NATURE RESERVES

Point of Ayre
Visitor information

NATURE RESERVES

Point of Ayre
Visitor information

Visiting the Reserve

Visiting the reserve involves a relaxed, gentle stroll of about two to three hours’ duration. The terrain is reasonably flat with just a couple of short inclines. Paths are uneven with a few minor trip hazards of which to be aware. There are no fences or styles to climb over.

Opening times

The Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre National Reserve is open to the public from Wednesday to  Sunday each week.

Any changes to these opening hours will be publicised through our social media pages.

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the reserve.

We strongly advise against leaving dogs in parked cars. There is no shade or shelter from the sunshine, which even in winter can significantly heat the inside of vehicles.

Arrange a visit

We also welcome pre-arranged group visits for organisations, clubs, and societies. These visits are led by a Manx BirdLife staff member and can be tailored to your group’s interests. To arrange a visit, please contact

pointofayre@manxbirdlife.im
Tel: +44 (0)1624 861130

Public access & visiting

From September 2025, the Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre National Reserve will be open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday from 9am until sunset.  Any changes to opening times will be notified via the website and Manx BirdLife Social Media channels.

We will also be running a series of events on the reserve, for more information please check our Events Calendar on this website.

Finding the reserve

In Bride, at the roundabout by Bride Tea Rooms and the church, leave the A10 eastwards towards Cranstal/Point of Ayre on the A16.

Almost immediately after this, take the first exit at the mini-roundabout, staying on the main A16 northeastwards to Cranstal/Point of Ayre.

Continue for 4.1km – through the sharp left 90-degree bend at Cranstal, past the Island Aggregates Quarry sign and onwards almost to the road’s end. (If you reach the concrete track to the lighthouse, retrace your route 30m south back along the main road.)

On the left, along the track, you will see the Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre National Reserve Welcome Sign.

Reserve Entrance:

OS Grid Ref  NX 46143 04410

What3words:

The simplest way to find a location. Click the link below.

Arrange a private group visit

We can also facilitate pre-arranged visits for your organisation, club or society.

To discuss the possibility of a visit, please call 01624 861130 or email pointofayre@manxbirdlife.imm.

Reserve Facilities

There are no toilets at the Point of Ayre. The nearest public facilities are located in the public car park in Bride adjacent to Bride Tea Rooms and the Church.

There are no refreshment facilities on the reserve. The Point of Ayre has a limited seasonal take-away tea/coffee service.

There are four viewing screens and one birdwatching hide on site.

Viewing screens

Located approximately 250 metres from the car park, this is the first viewing screen you’ll encounter after the welcome area. It overlooks the northern end of the main freshwater lagoon. Visitors can expect to see waterfowl such as tufted ducks and mallards, as well as gulls and cormorants basking on a narrow spit of land.

Roughly 400 metres along the main track, the Winged Screen provides a view of a small island that supports breeding oystercatchers and common gulls during the summer months.

Approximately 1 kilometre from the car park, this screen offers a southern view across the smaller quarry lake. It is a good location for spotting ducks and gulls resting along the water’s edge or on the islands. Part of the active quarry site is also visible from this viewpoint.

At around 1.2 kilometres from the car park, Hemmings View is the furthest point accessible to visitors. It offers a sweeping view back across the main lagoon, providing a striking overview of the reserve. In autumn, the seasonal islands directly in front often attract passage waders such as black-tailed godwits. You may also see little grebes in the deeper waters to the left.

Viewpoint

Scrub Trail Viewpoint

Follow the Scrub Trail for about 400 metres to reach the highest point on the reserve. This elevated position offers panoramic 360-degree views of both the reserve and the surrounding countryside. In spring, the surrounding scrubland comes alive with the songs of sedge warblers, willow warblers, and whitethroats, creating an immersive nature experience.

Birdwatching Hide

Collister Hide

Situated approximately 450 metres from the car park, the Collister Hide provides excellent views of nesting cormorants and gulls along the western embankment of the lagoon. Directly in front of the hide, raised nest boxes attract breeding common gulls. The hide is equipped with vibrant interpretive displays and a sightings board that is regularly updated, making it a great spot for both casual visitors and seasoned birders to spend an afternoon.

Please support our vital work

However you wish to help wild birds and the places in which they live – whether by sending us your bird records, donating, volunteering or supporting our education activities – we look forward to working with your support to make a difference.

Please support our vital work

However you wish to help wild birds and the places in which they live – whether by sending us your bird records, donating, volunteering or supporting our education activities – we look forward to working with your support to make a difference.

Turnstones on a rock