Bowditch, near Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT

WWT Slimbridge

Mixed-habitat reserve

Source image

7.5

Wildland

Half day

Time

Paid

Cost

Wild

Feel

WetlandEstuaryWildlife loversPhotographersWalkersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

7.5

At Slimbridge, wetland habitats meet the Severn Estuary: look for birds from wildlife hides, explore reedbeds and meadows, and visit Scott House, where WWT founder Sir Peter Scott championed wildlife conservation.

Slimbridge earns its place through the combination of wetland scenery, wildlife watching and places to learn about conservation. The official visitor information highlights hides, pathways, wild walks and seasonal wildlife; it is a substantial nature-centre visit rather than an unstaffed wild spot.

Wild · Big-sky

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Bowditch, near Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT

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The experience

Explore the wetland paths and wildlife hides, taking time to watch and photograph birds. Add a visit to Scott House for the conservation story. WWT also lists talks and tours, a canoe safari and nature-based play areas; check which experiences are running and their booking requirements.

Things to do

Watch wildlife from the hides

Use the wildlife hides to look for birds. WWT highlights kingfishers, common cranes and reed warblers; sightings vary.

Walk the wetland pathways

Explore the centre’s pathways through wetland scenery, including reedbeds and wildflower meadows described by WWT.

Join a talk or tour

WWT lists talks and tours with experts covering wetlands and wildlife. Check the current programme and booking details.

Try the canoe safari

WWT lists a canoe safari involving paddling and wildlife watching. Check dates, availability and participation requirements; this listing does not establish general paddling permission.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Check current visit duration with WWT

Quick wetland wildlife visit

01
Check current opening and ticket information before travelling.
02
Explore the wetland pathways and wildlife hides.
03
Spend time watching for birds highlighted by WWT, including kingfishers, common cranes and reed warblers.

Half day · Half day; check current visit duration with WWT

Make a half day of it

01
Explore the hides and wetland pathways, allowing time to watch and photograph wildlife.
02
Look out for wildflowers and the reedbeds highlighted in WWT’s seasonal visitor information.
03
Visit Scott House Museum to learn about WWT founder Sir Peter Scott; check tour availability and pre-booking requirements.

Hidden details

Look beyond the bird hides — WWT also highlights wildflower meadows, reedbeds and the Estuary Shoreline garden, giving visitors more to explore than wildlife watching alone.

When to go

· Check WWT’s current guidance; the supplied sources do not specify a best time of day.

WWT describes seasonal wildlife and activities, but the supplied research does not establish specific peak months. Consult its current seasonal information before travelling.

Check the forecast and current site information before visiting. The supplied sources do not specify weather-related access restrictions.

What to look for

01
Watch for kingfishers, common cranes and reed warblers, which WWT highlights in its visitor information. Notice the reedbeds, wildflower meadows and Estuary Shoreline garden
02
use the hides for wildlife watching and photography.

The story

Wildlife conservation; Sir Peter Scott and the founding of WWT

Best time to go

The supplied sources describe seasonal experiences but do not establish a single best season. Check WWT’s current seasonal information before visiting.

Seasonal wildlife and activities change through the year. Check WWT’s current visitor information and events before choosing a date.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Walkers · Families

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Bowditch, WWT GL2 7BT

Phone

+44 1453 891900

Website

wwt.org.uk

Listed hours

Monday: 9:30am-5:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am-5:30pm
Wednesday: 9:30am-5:30pm
Thursday: 9:30am-5:30pm
Friday: 9:30am-5:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am-5:30pm
Sunday: 9:30am-5:30pm

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.7 · 5,550 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A visitor destination with tickets available through WWT. Check the official website for current opening, admission and booking details.

Check before visiting

Parking

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

The supplied WWT summer information describes a café with outdoor seating overlooking the Estuary Shoreline garden. Check current availability.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting

Accessibility

WWT information describes wheelchair-accessible hides and pathways. The source row also reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet; check current details with WWT.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid

Water

Wetland, estuary