attractions

The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in Sutton Bridge, on the River Nene, and King’s Lynn, on the Great Ouse. There is a picnic area at the Guy’s Point car park.

The Green Quay in Kings Lynn is a visitor centre dedicated to the Wash and wider Fens. As well as regular events and exhibitions, there is also a popular café and toilet facilities.

More information about the Wash and upcoming events and activities can be found at the Green Quay centre: www.thegreenquay.co.ukexternal link