A cool day out in hot weather at wetlands
With a hot summer on the cards, wetlands are the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing day out.
With a hot summer on the cards, wetlands are the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing day out. From shady woodland walks to cool wildlife hides, Arundel Wetland Centre offers plenty of ways to stay comfortable while exploring nature. Here are our top tips for keeping cool during your visit.
Please note: if exceptionally high temperatures are forecast, we may adjust our opening hours or close earlier than usual to help protect the welfare of our staff, volunteers, visitors and wildlife. We recommend checking our website and social media channels before travelling on particularly hot days.
Start at the Hydration Station
Before setting off, fill up your reusable water bottle at the visitor centre. If you're bringing a reusable coffee cup, you'll also save 25p on hot drinks from Waters Edge Café. Looking for something more refreshing? Treat yourself to an iced Americano or iced latte before heading out to explore.
Pop into our Hides
Our wildlife hides aren't just great for spotting birds—they're ideal places to escape the heat too.
The Discovery Hide is a comfortable, family-friendly hide designed to help visitors of all ages begin their birdwatching journey. Positioned beside the Arun Riverlife Lagoon, it often benefits from cooling breezes coming off the water.
The Sand Martin Hide, built to resemble a natural sandbank, features thick rendered walls that help keep the interior pleasantly cool, even on warmer days. Bonus - its full of nesting sand martins to watch in summer!
Wander the Woodland Loop
The Woodland Loop boardwalk is one of the shadiest walks on the reserve, making it ideal for a hot day. Along the route you'll find a peaceful picnic area and Meadow Pond, home to both birds from the WWT collection and visiting wild Mandarin ducks.
Cool Down Among the Reedbeds
Towering reeds line the Reedbed Boardwalk, creating welcome pockets of shade along the route. Benches positioned throughout the reedbeds and woodland carr—a wet woodland habitat that forms a natural transition between reedbed and forest—offer plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the surroundings.
Stop at the Willow Sphere
On the central pathway through the site you'll find the striking Willow Sphere—a three-metre-wide sculpture woven from willow and hazel. Featuring representations of wetland wildlife, this beautiful structure sits beneath a canopy of trees where dappled sunlight filters through the branches.
With benches on either side and seating inside the sphere itself, it's the perfect place to stop, relax and soak up the atmosphere. (See the photo at the top.)
Discover the Power of Plants
Step inside the Wetland Secrets Plant House, a traditional thatched barn where thick walls and a natural thatched roof help keep temperatures several degrees cooler than outside.
Inside, you'll discover an impressive collection of wetland plants and learn about their fascinating traditional uses through the centuries.
Relax in the Wildlife Garden
The Wildlife Garden offers several shaded spots ideal for picnics, outdoor play and quiet moments in nature. Benches throughout the garden enjoy shade for much of the day, while two covered areas provide additional shelter from the sun.
Families can enjoy the shady willow den beside the main path, or explore Peter's Chair—a secluded grove tucked away among the trees at the far end of the garden.
Follow the Tranquil Trail
For a peaceful escape, take a stroll along the Tranquil Trail. The Ramsar and Lapwing Hides provide welcome shade and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along the way.
At the end of the trail you'll discover a charming woven willow arbour hidden among the greenery. Complete with a bench and surrounded by the sounds of wet grassland wildlife, it's a wonderful spot to sit quietly, listen to birdsong and watch for dragonflies from the waterways of Wetlands Discovery.
A Naturally Cooler Day Out
Whether you're looking for shady walks, cool indoor spaces, peaceful picnic spots or simply a chance to connect with nature, Arundel Wetland Centre offers plenty of ways to enjoy a summer's day—whatever the weather. So pack your water bottle, bring your binoculars and discover how wetlands can help you beat the heat.
Ready to visit?
Plan your day out at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre and book your admission tickets here.
