share this

 

Visitor Information

Google Map Do Not Delete

2012 admission prices

Prices are shown inclusive of Gift Aid and without. The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation, which enables us to claim the tax back as part of the Government's Gift Aid scheme. Further information on Gift Aid click here.
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

How to find us

Martin Mere Wetland Centre is located six miles from Ormskirk and 10 miles from Southport. It is easily accessible by public and private transport.

WWT Martin Mere is now offering a scheme where visitors who travel to the Centre without a car can receive discount entry on admission.

The reduced admission prices are:

Adult: £8.50
Child: £4.40
Concession: £6.60

By car

Situated off the A59, the Centre is signposted from junction 8 on the M61, junction 3 on the M58 and junction 27 on the M6. It is free to park at the Centre.

By rail

There are three railway stations in close proximity to Martin Mere: Burscough Bridge Interchange (on the Southport - Manchester line) is approximately two miles,  New Lane (on the Southport – Manchester line) is approximately 0.8 miles and Burscough Junction (on the Liverpool to Preston line via Ormskirk) is approximately three miles. 

Visit: http://www.traveline-northwest.co.uk for details of North West timetables and journey planner.

By foot

Martin Mere has created a new trail from Burscough Bridge Interchange. The well signposted two mile trail is along local footpaths and includes walking over agricultural land so may not be suitable for prams. It is also advised to wear good walking boots. The trail begins from behind the Manchester platform at Burscough Bridge Interchange and incorporates local tea rooms and the new Martin Mere reedbed walk. The signs are made out of recycled plastic. Please be aware that at certain times of the year, summer in particular, the footpath can become overgrown in certain places and it is advised to call the Centre prior to walking it at this time of year.  If the path at the station is overgrown you can use an alternative route: Walk down the side of the house on the platform and turn left onto the road, turning left down Moss Nook Road. At the top of Moss Nook Road you walk straight ahead onto the public footpath and you will pick up the fingerposts to Martin Mere.

If there is an issue with the signage on this walk please call Martin Mere on 01704 891220

If there is an issue with the footpath i.e. overgrown or litter, please call Burscough Parish Council on 01704 894914

Click here for information on the Countryside Code

Hire a bike

The Martin Mere Wetland Centre welcomes cyclists as an environmentally friendly and pleasant way to arrive at the centre. 

Jack Parker Cycles, in partnership with Martin Mere, now offer cycle hire from the Burscough shop. The hire fleet consist’s of a selection of gent’s, ladies, boys & girls junior bikes all fitted with puncture proof tires, also child seats & tag along bikes are available. All persons hiring will be supplied with helmets, locks and a map of area.

The costs to hire are £8.00 per bike and £4.00 for child seats and tags. All bikes must be booked in advance by telephone on 01704 892442 or by calling into the shop at 62 - 64 Liverpool Road North, Burscough L40 4BY

The Centre is situated on two cycle routes in West Lancashire: the New Lane Circuit (approximately 23.5 miles) and A Grand Tour of West Lancashire (approximately 37.8 miles).  Details of the routes can be found at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/cycling/pdf/West%20lancs.pdf

Follow this link to the Sustrans National Cycle Network website for a location map and details of local cycle routes.

By coach

The centre has parking facilities for large coaches. Parking is free for coaches bringing visitors to the centre.

By air

Manchester Airport is just an hour drive from the Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Manchester Airport Train Station is on the Southport to Manchester train line, providing a direct route to New Lane Train Station, 0.8 miles from the Centre.

Opening times

Open 7 days a week, except 25 December

Winter (Monday 27 October to February)
9.30am to 5.00pm

Early Closing on 24 December (last admission 2pm)

Summer (March to Monday 27 October)
9.30am to 5.30pm 

Facilities

Eating

The brand new Mere Side cafe offers a delicious selection of hot and cold food, a variety of coffees and chilled drinks, and tempting home-made cakes. From healthy vegetarian salads to hearty meat dishes, all can be enjoyed overlooking the beautiful wetlands.

Small Breakfast menu available from 10am -11.30am. Hot food served from 11.45am - 2.30pm.

Shopping

The gift shop stocks a wide range of wildlife books, outdoor clothing, bird feeders/boxes, postcards and stationary, children’s gifts and souvenirs of your visit to the centre, including a unique range of products featuring the artwork of WWT founder Sir Peter Scott.

There is also an In Focus optics shop at the centre selling everything you will ever need to watch wildlife – from budget binoculars starting at around £15 to deluxe telescopes at over £1000. In Focus is the ideal place to get honest, friendly advice about buying your first pair of binoculars and test them in what must be the best location anywhere in the North West of England.

Terms of entry

Visitors are asked to respect the habitats and wildlife of Martin Mere Wetland Centre by keeping to the paths at all times and not causing undue noise. It is especially important to remain quiet in the bird viewing hides.

Photography is permitted on site providing it is for personal use only. All commercial/stock library photography must be agreed in advance with the centre and a photography permission form must be completed prior to the visit. Email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk to request the form.

No pets are permitted on site, other than trained assistance dogs (i.e. guide dogs) as their presence will distress the captive waterfowl collection

Accessibility

• The centre has level access and hard-surfaced paths with tarmac on main routes (and compacted gravel on minor paths)
• All hides are accessible to wheelchairs
• Low-level viewing windows and level access to ground floor bird hides.
• Free wheelchair loan
• Trained assistance dogs only (i.e. Guide dogs). No other dogs or pets permitted
• Accessible toilets in car-park and throughout the visitor centre
• Free car parking on site. Tarmac surface and reserved bays for disabled visitors