This area of the website is for independent group visits. If you are a school group please click here.
What is there for groups?
Washington Wetland Centre provides the perfect destination for groups - from keen wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, to those looking for a relaxing day out or a place to stop for a quick break en route elsewhere.
Visitors wanting a taste of the great outdoors can buy a Walkabout Guide from reception, featuring details of various walks. Everything from an easy stroll around the internal pathways to a ramble through our meadows or woodland is mapped out.
Down at the wildlife reserve, there are four hides overlooking Wader Lake and there is always something to see throughout the changing seasons.
We also have a visitor centre with WWT gift shop and Waterside Café, which has a sun terrace, bbq area for the warmer months and unrivalled views across the wetlands to Penshaw Monument.
Free guided group tours are offered (subject to availability and booking essential).
Group admission prices
Free to WWT members
The following discounted rates apply to groups of twelve or more:
Adult: £5.90
Concession: £4.40 (over 65 years, full-time students, unemployed)
Child: £3.00 (4-16 years)
Benefits for groups
- Reduced entry prices for groups of 12 or more
- Free guided tour available, tailored to your groups’ requirements
- Free pre-visit available on request
- Free coach parking
- Free voucher worth £2 for coach/bus drivers to spend in the café or shop
Reasons to visit
- Close views of wildlife and wetlands
- Beautiful walks in stunning surroundings
- Exciting programme of regular events throughout the year
- Educational activities
- Excellent homemade food, including catering for special lunches or events
- Five minutes’ drive from the A1(M), ideal for a quick stopover
Eating
Waterside Café serves up a hearty selection of hot and cold food (some locally-sourced or grown on site), tasty snacks, tempting desserts and a variety of drinks – including WWT Two Swans beer. Its sun terrace has unrivalled views across the wetlands and a barbecue area for al fresco cooking in finer weather.
Group bookings for buffets, barbecues and meals are taken. Special seasonal events such as Christmas dinner sell out fast so early booking is highly recommended.
Click here for venue hire.
Accessibility
Click here for details of accessibility at Washington Wetland Centre.
Making a booking
For group bookings only, contact the centre on 0191 416 5454 or Jane Ramshaw on 0191 419 5933.
For a group booking with catering included, call Gill Pipes or Allison Torrence on 0191 419 5935 for menus, prices and availability.
Alternatively, email info.washington@wwt.org.uk for further information.