If you’re looking for a fun day out in London, the Wetland Centre is definitely worth a visit. But one question that many people have is, “Is the London Wetland Centre free?”
The answer is no, it’s not free. However, there are some discounts available that can make it more affordable.
The standard adult admission fee for the Wetland Centre is £13.50. For children between the ages of 4 and 16, it’s £7.65.
Children under 4 get in for free. There are also discounts available for seniors and students with valid ID.
If you’re planning on visiting several times throughout the year, you may want to consider becoming a member of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). Membership gives you unlimited access to all nine WWT wetland centres across the UK, as well as a range of other benefits such as discounts at the gift shop and café.
There are also occasional special events at the Wetland Centre that may require an additional fee to attend. For example, during the Christmas season, they often have a Santa’s Grotto experience that costs extra.
Overall, while the London Wetland Centre isn’t free to visit, there are options available to make it more affordable such as discounted tickets and membership. And with its beautiful scenery and abundance of wildlife to see, it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.
How to Get There
Located in Barnes in southwest London, getting to the Wetland Centre is easy by public transport or car.
By Tube/Train: The nearest tube station is Hammersmith (District and Piccadilly Lines), from where you can catch a bus or take a taxi to reach the centre. Barnes Station (South West Trains) is also nearby – about 1 mile away – from where you can take a bus or walk to the centre.
By Bus: Several buses stop close to the Wetland Centre including 33, 72, 209, 283, and 419.
By Car: The Wetland Centre has a free car park for visitors. However, parking spaces are limited so arriving early is recommended.
Opening Hours
The London Wetland Centre is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm). It’s closed on Christmas Day.
What to Expect
The Wetland Centre is a beautiful nature reserve covering over 100 acres. It contains a range of habitats including lakes, ponds, reedbeds, and gardens. You can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife including birds (over 180 species have been spotted here), otters, water voles, and even bats.
There are several walking trails throughout the reserve that take you through different habitats. You can also join one of the daily guided tours led by knowledgeable staff members who will point out different species and share interesting facts about the wetlands.
In addition to the wildlife viewing opportunities, there’s also a café serving light snacks and hot drinks, as well as a gift shop selling souvenirs and books about wildlife and conservation.
Final Thoughts
While it’s not free to visit the London Wetland Centre, it’s still an affordable day out with plenty of discounts available. And with its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife to see, it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.