📍 slimbridge
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Wildfowl and wetlands reserve near Gloucester with flamingos, hides, otters and canoe safaris. Step-free boardwalks and mobility aids available.
✦ We visited
Buy a bag of seed and let the children feed the ducks and swans, it is the bit they remember most. The canoe safari is the standout in summer, so book it on arrival.
WWT Slimbridge on the Severn estuary is the founding wetland centre of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and a brilliant day out for nature-minded families. You can hand-feed flocks of ducks, geese and swans on the grounds, watch flamingos at close range, meet otters at feeding time and follow boardwalks and hides out across the reserve to spot wild birds. In winter it draws huge numbers of migrating birds.
For children there is a lot to do: a heated tropical house, the Welly Boot Land outdoor play and water area, pond dipping, a canoe safari through the wetlands in the warmer months and daily activities and feeds. It is genuinely educational without feeling like a lesson, and the mix of indoor and outdoor space copes with the weather. Allow a full day.
The site is designed with access in mind. The main boardwalks and visitor paths are step-free throughout; wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to borrow; the visitor centre and buildings have hearing loops; and WWT runs sensory-friendly sessions for families with additional needs at various points in the year. Check the website for scheduled accessible events before you visit.
It suits all ages, with toddlers loving the feeding and play areas and older children the hides, canoe trips and wild birds. Take wellies and binoculars if you have them.
Good for: animals, outdoors, water, sensory, send-friendly. Ages: 0–2, 3–4, 5–7, 8–11, 12+.
Good to know
Can children feed the birds at Slimbridge?
Yes, you can hand-feed ducks, geese and swans across the grounds, which children love.
Is there a canoe safari at Slimbridge?
Yes, a canoe safari runs through the wetlands in the warmer months and is worth booking on arrival.
How long do you need at WWT Slimbridge?
Allow a full day to cover the feeding, play areas, tropical house, hides and trails.
Is WWT Slimbridge accessible for families with SEND?
Yes, the main boardwalks and visitor paths are step-free throughout. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to borrow and the buildings have hearing loops. WWT also runs sensory-friendly sessions for families with additional needs; check the website for upcoming dates.
