Autumn SEND Days at WWT Slimbridge

Following the success of WWT Slimbridge’s first SEND Days, families can look forward to another opportunity to enjoy the wetlands at their own pace this autumn. The Autumn SEND Days will take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, with a programme of activities specially designed for children and young people with different needs, alongside their families and friends.

Whether you want to get creative, discover more about wildlife or simply enjoy some time outdoors, the Autumn SEND Days offer a relaxed way to explore WWT Slimbridge and get involved in activities throughout the day.

Explore the wetlands at your own pace

There will be plenty to see and do across the centre, with activities taking place throughout the day. Families can drop into Bewick’s swan researcher activities in Arctic Adventure, get creative with nature crafts in the Art Hub or head to the Flaming Lagoon for a flamingo talk.

For those who enjoy getting hands-on with nature, there will be pond dipping sessions, including a quieter and calmer session from 11.30am to 12.30pm. There will also be storytime sessions in the Pond Zone, with a quiet and calm storytime taking place at 12.30pm.

Other activities include a silent disco in the Estuary Shoreline event space from 2pm to 3pm, while a dedicated sensory space in North America will be open throughout the day for anyone who needs somewhere quieter to take a break.

All ages are welcome at the SEND Day activities, and visitors can choose which sessions they would like to join once they have collected their wristband from Admissions. All activities are included with the event ticket.

A quieter way to experience the wetlands

The SEND Days are designed to give families the flexibility to explore WWT Slimbridge in a way that works for them. There are quiet and calm sessions available, as well as a dedicated sensory space, giving visitors the option to take some time away from the busier areas when needed.

A pre-visit guide will also be emailed to visitors between booking and the start of the event, helping families prepare for their visit. If you have additional needs or specific requirements, you can let WWT Slimbridge know when booking or contact the team directly.

Twilight SEND sessions at the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience

The SEND-friendly experience continues after dark this autumn with special twilight SEND sessions as part of WWT Slimbridge’s Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience.

Taking place on 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24 October at 5.45pm and 6pm, these sessions are open to everyone, with a particular focus on visitors who may benefit from a less intense sensory experience.

During the twilight SEND sessions, the lighting will be softer, the music quieter and the performers will take a gentler approach. This includes the interactive bat and kingfisher puppets and the marsh witch, helping visitors enjoy the magical lantern trail in a calmer atmosphere.

The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience brings the wetlands to life after dark, with larger-than-life wildlife lanterns, glowing insects, fungi and wetland creatures along a trail of just over 600 metres on mostly flat terrain. Find out more about the event here.

Plan your visit to WWT Slimbridge

The Autumn SEND Days take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026. The centre opens from 9.30am, and visitors are welcome to arrive before the SEND activities begin. Tickets are limited, so advance booking is recommended.

The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience takes place from 16 October to 1 November, with the dedicated twilight SEND sessions on selected dates. Booking is required, with tickets available for specific time slots.

With wildlife to discover, nature-based activities to enjoy and quieter spaces available when needed, autumn is a lovely time to experience WWT Slimbridge in a way that suits you and your family.

Find out more about the Autumn SEND Days at WWT Slimbridge and book your visit.