Europe’s Longest Stepping Stones to Open at WWT Martin Mere This Summer
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, home to fascinating wetland wildlife such as flamingos and otters, is delighted to unveil an exciting new attraction set to open this summer.
The centre, based in West Lancashire, is opening what is believed to be the longest stretch of continuous stepping stones in Europe (possibly even the world!).
Currently under development, the stepping stones will span an approximate 67 metres across one of the centre’s lakes, offering visitors a unique and immersive way to connect with wetland nature.
Beginning at the end of the recently introduced sunken walkway, the stepping stones will guide guests on a journey across the water.
The new attraction forms part of Martin Mere’s ‘Wet Meadow and Self-Guided Bug Hunting’ area, an interactive space set within a natural environment which opened in summer 2025.
Families can already explore winding paths through vibrant wildflower meadows, swish through the sunken walkway, and pick up identification charts to discover the rich variety of miniature wildlife hiding among logs, plants, and purpose-built pond.
The stepping stones aim to elevate this experience further, allowing visitors to see the wetland from a fresh and exciting perspective.
Works have already begun with the pathway in place, and the first stepping stones being placed down. After this is all complete, the water levels will be raised so that all but the stepping stones is submerged under the water.
Nick Brooks, Centre Manager at WWT Martin Mere, commented:
“Families have been coming for generations to walk along our existing stepping stones by our Chilean flamingos. We’ve seen how many people use the stones and take their photos. Now, we want to make this experience even better by creating a new set of what we believe are the longest stepping stones in Europe.”
“We’ve been continuously delivering exciting developments to offer new ways for people to enjoy our wetlands, including our newly introduced wet play area, so that families can have hours of fun at Martin Mere. This new development of stepping stones will be a truly memorable way to explore our wetlands and we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying it.”
Set to become a standout feature of the centre, the stepping stones are expected to attract visitors from across the region and beyond, offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience and included as part of visitor's admission tickets or WWT membership.
The attraction will launch in time for the centre’s Dragonfly Festival this summer, offering a line-up of fun family activities such as outdoor competitive games, science shows, and dragonfly discos.
Further details, including an official opening date, will be announced soon. Keep an eye on the WWT Martin Mere website for more information.
