Kay Cliffs Nature Reserve

Sandy, grassy cliffs sweep down to a beach on a grey day

Kay Cliffs (credit: George Baldock)

A grassy path leading up to Kay Cliffs on a grey day

Kay Cliffs (credit: George Baldock)

Brown and yellow scrubland at Kay Cliffs on a grey day

Scrub at Kay Cliffs (credit: George Baldock)

Sand martin

©Margaret Holland

Kay Cliffs Nature Reserve

Perched on the clifftop at East Runton, this small oasis of blackthorn scrub provides a haven for birds – and a great view for humans – throughout the year. Donated in memory of Peter Crichton Kay.

Location

1.9km (1.2 miles) West of Cromer on the Cromer Road (A149).
NR27 9NZ

OS Map Reference

TG 197 428
A static map of Kay Cliffs Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
1 hectare
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Entry fee

Free
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Parking information

Please either park in the layby at the start of the public path or use the public car parks in West Runton
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Walking trails

One footpath crosses the reserve. See map below for more details.

Reserve map

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Access

Paths on this site are access grade 1. Please visit our Accessibility page for more information.

Dogs

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When to visit

Opening times

Dawn till dusk, every day, all year round

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is in winter, sea watching with a telescope can bring views of great and Arctic skuas, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars, and auks.

About the reserve

Up on the cliffs overlooking East Runton beach, this small piece of ‘rough’ ground provides shelter and a welcome resting place for tired birds during autumn migration. 

Kay Cliffs is a great vantage point for visitors to watch passing sea birds in winter and take in the sweeping sea views all year round.  

Donated in memory of Peter Crichton Kay in 2016. 

Contact us

Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01603 625540
Illustrated map of Kay Cliffs

Seasonal highlights

Winter

Birds: sea watching with a telescope can bring views of great and Arctic skuas, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars, and auks.