Duration:
Half day
Price range:
£10 to £25
Suitable for:
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
1 Quietest Viewing
Head to the Hawthorn Wood Hide for calmer birdwatching away from the main crowds. It's great for spotting smaller woodland birds often missed elsewhere.
2 Kids' Favorite Timing
Plan your visit around the otter feeding times – check the daily schedule on arrival. It's a guaranteed highlight for little ones and gets busy quickly, so arrive a few minutes early.
3 Playscape Pro Tip
The Playscape adventure playground is fantastic but busiest around lunchtime. Visit earlier or later in the day for more space, especially on the popular zip wire.
INSIDER TIP
Ask at the information desk if they have any 'Wildlife Spotter' sheets left over from recent events. Sometimes they have extras available even when not advertised.
About WWT Washington Wetland Centre
Discover a world of wetland wildlife at WWT Washington! Families can explore diverse habitats, spotting birds like Chilean flamingos, Asian short-clawed otters, and countless water birds from accessible hides. Follow themed trails, enjoy pond dipping sessions (seasonal), and let kids run wild in the ‘Playscape’ adventure playground with zip wires and climbing frames. The centre offers fantastic close-up encounters with nature, educational talks, and feeding demonstrations. With beautiful scenery, peaceful walks, and engaging activities, it’s a refreshing and informative day out for all ages, connecting families with the wonders of the natural world.
Suggested Family Itinerary Perfect for Kids
Make the most of your visit with this suggested timeline. Adjust based on your family's interests and pace.
Arrival & Bird Feed Fun
Grab your map and purchase some grain at the entrance – head straight to the Close Encounters zone to start feeding the friendly ducks and geese.
Flamingo Flurry & Otter Antics
Wander over to see the vibrant Chilean flamingos and watch the playful Asian short-clawed otters – check the board for feeding times for extra action.
Wader Lake Hide & Seek
Venture to the Hawthorn Wood Hide overlooking Wader Lake. See how many different wading birds and ducks you can spot quietly.
Waterside Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch with a view at the Waterside Cafe, or find a scenic picnic bench if you've brought your own snacks.
Playscape Adventure Time
Let the kids run wild in the outdoor Playscape, featuring slides, zip wires, and climbing frames for energetic fun.
Woodland Exploration
Take a stroll through the peaceful Hollowood area. Look for woodland birds, listen to the sounds of nature, and maybe spot some interesting insects.
Discovery Centre & Pond Zone
Head indoors to the Discovery Centre for interactive displays, or check if seasonal pond dipping sessions are running nearby for hands-on exploration.
Pro Tips for Families:
- Bring wellies or waterproof boots, especially after wet weather, as paths around the reserve and hides can get quite muddy.
- Purchase bird seed (£1.50 a bag) at the entrance – it transforms the visit, particularly for younger children meeting the waterfowl up close.
- Pack binoculars (even toy ones for toddlers!) to make spotting birds from the hides much more engaging and easier for little eyes.
- Check the daily schedule board near the entrance for talks and feeding times – the otter and flamingo feeds are particularly popular with families.
Opening hours
Open daily (except Christmas Day): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Summer), 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Winter). Last admission one hour before closing.
Entry prices
Adult: Approx £12-£15, Child (4-16): Approx £7-£9, Under 4s: Free. Family tickets and concessions available. Free entry for WWT members. Gift Aid options available.
Birthday party hire
Yes, WWT Washington offers children’s birthday parties featuring wildlife themes, pond dipping, playground fun, and party food options. Check their website for packages.
Facilities
Contact Details & Directions
WWT Washington Wetland Centre,
Pattinson Road,
Washington,
NE38 8LE
Tel: 01914 165454
Email: info.washington@wwt.org.uk
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