WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

About

Slimbridge Wetland Centre is run by WWT, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust – the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity, which was founded by Sir Peter Scott.  All of WWT’s Wetland Centres – including Slimbridge, exist to fulfil founder Peter Scott’s vision of connecting people with nature, so Slimbridge make it their principle that wetlands and wildlife are accessible to everyone.

WWT Slimbridge is a visitor centre and reserve, attracting over 250,000 visitors a year and set in 800 acres of wetland paradise. From families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers, there is something for all to enjoy. 

Slimbridge is home to 5 species of flamingo, has a collection of birds from all over the world and marvellous mammals including a pair of Asian small-clawed otters, harvest mice and water voles. Slimbridge has accessible bird hides across the site giving views of amazing wildlife sightings on the nature reserve which is located on the banks of the Severn Estuary. There is also a large collection of amphibians which you can meet in Toad Hall.

Located within the main Visitor Centre there is the Kingfisher Kitchen restaurant and Gift Shop. There are also kiosks located around the site so visitors can fuel their wetland adventure.

Throughout the year there are a wide range of activities including wheelchair-accessible Wild Safari’s in the summer months to wild bird feeds in the wintertime, when the reserve is home to over 35,000 wildfowl - including the majestic Bewick’s swans. Events also take place throughout the year from birding workshops to photography courses for all ages and abilities. Located within Slimbridge centre this is also an Art Hub where art workshops and children’s activities are run throughout the year. 

Highlights for families include Welly Boot Land which includes accessible play equipment and levelled surfacing. Large play area, Riverlife, and Slimbridge’s very own app, Wetland Heroes. Wetland Heroes provides an inclusive experience for audiences with sensory impairments as it comprises a wide range of visual and audio elements for visitors to interact with across the wetland centre. During school holidays Slimbridge also run activities such as pond dipping and have a iSandbox which is an interactive wetlands sandbox that stimulates the senses through texture and sound.

In 2021 WWT and Slimbridge celebrated their 75th anniversary with the completion of the National Lottery Heritage Funded project ‘Slimbridge 75’.  The Slimbridge 75 project has transformed Slimbridge with new inspirational and immersive experiences and activities to get visitors closer to nature and to uncover the incredible life of WWT founder, Sir Peter Scott, whose legacy still drives Slimbridge and WWT’s work today.

A few of the new exhibits at Slimbridge include:

The Estuary Tower – where you can witness the magnificent views of the Severn Estuary and its wildlife. The hide is complete with a lift and has two viewing floors including an open terrace.

Mission Possible - where visitors can meet the nene, the world’s rarest goose, and learn how Sir Peter Scott brought the species back from the brink of extinction.

Scott House Museum - providing an opportunity to step back in time within the former home of Sir Peter Scott. The museum is open for intimate daily tours throughout the year providing a chance to learn how Sir Peter Scott made Slimbridge the birthplace of modern conservation and visitors can experience the magical views of the Rushy Lake from Scott’s studio.

Living Wetland Theatre – A 360 seat open air amphitheatre where you can watch birds flying overhead and discover how species such as pelicans, crowned cranes and magpie geese are adapted to the wetlands they live in. The theatre backs on to a walkthrough Waterscapes Aviary where you can immerse yourself into the sights and sounds of a UK wetland, looking out for species such as little egret, smew and oystercatchers.

The Summer Walkway – between May-September visitors can explore the natural wildlife and landscapes of the Severn Estuary with access to Slimbridge’s wheelchair-accessible Summer Walkway and viewing platform.

In 2023 Slimbridge won Bronze for Accessibility in the Visit England Awards of Excellence, Silver in the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism category in the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Awards and Silver for the same category in 2022’s South West Tourism Awards. The attraction also won a Visit England Gold Accolade for 2021/2022 demonstrating the wetland centre provides a truly memorable visitor experience for everyone - particularly those with accessibility requirements, and shows excellence across every aspect of the attraction.