REVIEW: Slimbridge WWT Wetlands

A short drive up the M5 from both Bristol and Bath, you will find, nestled down some picturesque country lanes...Slimbridge WWT Wetlands. 

Slimbridge WWT Wetlands offer breathtaking wildlife encounters with a vast range of birds in a beautiful yet accessible tranquil and natural setting. I have personally been to Slimbridge Wetlands several times now and to my delight, every single time, I discover something new around the corner. We never tire of visiting this haven. Many attractions use the tag “There is something for everyone” ALOT but there REALLY is… something for everyone here.

Firstly, Slimbridge is open all year round and although it can get muddy in the wet, it’s a totally accessible place in most weather conditions (except torrential rain…I don’t see it being very tranquil in a hardcore rain sesh) BUT you will also see different kinds of birds and wildlife here depending on the season you visit. 

This is very much a destination day out for every member of the family. It has lots of trails and things to do for little ones (during the October half term we did their EEK! Week trail and half-term crafting activities) and there is also a small indoor soft play and some rather impressive outdoor playparks to keep all ages occupied between bird spotting.

For general adults like myself (regardless of if you have kids with you or not) this is just a beautiful day out with lots of lovely places to sit and watch nature in all its glory with some handy coffee huts sprinkled throughout the grounds to keep you going. 

For the more elderly, this is still a lovely, gentle day out with lots of accessible ramps, steps and lifts so anyone can come and fill their lungs with fresh air and watch a vast array of different birds in natural habitats. 

There are plenty of educational and fact-finding plaques along the routes also so, no matter who you are or how much you know about Wetland life, you can find out a little about what you’re looking at. There are pond dipping sessions throughout the day and also a new, outdoor theatre zone for talks and demonstrations. 

Hungry? No worries, the on-site cafe is REALLY lovely for a spot of lunch and has a wide range of dietary requirements catered for AND they have an excellent selection of snacks and ice cream for on-the-go. 

If heights don’t bother you… you can also climb the accessible Estuary Tower Hide, complete with a lift. Just a few hundred meters from the visitor centre, you can experience magnificent views of the Severn Estuary and the breathtaking variety of wild birds.

This place is simply fantastic and really does tick the boxes for every age group. If you fancy a short drive just up the M5, I can highly recommend this as a full, lovely, laid-back day out for everyone.

Interested in finding out more about Slimbridge WWT Wetlands, then visit their website here.