For the family in winter
Welcome to our haven for wetland wildlife, where paved, buggy friendly pathways and sturdy non slip boardwalks lead you through exhibits and wild areas bursting with nature.
Wetland Discovery Boat Safari
Start your adventure by booking a Wetland Discovery boat safari at the admission desk. For just £3 per person, enjoy a beautiful 20 minute trip across the wetlands. Children especially love seeing the reserve from the water!
Spotter Guides and Activity Sheets
Pick up free Wildlife Spotter Guides and activity sheets in the visitor centre. These simple cards make it easy for the whole family to identify birds, ducks, and geese as you explore.
Pelican Cove and Discovery Hide
Step out through the right hand door to meet our huge Dalmatian Pelicans at Pelican Cove. Join the free daily keeper talk at 2pm to learn more about them. Then head into the Discovery Hide to look for kingfishers perched beside the nesting bank.
Lakes, Forest and Woodland Loop
In the Lakes and Forest exhibit, meet the friendly nene geese and count the white headed ducks on Reedswamp pond (look for their bright blue beaks!). Pass the Waterfalls pen and spend quiet time at the bird feeders in the Woodland Loop — how many hungry birds can you spot?
Reedbed Adventures
Wander the reedbed boardwalk and pause in the Reed Chamber shelter to listen for water rails and the reeds whispering in the wind. Continue to the Reedbed Willow Sphere, where children can hunt for five wetland animals woven into its walls. From here, enjoy sweeping views across the reedbeds to Arundel Castle. Don’t miss hidden gems like the glade in the Wildlife Garden and the willow arbour at the end of the Tranquil Trail.
Wetland Secrets Plant House and Viewing Platform
Discover traditional uses of wetland plants in the Wetland Secrets Plant House. Then climb the new Reedbed Viewing Platform for panoramic views. In the afternoon, it’s the perfect lookout for marsh harriers and pied wagtails arriving to roost.
Wildlife Hides
Explore our hides, especially the Sand Martin Hide, designed to resemble a sandbank. Watch for great white egrets and grey herons — easy for children to spot even from a distance.
Play and Refresh
Finish your visit with a scramble in the Pond Skater play area near the visitor centre. While the children enjoy the fresh air, relax with a takeaway hot drink from our Water’s Edge Café.