RSPB Arne
Incredible nature reserve, with a wealth of wildlife and beautiful landscapes to explore!
RSPB Arne — Dorset, England
Why Visit RSPB Arne, on Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.
If you’re looking for a stunning natural environment to explore and opportunities to observe amazing wildlife, then RSPB Arne on the Isle of Purbeck is an excellent choice. This beautiful nature reserve has something for everyone who appreciates wildlife and nature, from beginner birdwatchers to experienced wildlife photographers.
First and foremost, RSPB Arne is a wildlife haven, providing a safe and protected environment for many rare and endangered species. The reserve is home to a vast range of habitats, including heathland, woodland, and wetland areas. This diversity of habitats allows for a wide range of wildlife to thrive. Visitors to RSPB Arne have the opportunity to see some of the UK’s most iconic and unique wildlife, such as the Dartford warbler, the sand lizard, and the nocturnal nightjar. The reserve is the only place where all six of the UK’s native reptiles can be found and also home to many species of butterflies, moths, and dragonflies, making it a haven for invertebrate enthusiasts.
RSPB Arne offers a range of activities and events for visitors of all ages. Guided walks and talks provide an opportunity to learn more about the reserves wildlife, while children of all ages can explore the popular low ropes course. The reserve also offers regular events, such as bird watching walks and photography workshops, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of the natural world and connect with like-minded individuals — see list of upcoming events here.
In addition to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife, RSPB Arne is also easily accessible. The reserve is only a short drive or bus ride from many nearby towns, including Wareham and Corfe Castle, and further afield Poole and Bournemouth.
By visiting RSPB Arne you are also supporting a worthy cause. The RSPB is the UK’s largest conservation charity, and all funds raised from entry fees and donations go towards the conservation and protection of wildlife and habitats across the UK. A visit to RSPB Arne is an opportunity to contribute to this important work while enjoying a fantastic day out.
RSPB Arne is a unique and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, wide range of wildlife, and exciting events and activities, a visit to RSPB Arne is an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and support conservation efforts.
Where is RSPB Arne?
RSPB Arne is located on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, England. It is situated near the town of Wareham and can be easily accessed by car, seasonal bus, or easy cycle ride from Corfe Castle.
You can use the following address in your sat nav or favourite mobile phone map app, or use the What Three Words link.
RSPB Arne, Arne Rd, Wareham BH20 5BJ
Prices 2023
Free entrance to RSPB members: Yes
Adults: £5
Children: £2.50 (5-17 years) | Free entrance for first child | Free entrance for under 5s
Free entrance for carers: Yes
Car park cost
The above entry fees apply during our facilities open hours (see the Opening Times section below for details).
Out of hours entry to the nature reserve — Entry fees do not apply out of hours, but parking charges do as follows:
RSPB members: FREE (please display your membership card face down in your windscreen)
Non-members: £5 per vehicle
Blue badge holders: FREE (please display your badge in your windscreen)
Arrival by bike: FREE
Dogs at RSPB Arne
Dogs are welcome at Arne but must be kept on a short lead of less than two metres so as not to disturb wildlife and their delicate habitats.
Contact Information
Opening Times 2023
Nature reserve: open daily, 8.30am-dusk. Closed outside of these hours. You can check sunrise/sunset times here.
Car park: open daily, 8.30am-dusk. Closed outside of these hours.
Welcome Area: open daily.
9.30am-4pm, 1 November-31 March.
9.30am-4.30pm, 1 April-31 October.
Shop: open daily.
9.30am-4pm, 1 November-31 March.
9.30am-4.30pm, 1 April-31 October.
Café: open daily.
9.30am-4pm, 1 November-31 March.
9.30am-4.30pm, 1 April-31 October.
Toilets: open daily.
9.30am-4pm, 1 November-31 March.
9.30am-4.30pm, 1 April-31 October.
Festive opening times
Friday 23 December: nature reserve open, dawn-dusk. Visitor centre, shop, toilets open 9.30am – 2pm. Café closed
Christmas closure: The reserve will remain open, but all the facilities (Welcome Area, Shop, Café & Toilets) will be closed from 2pm on Friday 23 until Tues 27 Dec. The facilities will be open as normal from Tues 27 onwards – 9.30am – 4pm.
New Year’s Eve: nature reserve, visitor centre, shop, café and toilets open, 10am-4pm.
New Year’s Day: nature reserve, visitor centre, shop, café and toilets open, 10am-4pm.
All other days in the festive period are open our usual winter opening hours as above.
To book a tramper please follow this link, then select a date and time slot. The Arne and Tramper email inboxes are not managed from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.
Dates and Times updated 14th February 2023
