Each year, Jack and I love watching the various songbirds in our garden. From goldfinches, blue tits, house sparrows and even goldcrests, we are really lucky to see lots of different species. We are both interested in wildlife and conservation and, especially abroad, always seem to plan our trips around it. Visiting Slimbridge Wetland Centre was a bit of a treat for us both whilst we were in the Cotswold.
It is known for being one of the birthplaces of modern conservation and highlights some of the best British wildlife to visitors each year. This is my guide to enjoying this magical location.
Visiting Slimbridge Wetland Centre | Your Guide to this Magical Reserve
Getting to Slimbridge
Slimbridge Wetland Centre is in between Gloucester and Bristol. Also, as it is a nature reserve, it is somewhat off the beaten path. The M5 is actually fairly close to it and, from Bristol, you can get off at Junction 14 and head up the A38 before you see the signs. If you are coming from the east (London, Reading etc.), then you have two choices. You can either take the longer (but easier) route down the M4, turning onto the M5, or go cross-country after Junction 17 on the M4. For this latter one, you’ll need to head towards Westonbirt, then up the A4135 to Slimbridge.
Public transport is tricky. The nearest station is Bristol and this requires multiple buses. I would say that you’d need to stick to a car, unless you’re willing to fork out for a taxi.
Visiting Slimbridge Wetland Centre | Costs and Entrance Times
Slimbridge is open everyday except for Christmas. This means that you can enjoy the wildlife throughout the year! The opening times vary depending on the season and more information on this can be found on their website.
Prices stay the same throughout the year. For an adult, a day pass costs £17.22 (or £18.95 with gift aid). Children (between 4-17) cost £11.36 (or £12.50 with gift aid). Carers and children under 4 also get in for free.
The Main Sights and Activities at Slimbridge
Slimbridge is one of the best places to see local wildlife in the UK. We even heard a cuckoo here for the first time in over 10 years! The reserve has some continual exhibits of animals that are around all year. Here is a map that can help you see all that there is.
For me, I particularly enjoyed seeing all of the different flamingo species and getting up close with them. There are some hides too at Flamingo Lagoon which mean that you can really get to know them.
The wildlife though has to be the main event. One of my fondest memories was waiting by the kingfisher hides in May, hoping to see a small dart of blue cross my path. We didn’t see any that day, but we could see their burrows and they are supposed to be quite common. The summer is excellent for seeing elusive cranes, along with migratory birds. These arrive here in August and Slimbridge is one of the best places to see them.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the wildlife isn’t as spectacular in the colder months. However, at Slimbridge a new ensemble takes centre stage. Waterfowl migrate here to escape the cold winters, including the rare Bewick swans from Siberia. Slimbridge reports that waterfowl numbers are at their peak in January, with some 30,000 wading birds on the reserve! To see these, there are plenty of hides and even canoe safaris. Plus, there is an excellent cafe for you to grab a hot chocolate to warm you up.
Visiting Slimbridge Wetland Centre | Final Thoughts
Visiting Slimbridge Wetland Centre has to be a highlight of 2024 for me. Not only did I get to really immerse myself in wildlife, but I learnt a lot about conservation and really enjoyed my day exploring. For future plans I want to stay at their Bewick Lodge and take a wildlife photography course there. I think I have only scratched the surface with this place and I can’t wait to return.
You can also find me on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Did you know that I also vlog my travel adventures? I would love you to subscribe to my YouTube channel so that you never miss an episode… SUBSCRIBE HERE
Other posts that may help you:
- Staying at the Bear of Rodborough | A Review of Our Visit
- Visiting Castle Combe | Your Guide to the Prettiest Place in Wiltshire
- The Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds
Thank you for reading and I hope I have inspired you with a few ideas for a visit to Slimbridge! If you have any questions about anything in my post or the area in general, please do get in touch in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your family and friends!
Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
