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 an award-winning day out.

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

Splash about at Welly Boot Land or go wild in our Riverlife outdoor play areas. Discover the world of amphibians at Toad Hall or see if you can spot all 6 species of flamingo.

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 our duckery and find out about the amazing work WWT does around the world to save endangered species from extinction.

Learn all about our marvellous mammals - look out for the secretive water voles and see how many cute 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 who are interesting in getting out to the wild parts of the reserve, take a walk to one of the many bird hides or explore the fully accessible Estuary Tower and take in the stunning sights of the Severn Estuary.

They have special events every school holidays for families to get even closer to nature. Also, they have seasonal events such as the Wild Safaris in the summer and the spectacular Wild Bird Feeds in the winter.

All of the WWT Wetland Centres exist to fulfil founder Peter Scott’s vision of connecting people with nature, so they make it a principle that their wetlands and wildlife are accessible to everyone. The attraction won Silver in the Accessible and Inclusive category at South West Tourism Awards 2021/22.

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

• Restaurant staff are friendly and helpful and will carry trays to the table if required

• 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 not open during the winter months but it is also wheelchair accessible, with a new viewing platform also available on the seawall near the Pillbox.

If you have any specific questions about Slimbridge’s accessibility then please feel free to call them on 01453 891900 and they can discuss it with you and help you plan your day.