Slapton Ley is a great day out for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The beach and nature reserve are open daily and there are no entrance fees. Parking is available at 3 car parks.

Visit the beach (during the school summer holidays), follow a trail or watch birds from one of our hides. Download a walking trail to find your way around Slapton Ley.

To find out about School trips contact Slapton Ley Field Centre directly. The Field Centre also provides residential courses for individuals and families.
Guides walks and events take place throughout the year.  Find out more on our What’s On page.

How to find us

Slapton Ley Field Centre
Slapton
Kingsbridge
Devon
TQ7 2QP

We are located near excellent transport routes.

13 miles (20km) from Totnes station
20 miles (30km) from A38

As part of our environmental commitment, we encourage all visitors to travel by coach, train or public transport. Field Studies Council has developed links with First Travel Solutions to help reduce the cost of transport to our Centres. If you would like to receive a quote from First (Education & School Travel), click here or ask our administration team for more information.

How To Reach Us By Train

Totnes Station is on the South West Main Line.

Under 3 hours direct to London Paddington.
Under 3 hours direct to Birmingham New Street.

How To Reach Us By Bus, Bike Or On Foot

The 3 Bus Services from Plymouh to Slapton via Kingsbridge and from Dartmouth to Slapton is operated by Stagecoach. The bus stops on  the Slapton Line and at the village bus stop, outside the Centre. For the more energetic, the Nature Reserve is on the route of a national trail, the South West Coastal Path and near Route 28 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.

Facilities

Field Centre

The Field Centre provides a range of residential courses for schools, universities, groups and individuals. The Field Centre is located on the coastal side of Slapton village. The reception stocks a good range of Field Studies Council fold out guides.

Start Bay Centre

Start Bay Centre provides an ideal base for primary schools, families and groups to explore Slapton Ley and the surrounding area.

Slapton Bridge and Fishing Hut

Slapton Bridge is a great place to watch birds, fish and if you’re very lucky, an otter! The Fishing Hut provides updated information on wildlife observations and it is the starting point for various walks and trails.

Torcross Bird Hide

Torcross Bird Hide accessed from the car park at Torcross overlooks the water and provides access for all to watch birds on Slapton Ley.

Duck Feeding Area

This is an opportunity for younger children to get closer to wildfowl in Torcross. Duck food can be purchased from the Billy Can Café, across the road. This is better for them than white bread!

Parking

Pay and display parking is available at Torcross, Memorial and Strete Gate Carparks. Public toilets are located at Torcross and Strete Gate.

Shopping and Eating

Many good pubs, cafes and shops are located at Slapton and Torcross. Enjoy a reward after your walk.

Staying at Slapton Ley

If you want to observe Slapton Ley at night or in the very early morning, why not stay overnight? Find out more about our accomadation by contacting the centre

Fishing

To protect the wildlife, fishing is no longer permitted on Slapton Ley, but sea fishing is permitted from the beach.

Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve Home Page