WWT Washington Wetland Centre

Conservation site with 45 hectares of wetland, woodland and wildlife reserve. Home to wildfowl, insects and flora. Lake-side hides, wild bird feeding station, waterside cafe, picnic areas, sustainable garden, playground and events calendar.
Accessibility:
Vaqas Accreditation

Gradings
- VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS

Awards
- Green Awards
Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver 2010 - Regional and Miscellaneous
North East England Sustainable Tourism Award Bronze 2008 - Visit Britain Code of Practice 2010
- Regional and Miscellaneous
Tourism Awards 2009 - Gold 2009
Opening Times
| 01/04/2009 - 31/10/2010 |
| Day | Times |
| Monday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| BankHoliday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| 01/11/2009 - 31/03/2010 |
| Day | Times |
| Monday | 09:30 | 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:30 | 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:30 | 16:00 |
| Thursday | 09:30 | 16:00 |
| Friday | 09:30 | 16:00 |
| Saturday | 09:30 | 16:00 |
| Sunday | 09:30 | 16:00 |
| BankHoliday | 09:30 | 16:00 |
| 01/04/2010 - 31/10/2010 |
| Day | Times |
| 01/11/2010 - 31/03/2011 |
| Day | Times |
Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|
| Adult | £7.95 per ticket type |
| Child | £4.00 per ticket type |
| Family | £21.70 per ticket type |
| under 4's | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Road Directions
The centre is east of Washington town centre in Pattinson (formerly District 15) 4 miles from the A1(M), one mile from the A19 and signposted off the A195, A19, A182 and A1231 Washington Highway. Follow brown signs with duck logo.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest station is Washington Galleries bus station. Regular buses direct to the centre (at Waterview Park). Contact Go North East on 0845 60 60 260 for details.
By bike: River Wear trail passes the centre, as does the C2C cycle route. Cycle racks provided.
Facilities
Provider Features
- Outdoor Attraction - 45 hecatre site with Sir Peter Scott Visitor Centre incorporating a gift shop, waterside cafe, Discovery Centre, accessible toilet facilities and baby changing room.
Accessibility
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp / Level Access - The centre has level access and hard-surfaced paths with tarmac on its main routes (and compacted gravel on minor paths).
Some bird hides are suitable for wheelchairs.
Free wheelchair hire, including four electric wheelchairs (which are not in use during wet weather for health and safety reasons).
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking - Free car parking on site. Tarmac surface and reserved bays for disabled visitors.
- Parking (free)
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant - Waterside Cafe serves up tasty, home-made food 364 days a year and is open free to the public (not including admission to grounds). Full catering facilities available for group bookings. Bbqs in summer and sun terrace open all year round.
- Picnic Site - Please ask a member of staff for details of our many lovely picnic spots.
Payment Methods
- Approx length of visit - Allow three hours for an average visit.
- Blue Badge Guides admitted free - Please contact Leanne McCormella on 0191 419 5934 or leanne.mccormella@wwt.org.uk
- Delta accepted
- Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.Pre-booking is essential.
- Maestro accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Max group size - 999
- Min group size - 12
- Special group rates - Special group rates for 12+ people, along with other benefits.
- TIC Staff Admitted Free - Please contact Leanne McCormella on 0191 419 5934 or leanne.mccormella@wwt.org.uk
- Visa accepted
Provider Facilities
- Conference facilities - Washington Wetland Centre's facilities are available for hire and can be adapted to suit any occasion - from birthday parties and discos to training sessions or AGMs.
For corporate customers, the Discovery Centre makes a refreshing alternative to the traditional boardroom environment. It sits 50 people and is licensed for up to 200. Facilities such as a laptop and pull down screen for presentations, plus an OHP and flip chart board, are available.
Call the centre for details and booking.
- Event Venue - Washington Wetland Centre's facilities are available for hire and can be adapted to suit any occasion - from birthday parties and discos to training sessions or AGMs.
For corporate customers, the Discovery Centre makes a refreshing alternative to the traditional boardroom environment. It sits 50 people and is licensed for up to 200. Facilities such as a laptop and pull down screen for presentations, plus an OHP and flip chart board, are available.
Whatever the occasion, Waterside Café provides professional in-house catering and offers a selection of delicious menus, ranging from light snacks and refreshments to three-course meals with table service.
A new children's birthday party package will be launching in 2010.
Contact the centre for details and booking.
- Toilets - Plus accessible toilet and baby changing facilities.
Target Markets
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted - Contact the centre for details of our exciting, award-winning, educational programmes.
- Guided Tours Available for Groups - Please contact the centre in advance to arrange.