WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

About

At WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre you can have a taste of the wild, without having to get your feet muddy - unless you want to!

There’s something for everyone with amazing close-up wildlife encounters, fun events and activities - it’s no wonder they’re a multi award-winning day out. Slimbridge are Visit England Gold Award winners two years running and 2023 winners for Large Visitor Attraction as well as Accessible and Inclusive Tourism, in the South West Tourism Awards.

Here’s a taste of what to expect on a day out at Slimbridge Wetland Centre:

Unlock the secrets of Slimbridge with their free, family-friendly app – Wetland Heroes. Find out more about their amazing wildlife and see how many packs you can unlock on your visit. The more you explore Slimbridge, the closer you are to becoming a Wetland Hero.

Splash about in the recently developed Welly Boot Land, complete with brand new play equipment and levelled surfacing, or run wild in Riverlife outdoor play areas.

Discover the world of amphibians in Toad Hall or see if you can spot all 5 different species of flamingo across the site.

Meet the nene, the world’s rarest goose at the Mission Possible exhibit. Explore a Hawaiian landscape and learn how WWT founder Sir Peter Scott brought this species back from the brink of extinction. Peek behind the scenes of the duckery and find out about the amazing work WWT does around the world to save endangered species from extinction.

Learn all about marvellous mammals at Back from the Brink - look out for Asian small-clawed otters, secretive water voles and see how many tiny harvest mice you can count.

Visit the Arctic Adventure experience and imagine life on the Arctic Tundra, where WWT studies wildlife including Bewick’s swans.  

For those looking to experience the wilder areas of the reserve, take a walk to one of the many bird hides or explore the accessible Estuary Tower and take in the stunning sights of the Severn estuary.

Slimbridge have special events every school holidays for families to get even closer to nature, from Easter trails to Mudfest. Also, Slimbridge have seasonal events such as the Wild Safari and Canoe Safaris in the summer and the spectacular Wild Bird Feeds in the winter.

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre has the following facilities:

• Free accessible car parking provision – 17 designated spaces

• Trained assistance dogs wearing the appropriate branded jacket and lead/harness, and where possible with the accompanying ID card are welcome. Unfortunately dogs in training are not permitted on site, and Slimbridge would appreciate if visitors are able to call ahead, to let them know they will be visiting with an assistance dog on 01453 891200.

• Hearing induction loop in reception

• Maps can be enlarged

• Plenty of manual wheelchairs available to loan, please book in advance.

• Fleet of mobility scooters for hire (available 7 days per week) at £10 per day, to include an introductory briefing. A £25 deposit per scooter is also required, refundable on the safe return of the hired scooter. Please book in advance by calling 01453 891900, Monday to Friday. Slimbridge’s grounds are fully accessible on scooters, although they do not advise using them to access Hides.

• The paths around the site are level access

• There are some gates - please ask at kiosks or reception if you require assistance

• There is step-free entry to most of the hides

• The Sloane Severn View Observation Tower & Peng Observatory accessible for mobility impaired & wheelchair users

• 6 accessible toilets across the site

Changing Places Toilet, complete with adjustable changing bench, hoist and washbasin.

• During the summer Slimbridge offer a Wild Safari experience which is wheelchair-accessible

• Hides - The majority of Slimbridge hides are wheelchair accessible at all times including:

o Estuary Tower (all levels)

o Robbie Garnett Hide (lower level)

o Willow Hide

o Knott Hide (lower windows)

o South Lake Discovery Hide

o Zeiss Hide (lower level, via ramp)

o Van de Bovenkamp (via ramp)

o Kingfisher Hide

o Peng Observatory

o Martin Smith Hide (via ramp)

• The Summer Walkway is open May-October, which is wheelchair accessible. It also has a viewing platform available on the seawall.

If you have any specific questions about Slimbridge’s accessibility then please feel free to call them on +44(0)1453 891900 and they can discuss it with you and help you plan your day.