Carlton Marshes lies in the Waveney Valley at the southern tip of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and comprises over 100 acres of grazing marsh, fens and peat pools. It is the Broads in miniature, flower studded marshes drained by a system of dykes and grazed by cattle in summer, create a parachute for wintering wading birds of prey including the hobby. Water vole may be seen in and around the dykes with special plants including the rare and protected water solider.

Toilet facilities and car parking are available when the visitor centre is open.