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Whatever the season, come rain or shine – WWT Washington Wetland Centre is the perfect place to connect with nature.
So much to see and do
Set in 45 hectares on the banks of the River Wear, our vibrant site is one of the North East's biggest conservation success stories - home to exotic waterbirds, wild waders, beautiful scenery and so much more.
Open 364 days, visitors of all ages can enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters and year-round special events; while helping us to save wildfowl & wetlands for future generations.
In spring, bluebells bloom in Spring Gill Wood, as rare nenes begin nest-building and wild lapwing breed on Wader Meadow. See the largest nesting colony of grey herons in the region display in the tree tops at Wader Lake.
Babies abound in the hazy days of summer, when the insect ponds hum with life and butterflies bask in the peaceful wildflower meadows. Watch wading chicks and young common tern playing on the shoreline or marvel as fluffy ducklings hatch at Waterfowl Nursery.
Bats mate and jays hurriedly bury acorns as autumn creeps in. Waders migrating south stop for fuel on Wader Lake, while other birds are going into their best breeding plumage - changing colour with the leaves.
In winter, hundreds of curlew fly in at dusk to roost alongside redshank. Find bullfinches and great-spotted woodpeckers perching on frosty branches in Hawthorn Wood. Water birds are showing off with displays and courtship rituals.
Don’t miss:
- The chance to get nose-to-beak with endangered waterbirds at Close Encounters, many of which will eat corn from an outstretched hand. The inquisitive nene (Hawaiian goose) is a favourite with little ones
- Spectacular views of colourful bullfinch and great-spotted woodpecker queuing up to feed at Hawthorn Wood feeding station
- Exciting mini-beast safaris through Hollowood, where life thrives in dead trees
- Breeding avocets and flocks of curlew 500-strong on Wader Lake (in season)
- The tranquil surroundings of Waterside Cafe. Watch the wild world go by from its windows overlooking the stream area
- Fluffy ducklings taking their first wobbly steps at Waterfowl Nursery (May-July)
- The ancient woodland at Spring Gill and our majestic old oak trees
- Our breeding colony of pink Chilean flamingos
- The Have-a-go Craft Show, Downy Duckling Days, Animal Magic and Greenfest - fantastic special events that offer something exciting for everyone
- The Window on the Wear viewing platform, where visitors can watch the wildlife that lives along the riverbank - including kingfisher, otter and common tern - through hidden windows in the fence line.
- Wonderful wildflower meadows – look out for cuckoo flower, bee orchid and yellow rattle
- Splash Zone adventure play area
- Our magnificent Eurasian cranes, which strut and preen beneath the cafe windows alongside wigeon, goldeneye, grey wagtail, a flock of barnacle geese & a hunting sparrowhawk
Get close to nature and learn about the UK's diverse wetlands, their rich wildlife and the importance of WWT's conservation work. WWT Washington Walkabout Guides are on sale in the gift shop, with details of various routes around our grounds. We recommend around three hours for a typical visit.
Join the WWT membership scheme during your visit and not only will your entrance fee be refunded, but within two more trips you’ll be enjoying unlimited free days out for the rest of 2010!
Contact 0191 416 5454 or email info.washington@wwt.org.uk for details.
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Stop and take in the sights and sounds - from the bubbling waterfall to the meandering stream. Grey wagtail, Common Sandpiper and Kingfisher can be spotted.
Get nose to beak with rare and endangered wildfowl, some of which will eat straight from your hand. The Hawaiian Goose, or Nene, is a curious and gentle bird, ideal for young children to feed.
Framed by the breathtaking backdrop of Penshaw Monument and surrounding fields, the reed bed acts as a natural filter, removing pollutants from water entering the park.
Successful breeding colony of colourful Chilean Flamingos, with chicks typically hatching in late summer. Find out more about what makes their plumage shocking pink, why their legs are so long and how they build volcano-shaped nests.
Our six meadows are home to beautiful wildflowers including Bee Orchid (Top Meadow), Oxeye daisy (White Meadow), Greater Burnet (Old Oak Meadow), Cuckoo Flower (Forgotten Meadow) and Eyebright (Corner Meadow), while pairs of breeding Lapwing live on Wader Meadow.
Explore the ancient woodland, dotted with bluebells and primroses, that surrounds Spring Gill or wander through Hawthorn Wood, with its specimens of old Hazel coppice and Ramson (wild garlic).
Exciting wetlands-themed adventure play area designed for three-five-year-olds. Little ones can let off steam while learning about the uses of water with our Archimedes Screw and other features.
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