Your summer of wonder starts here
Dive into a summer full of head-turning wildlife encounters and wondrous new experiences in nature’s coolest playground.
Our wetlands offer your family amazing experiences you can’t find anywhere else. All summer long, we’ll be bringing the wonders of wetland nature to life. We’ve got exciting trails, wild crafts, animal talks, adventurous activities and more. Start your summer of wonder with us and discover our top picks of exciting things to do!
1. Find your wow around every corner
Grab a trail card and uncover the magic of our family-friendly themed trails at our wetland centres. It’s the perfect way to explore and have fun together this summer.
Jet off on a first-class adventure to find Pelican Postie’s lost *postcards scattered across some of our wetland centres. Or **crack the code on our interactive puzzle adventure at Slimbridge and Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Whatever you choose, your challenge awaits!
Where: at all centres
*Summer postcard trail available at Arundel, Caerlaverock, Castle Espie, Llanelli, London, Washington and Welney.
**Summer codebreakers trail available at Slimbridge and Martin Mere.
2. Pond dip with backstroking beetles
Come and discover a whole new underwater world. We have everything you need to uncover wild wonders that live in our ponds. Dip beneath the surface and see what creatures are lurking in our guided or self-guided sessions.
Great for all ages and a wonderful way to forge a love of the natural world, it’s the perfect family activity. Find out more on individual centre pages.
Where: at all centres*
*Not available at Castle Espie.
3. Explore nature’s coolest playground
Wetlands are the perfect place for adventures. With magical places to play, secret places to explore and tranquil places to stop, what will you discover today? Cross wibbly-wobbly bridges, dart across stepping stones and put your balancing skills to the test!
Zig-zag along winding paths and play hide and seek amongst the trees. With stunning views and the shifting landscapes of Strangford Lough WWT Castle Espie in Northern Ireland is the perfect place for a wetland adventure.
There are also outdoor play areas to discover at lots of our centres from Welly Boot Land at Slimbridge to wobbly bridges and climbing walls at London Wetland Centre.
4. Dive headfirst into new adventures
Come and meet our otters. Watch them swimming, rolling around in the mud, juggling pebbles on their tummies and greeting our visitors with squeaky cries. Our otter talks are always a family favourite. You never know what these cheeky creatures will get up to.
Where: Daily otter talks at London, Martin Mere and Washington.
5. Take a little trip somewhere exotic
With their striking pink plumage and dancing displays, our flamingos are a must-see during the summer months. You’ll hear them before you see them!
Where: at our centres in Llanelli, Washington and Martin Mere.
6. Take a trip down your local Amazon
Our canoe safaris and boat tours are a unique way to explore areas you can’t reach on foot. What will you spot as you glide around the twists and turns of our waterways?
Where: Canoe safaris at Llanelli and Martin Mere. Boat tours at Arundel and Martin Mere.
7. Come face to face with head-turning wildlife
Come and meet some of our favourite species. Some of these fantastic beasts you won’t see anywhere else in the UK. With whooping cranes, friendly nenes (Hawaiian Geese) and diving ducks, you’re in for a treat.
Where: Daily Diving Duck talks at Arundel and Castle Espie.
Ready to visit?
With wildlife encounters and inspiring activities around every corner, get closer to nature together and create a summer to remember. Whatever you choose to do, your visit will support our vital work to restore wetlands and their wildlife. Not a member? Book online and save time on arrival.
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