The canoe safari
During the summer holidays visitors can explore previously inaccessible watery expanses on our canoe safari. Pick up a paddle and step into a canoe for a wonderful wetland adventure.
Suitable for children aged 5 and over. Children under 18 must be accompanied by and adult. Sorry, but our canoes are not suitable for solo canoeists.
Canoe safari open daily 12.00 noon - 4.00pm from Saturday 24 July to Tuesday 31 August. Last canoe out must be returned by 4.30pm.
The use of the canoe safari is included in the admission price/membership.
No previous experience required; suitable for complete novices or the more experienced canoeist. Full instruction given.
Canoeing does require some degree of physical effort and visitors paddle thier own canoe, i.e. they are not accompanied by staff.
The canoe safari is considered a safe water environment; it is an enclosed, inland waterway and there are no tides or currents to contend with. The maximum water depth is no more than three feet. Buoyancy aids are provided and must be worn at all times. Full safety cover provided.
We use traditional Canadian canoes which can accommodate two adults. A child can also be accommodated, sitting on a canvas hammock seat suspended in the middle of the canoe. Sometimes, two very small children can be accommodated in this way; this is entirely at the discretion of the canoe safari supervisors and their decision is final.
Adverse weather
If the weather is windy the canoe safari may be closed for safety reasons. Even though it may not appear windy up at the centre, the location of the canoe safari means it is exposed to the wind, especially south westerly.
Toilets
There are toilet facilities at the canoe safari.
The bike trail
The centre has a fleet of 25 bikes, including one toddler trailer and a Trek tandem, which visitors can hop aboard to explore the paths weaving through the millennium wetlands. The bike trail will reopen for the season on Good Friday, 2 April. Open daily throughout local school holidays and on weekends during term time between Easter and October. Opening times: 12.00 noon - 4.00pm; last bike must be returned by 4.30pm.
Suitable footwear must be worn, e.g. trainers. No flipflops or open toed sandals allowed. All cyclists must wear a helmet. We can provide these or you can bring your own. Unfortunately only our own bikes can be used on the bike trails. Bike hire is included in the normal admission price.