Learn at Washington Wetland Centre
With the famous Washington warm welcome, our enthusiastic and engaging learning staff are waiting for you.
Experience the natural world close-up, dip for creatures in our state of the art Pond Zone and explore our lovely habitats. Discover all about water in our Waterlab classroom. Explore how we can look after Wetlands, conserve ecosystems and unwind in our award-winning water garden. Enjoy watching our very popular otter family feed and frolic and our stunning flock of Chilean flamingos – fill up all your senses. Learning... it’s in our nature!
Keeping you and your learners safe
We have been busy over the last few months ensuring that all learning visits are Covid-compliant. We have always taken pride in our personal approach and we will work directly with you to ensure that your safety needs are met and any concerns addressed.
We have revised our risk assessment for learning visits and produced guidance for teachers / leaders as well as an information sheet for parents detailing the steps we are taking to keep their children safe. Your safety is our first priority.
Should you be unable to visit due to Coronavirus, we will allow you to re-book or cancel free of charge.
Learning sessions
Informative and engaging, our curriculum-linked learning sessions at WWT Washington are based in the outdoors and are suitable for a range of ages and abilities. See the available sessions here.
Generation Wild
Generation Wild is our new nature-connection project for schools and families. It is available free of charge to schools with over 35% of pupils eligible for free school meals. This includes free visits (and transport) to Washington Wetland Centre.
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
"By 3:30 this afternoon I had a queue of staff wanting to tell me how great the visit was. The students were bowled over by their experiences today. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and there was a real buzz when they returned to school. Thank you so much."
Park View 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): | £3.70 | £4.80 | £4.80 | £7.15 | £9.50 |
| Full day admission with a learning session/s up to 1 hour: | £5.40 | £5.40 | £5.40 | £7.95 | £9.50 |
| Full day admission with a learning session/s up to 2 hours: | £5.85 | £5.85 | £5.85 | £8.50 | £9.50 |
Free adult ratios
We offer free entry to adults within the following ratios, and free entry to all essential carers.
1:5 - Pre-school to 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.
Added extras
Binoculars
Allow your learners to see the birds up close and feel like a proper ‘birder’. Binoculars are provided free of charge and come in a handy rucksack.
Cost: FREE
Playscape
Are you looking to allow your group to let off some steam and, more importantly, tire them out for the coach journey home? Our playground has climbing, sliding and balancing equipment plus a wet play area, controlled by the children.
Cost: FREE
Mini-shop for schools
We have plenty of fun items for sale from 50p - £2.00. We can organise a mini-shop for your group; it’s quick and easy. Please request this on your booking form.
Cost: Varied
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: £1 per bag
Dedicated use of indoor space
All school trips also include the use of an indoor space where you can leave your belongings and have lunch.
Cost: FREE
Learning map and guide
Download the learning map and guide for WWT Washington. See all the facilities and fun things to see on your trip.
Risk assessment
Download our risk assessment for WWT Washington to help you plan your day with us.
Get in touch
Speak to one of our Learning team today at WWT Washington to book your visit or find out further details.