Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre

Hauxley Wildlife Discovery centre is one of the best wildlife watching spots in the North East. It's a great place for birds and butterflies and probably the easiest place in Northumberland to see red squirrels and tree sparrows. Wildlife changes with the seasons so there’s something to see all year round. Right next to the beach, it offers fantastic views across the length of Druridge Bay and is internationally renowned for its birds.

The eco-friendly Visitor Centre, constructed by an army of dedicated volunteers has been a labour of love. It’s a straw-bale building and has a number of other highly innovative ‘green’ features that make it an appropriate home for a Wildlife Trust team. 

Visitors can enjoy the walks and nature trails around the reserve, the tranquillity of the hides, and of course a tasty something from The Lookout Café. The café offers a range of hot and cold refreshments including freshly brewed coffee, a selection of scones baked freshly each day, locally sourced cakes and biscuits as well as sandwiches, toasties and soup. Look out for the daily menu specials!

There is also a range of shop items on offer, from Trust branded merchandise, wildlife books, binoculars, local produced goodies, pocket money momentos and turned wooden bowls and ornaments created from wood sourced from the NWT reserves.

More events

There is an interactive wildlife-rubbing disc trail available for children through the woodland adjacent to the Centre. Trail materials are available from the Café for a small charge. We also have a natural play area, great for under 10s. 

Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre runs a packed programme of activities and events throughout the year including bird walks, bat evenings, optical equipment sale weekends and much more. Visit our events page for specific information on events running at Hauxley.

Please visit our reserves page for more information on Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, the reserve and the wildlife on site.

Download a copy of the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre information leaflet and map.

Spring opening hours:

• Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and reserve is open daily from 09:00 to 17:30. Please note we will lock the car park 17:30.
• The Lookout Café is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:30, hot food stops at 15:30 (takeaway cups from 16:00).

Near Low Hauxley village, at the northern end of Druridge Bay
Low Hauxley
Northumberland
NE65 0JR

For all enquiries please contact our main reception team on 0191 284 6884 or via email to mail@northwt.org.uk.

Please do not follow a sat nav into Low Hauxley – we share an access road with Silver Carrs Caraven Park.

We are sorry but no dogs other than assistance dogs are permitted at the Wildlife Discovery centre or on Hauxley nature reserve. If you wish to walk your dog, please use the path to the beach.

There is no entry charge to visit the centre.

Please contact the site if you are planning a group or school visit so that we can confirm staff and parking availability for a larger vehicle such as a mini bus or coach. 

Access

There is an accessible car park, most paths are level and wide, and entrances are ramped or level with extra width especially created to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the Wildlife Discovery Centre. There is an accessible toilet on site. Please contact the site directly for any specific access requirements.

View the Accessibility Guide for Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre & Nature Reserve

Car parking

NWT does not receive any direct government funding and the car parking charges will help us maintain our, road, car park and other facilities at Hauxley, as well as support our crucial conservation work on Druridge Bay.

• Cars £2
• Mini bus £5
• Coach £10

For more information or to purchase an Annual Parking Permit click here.