Explore our haven for wetland wildlife with its paved, buggy friendly pathways and sturdy non-slip boardwalks weaving through exhibits and wild areas bursting with wetland nature.

Family following the Quentin Blake Drawn to Water trail

Book a boat safari at the admission desk when you arrive to receive a boarding time. The wetlands are amazing when experienced from the water!

Also, pick up a seasonal Drawn to Water Trail in the visitor centre and explore the site through the eyes of the UK’s favourite illustrator. It’s full of suggestions on ways to experience our wetlands and has a collectable bookmark!

family dressed in winter clothing on a boat at WWT Arundel

Then start by saying hello to our huge Dalmatian Pelicans - Storm, Valkyrie, Nebula and Rogue - at Pelican Cove - meet their keepers at the free talk each day at 2pm. Then dip into the Discovery hide to look for kingfishers on the perches beside the nesting bank!

Dalmatian pelican talk at Pelican Cove

Venture into the Lakes and Forest exhibit see the friendly nene geese and count the white headed ducks on the Reedswamp pond (they have blue beaks!) Visit the bird feeders in the shady Woodland Loop. How many birds can you spot? Can you hear birds singing in the trees?

Wander the reedbed boardwalk and stop in the Reed Chamber shelter to listen for the squeal of water rails and the reeds whispering in the wind. When you emerge from the reedbed follow the arrows to view nature in the round inside the Reedbed Willow Sphere! Challenge your children to find all five wetland animals that are woven into walls of the sphere and enjoy views across the reedbeds to Arundel Castle. Can you find other secret spots around the reserve like the hidden glade in the Wildlife Garden and the willow arbour at the end of the Tranquil Trail?

Willow dragonfly sculpture at WWT Arundel

Further on you’ll find the jetty to board your pre-booked boat safari, the picnic area and the Outlook In building with drop-in, artful activities running some weekends and holidays. The Raised Pond is nearby, with dipping sessions for families on weekends until Nov 4, this is a great spot for visiting families to picnic.

Finish with a scramble on the Pond Skater play area. Enjoy a takeaway hot drink from our Water’s Edge Café while you watch your youngsters.

There are lots of spaces nearby for a family picnics with the Water’s Edge café open 10am-4pm every day in the visitor centre for children’s lunch box specials and hot meals for those with larger appetites.