Explore 800 hectares of Welsh woodland, wetlands and estuary habitat teeming with birds, otters, lizards and seasonal wildlife across multiple scenic trails.

RSPB Ynys-hir is an iconic 800-hectare nature reserve nestled in mid-Wales, offering families an immersive outdoor experience across diverse habitats including Welsh oak woodland, saltmarsh estuary, lowland wet grasslands, reedbeds and peat bog. The reserve's stunning location between the mountains of southern Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Cambrian mountains creates a landscape rich with natural beauty and wildlife. Visitors can explore three different walking trails and discover a remarkable variety of wildlife throughout the year. Springtime brings Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and warblers, while summer offers chances to spot Redstarts, Common Lizards, Slow Worms and Grass Snakes. The reserve is particularly significant for protecting England and Wales's only wintering population of Greenland White-fronted Geese and provides breeding grounds for Lapwing and Redshank. Other residents include otters, Small Red Damselflies and Brimstone butterflies. Families with children aged 4+ will enjoy the picnic area with stunning views across pools and reedbeds, and can enhance their wildlife watching with binoculars and interactive pond dipping and grass sweeping kits available to hire. The reserve is pushchair friendly with accessible facilities including parking, toilets and ramps to the visitor centre, making it suitable for families with young children and those with mobility needs. Ynys-hir serves as an excellent day-out destination or stop along the Wales Coastal Way.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly