WWT Washington Wetland Centre

Whatever the season, come rain or shine, the award-winning WWT Washington Wetland Centre is the perfect North East attraction for bringing people closer to nature. Open 364 days, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery, unforgettable wildlife encounters and special events all year round.

Experience WWT Washington in any season.

Explore a diverse mix of wetland, woodland, wildflower meadows and nature reserve home to a collection of exotic birds including Chilean flamingos, Asian short-clawed otters, flocks of wild waders, grey herons, woodland birds, insects and amphibians.

Visit Ganderland and hand-feed the rarest goose in the world, or watch once-extinct Eurasian cranes as they parade across the stream area.

Wader Lake is full of life, with views of lapwing, curlew, common tern and avocet at various times throughout the year (Check the WWT website for the best times to see the various birds). Get close to the noisy action from one of 4 wildlife hides – perfect for photo opportunities!

Hawthorn Wood hide is the perfect place to relax as you enjoy the busy bird life. Colourful bullfinches, nuthatch and great-spotted woodpeckers gather around our feeders, while mini-beasts of all shapes and sizes lurk in Hollowood.

The attraction's Waterside Cafe serves up tasty hot snacks, including warming soup and paninis. Plus hot drinks and sweet treats are also available to enjoy indoors overlooking our lively stream channel, with views of barnacle geese, white-fronted geese and our Eurasian cranes. Or, if you prefer to eat outdoors, pick a spot of our various picnic tables.

Kids can enjoy the popular Playscape play area too, perfect for burning off those last bursts of energy.

WWT Washington has excellent disabled access, with free wheelchair and electric mobility scooter hire (must be pre-booked by calling the visitor centre). Read their full accessibility information here.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. Registered charity in England & Wales no. 1030884 and Scotland SCO39410.