Slimbridge Wetland Centre
At Slimbridge Wetland Centre you can have a taste of the wild, without having to get your feet muddy - unless you want to!
Get up close to rare and exotic birds, mammals and the largest collection of amphibians in the UK, set in the tranquil surroundings of our nature reserve. We welcome groups of all sizes, ages and abilities, all year round as every season offers different learning opportunities. Join us now for your outdoor learning adventures and take advantage of our great value package.
Self-guided resources
As well as taking part in a guided session there will be plenty of time for your group to explore the Centre. In order to make best use of this time, we have developed a range of self-guided resources which you can use to help extend your group’s learning.
What teachers say
"All of the children from Beaudesert School would like to send a big thank you for making their day so memorable. We had excited and chatty children all the way home. They were buzzing about the day, and could not wait to share their experiences with their families. Both of our learning sessions were perfectly pitched, with lots for the children to do. "
Gemma Crane, Beaudesert Park School
Prices
All our prices include full access to our centre for the day, so you and your pupils can enjoy all that we have to offer.
| Session type | Pre-school | Reception to KS2 | KS3 to KS4 | KS5+ | Adult |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full day admission without a learning session (self guided visit): | £3.10 | £6.10 | £6.40 | £8.50 | £11.20 |
| Full day admission with a learning session/s up to 1 hour: | £6.20 | £6.40 | £6.70 | £8.90 | £11.20 |
| Full day admission with a learning session/s up to 2 hours: | n/a | n/a | n/a | £9.10 | £11.20 |
| Full day admission with a learning session/s up to 4 hours: | n/a | n/a | n/a | £9.30 | £11.20 |
Free adult ratios
We offer free entry to adults within the following ratios, and free entry to all essential carers.
1:2 - Pre-school
1:5 - Reception & Key Stage 1
1:10 - Key Stage 2
1:15 - Key Stage 3 +
Minimum numbers of pupils
We run sessions for a minimum of 12 pupils. Minimum numbers for Special Schools may be lower. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Sample Itinerary
Arrival
A warm welcome awaits with information including an explanation of the centre layout, what highlights there are to spot on the day, health and safety, arranging storage of bags and collection of bird food if ordered.
Guided learning session
Meet at your agreed location for up to an hour of curriculum linked, hands-on, interactive learning in amongst a wetland habitat and the wildlife that lives within it.
Otter talk
Meet our friendly family of Otters at 11.30am and hear a talk as they tuck into a tasty fish breakfast.
Lunch
Enjoy eating lunch at Wellyboot land, Riverlife play area or the picnic area near Flamingo lagoon. Indoor areas can also be pre-agreed with the Learning team.
Explore and discover
Explore the collection; try to spot the rarest goose in the world or all six species of flamingo and/or make use of the many hides overlooking the Severn Estuary.
Toad Hall
Spend time discovering our amphibian collection which includes species such as Blue poison frogs, Axolotls and Red-eye tree frogs.
Added extras
Pre visit additional needs
We appreciate some young people benefit from additional information about the place they are coming to visit in order to make them feel more confident about the trip. We’ve created several resources for staff to use where required to help participants become more familiar with what to expect during their visit to Slimbridge. Please contact us if you would like copies.
Cost: FREE
Bird seed
Many of our ducks and geese will come up for a nibble and many will even eat grain from your hand, if you approach the birds gently. A very valuable experience for children (and adults!)
Cost: 75p a bag (please pre-order where possible)
Play areas
Visit our play areas at Wellyboot Land or Riverlife to burn off extra energy and get physical.
Cost: FREE
Arctic Adventure
Enter the tundra hut and see what life is like as an arctic explorer. Enjoy dressing up as a researcher, plan your tundra hut meal or become a bird spotter to see if you can identify the birds using their leg rings.
Cost: FREE
Estuary Tower Hide
Explore this brand new fully-accessible hide, just a few hundred metres from the visitor centre for magnificent views of the Severn Estuary and a breath-taking variety of wild birds. Includes two floors as well as an open roof-top terrace.
Cost: FREE
Discovery hide
Visit our hands-on hide with a child-sized telescope and easy to use bird identification boards.
Cost: FREE
Storage lockers and dedicated use of an indoor space
All school trips also include the use of an indoor lunch base where available and storage lockers where you can leave your belongings to save carrying them around with you.
Cost: FREE
Gift shop
Why not visit our gift shop or save time and pre-order goods ready for collection on the day of your visit?
Cost: Varied (please contact us to arrange a pre-order if required)
Learning map and guide
Download the learning map and guide for WWT Slimbridge. See all the facilities and fun things to see on your trip.
Contact us
Speak to one of our Learning team today at WWT Slimbridge to book your visit or find out further details.