WWT Slimbridge Wildlife Reserve
Wetland reserve and bird sanctuary with visitor facilities
WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire is Britain's flagship wetland reserve with hides, marshes and a wildlife centre. Birdwatchers and families visit for swan and goose displays, migratory waterfowl, guided walks and indoor exhibits about wetland conservation.
WWT Slimbridge at a Glance#
Address: WWT Slimbridge, Lower Lode, Gloucester GL2 7BT, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:00pm (hours may extend in summer; check WWT Slimbridge for seasonal times).
Admission: Adult admission typically around £16; WWT members free - check WWT Slimbridge for current ticket prices and member benefits.
About WWT Slimbridge#
A wetland reserve and visitor centre near the village of Slimbridge in Gloucestershire, England, established in 1946 by Sir Peter Scott as the first centre of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). It functions as both a public wildlife attraction and a centre for wetland conservation and research.
The site comprises managed wetlands, ponds and visitor facilities that support captive and wild waterfowl and other wetland species, and it is well known for its role in long term studies of swans and ducks. The centre combines hides and viewing areas with educational displays and runs conservation, rehabilitation and research programmes.
Situated on the banks of the River Severn near the village of Slimbridge, the reserve lies in Gloucestershire between the larger urban centres of Gloucester and Bristol. The site is accessible by road and commonly visited as a day trip from nearby cities.
- Founding: Founded in 1946 by Sir Peter Scott, it is the original Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust centre and the charity’s headquarters for conservation, research and education.
- Best time to visit: Winter months are the best time to see large concentrations of wildfowl, including Bewick’s and whooper swans that use the site as a regular overwintering location.
How to Get to WWT Slimbridge#
Slimbridge is about 10 miles south of Gloucester and 12 miles north of Bristol; follow the A38 and A417, then local roads to Lower Lode. There is on-site parking and limited public transport; check the WWT Slimbridge site for detailed directions and bus links.
Tips for Visiting WWT Slimbridge#
- Arrive at opening to see feeding times and the largest flocks on the reserve - the hide systems make early visits richly rewarding.
- Bring binoculars: the reserve's hides and boardwalks are designed for serious birdwatching rather than quick selfies.
- Buy tickets online to avoid queues on busy weekends and to see scheduled keeper talks and boat trips.
Best Time to Visit WWT Slimbridge#
Slimbridge is rewarding year-round: winter for numbers, spring for breeding activity; check events calendar for guided walks.
Weather & Climate near WWT Slimbridge#
WWT Slimbridge's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (697 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | 2° | 71 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 49 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 4° | 55 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 48 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 49 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 10° - 19° | 15° | 57 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.3h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 42 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.9h |
| August | Good | 12° - 21° | 17° | 59 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 14.4h |
| September | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 66 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 63 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 65 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 3° | 73 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
