WWT Washington Celebrated with VisitEngland Accolade for 'Best Told Story'
WWT Washington Wetland Centre has been honoured with a prestigious VisitEngland Accolade for ‘Best Told Story - one of only six accolades given to North East visitor attractions.
This esteemed award - which is given to attractions that excel at interpretation and sharing their special stories with visitors - recognises the centre's exceptional ability to captivate visitors through engaging storytelling, bringing to life the beauty and importance of wetland conservation.
The accolade, awarded by the national tourism agency, highlights WWT Washington's commitment to providing visitors with enriching, immersive experiences that inspire a deeper connection with the natural world.
The centre's engaging narratives, from onsite interpretation, engaging visitor talks and guided walks, to hands-on activities, interactive exhibits and their interactive app, vividly illustrate our story and the vital role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
The VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolades 2023-2024 were presented at a celebratory lunch at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.
Gill Pipes, Centre Manager at WWT Washington, attended the event and expressed her pride in receiving the accolade:
"We are thrilled and honoured to be recognised with this prestigious award. Our team is passionate about telling the story of wetlands, their wildlife, and the urgent need for their protection. This award is a testament to their efforts in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for all who visit. It was great to be joined by Lisa Greener who has worked so hard in providing amazing interpretation on site and Alex Lane who gives exceptional guidance and support to the team at Washington. I was delighted to meet up with other attractions from our area who had also received awards – it was so uplifting to be amongst the best of the North East’s tourism providers and be reminded of the amazing breadth of experiences our area has to offer."
WWT Washington is renowned for its dedication to conservation and education, offering a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From birdwatching to seasonal events, every visit is designed to inspire appreciation for wetlands and encourage action to protect these vital ecosystems.
This recognition by VisitEngland follows an anonymous assessment visit earlier this year, where WWT Washington was commended for its outstanding storytelling techniques and visitor engagement, as well as it’s fantastic customer service, achieving an overall score of 95%.
The accolade is part of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme, which aims to reward excellence in customer experience and service to venues that go the extra mile to provide a high-quality day out.
WWT Washington invites both regular and new visitors alike to experience the award-winning stories that make it a must-visit destination for a day out in the North East.
