This area of the website is for independent group visits. If you are a school group please click here.
What is there for groups?
WWT 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 who want a taste of the great outdoors can buy a Walkabout Guide from reception (£2.50), featuring details of various walks. Everything from an easy stroll around the internal pathways to a ramble through our wildflower meadows or ancient woodland is mapped out.
Close Encounters feeding area brings people nose to beak with some of the most exotic waterbirds on earth, many of which will eat corn from an outstretched hand.
Hawthorn Wood Hide has spectacular views of colourful bullfinch, great-spotted woodpecker and nuthatch, which flit happily between shady tree branches at the feeding station.
While out on the wildlife reserve there are four hides overlooking Wader Lake and every season brings new visitors; including the region's largest nesting colony of grey herons, breeding avocets and flocks of roosting curlew 500-strong.
We 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. Group catering for all occasions is available.
Guided group tours are offered (subject to availability and booking essential).
Group admission prices 2010
Free to WWT members
Discounted rates apply to groups of twelve or more (pre-booking essential).
Adult £6.75
Adult concession (65 years+, f/t students, unemployed) £5.00
Child £3.45
Benefits for groups
- Reduced entry prices for groups of 12 or more
- Guided tour available, tailored to your groups’ requirements (please enquire when booking)
- Free pre-visit for group leader available on request
- Free coach parking
- Free voucher for coach drivers to spend in the café
Reasons to visit
- Unforgettable wildlife encounters
- 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 tasty selection of hot and cold food (some locally-sourced or grown on site), delicious snacks, tempting desserts and a variety of drinks.
Its covered sun terrace has unrivalled views across the wetlands up to the region's famous Penshaw Monument. The stream habitat outside the cafe windows is home to our spectacular eurasian cranes; which strut and preen alongside a fantastic flock of barnacle geese, goldeneye, wigeon, grey wagtail and a hunting sparrowhawk.
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!
Sample menu (Word doc)
Click here for venue hire and parties.
Accessibility
Click here for details of accessibility at Washington Wetland Centre.
Making a booking
For a group visit booking and details about guided tours, contact the centre on 0191 416 5454 or info.washington@wwt.org.uk or Joanne Newbury on 0191 419 5933 or joanne.newbury@wwt.org.uk.
For catering information, contact Gill Pipes on 0191 419 5935 or gill.pipes@wwt.org.uk.
Alternatively, email info.washington@wwt.org.uk for further information.