Dragonfly festival At Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Dragonfly Festival FAQs

Tickets

Is the festival included in the price of my WWT Martin Mere entry ticket?

Yes! The festival is free with your entry ticket to WWT Martin Mere with lots of daily activities included. There’s some activities including family favourites like our canoe safari, boat tour, and crafts that can be enjoyed for an additional cost and these can be pre-booked before your visit.. We’ve got a handy guide here to help plan your day out this summer holiday.

Do I need to book my ticket and how do I book?

For the best value tickets, festival visitors can book online. Or you can turn up and pay on the day. Some activities including our canoe safari and boat tour can be pre-booked before your visit to secure your ultimate memory-making moment. We’ve got a handy guide here to help plan your day out this summer holiday.

Is the festival included with my WWT membership?

Yes! The festival is free with your WWT Martin Mere with lots of daily activities included. There’s some activities including family favourites like our canoe safari, boat tour, and crafts that can be enjoyed for an additional cost and these can be pre-booked before your visit. We’ve got a handy guide here to help plan your day out this summer holiday.

Dates and opening times

Are there activities on every day, or just on specific dates?

There is a festival line-up of activities and events that you can enjoy daily, throughout the summer (from 21 June – 22 September). Family favourites like our canoe safari and pond dipping are available during the school summer holidays and for those looking for something a bit different. We’ve got a handy guide here to help plan your day out this summer holiday.

What times does the festival run each day?

The festival runs during WWT Martin Mere opening times 9.30am – 6pm (last entry at 5pm). Some experiences and events run at set times / dates within our opening times. We’ve got a handy guide here to help plan your day out this summer holiday. Find out more about our opening times. Some experiences and events run at set times / dates within our opening times.

Will the festival still go ahead if the weather is bad?

On a sunny or a soggy day, WWT Martin Mere is the perfect place, with something for everyone to enjoy. Find out more about things to do come rain or shine here. If we have extreme weather, we may need to close certain elements of the experience including the canoe safari area. Please check our Facebook page or call us on 01704 895181 on the day you intend to visit to ensure you are not disappointed.

Family

What family-friendly facilities do you have at WWT Martin Mere?

Our festival is great for families looking to make special memories this summer. From family pond dipping and adventure play, to creative workshops and family-friendly trails, there’s fun for all ages. Enjoying a visit to our wetlands is easy for families with free parking, accessible (buggy and wheelchair-friendly) paths. Our visitor centre has a café with high chairs, a shop, changing facilities, and everything needed for a great family day out, whatever the weather.

Is the festival just for kids?

Our festival line-up has been designed with all ages in mind, with activities and events for everyone to enjoy. Festival goers, young and young-at-heart, are invited to come together and experience something a bit different. At the height of summer, during the school summer holidays and during weekends there will be more events and activities aimed at families.

Do I need to bring anything special?

For our water-based play area, we recommend you bring a change of clothes and towel for children. For little ones, we have changing facilities on site so you can also bring swimsuits and we ask that they wear swim nappies.

Accessibility

Is the festival accessible?

We want everyone to enjoy our Dragonfly Festival at WWT Martin Mere and have access to our wonderful wildlife-filled wetlands. Our site has free accessible car parking, accessible (buggy and wheelchair-friendly) paths, and a visitor centre with accessible toilets. Find out everything you need to help you plan your visit. Our friendly and welcoming team are on hand, should you have any questions before or during your visit.

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately we can't allow dogs or pets of any kind on site, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, as our wildlife may become distressed. Trained assistance dogs are welcome but must be kept on their lead and under control at all times. Please ensure any dog waste is removed. If any of our birds/animals behaviour is affected by the presence of your dog, we respectfully ask that you understand that we may have to ask you to move away from the area. Please do not leave your dog in your car whilst visiting.

Directions and parking

How do I get to WWT Martin Mere?

Visit our Directions page for ways to get to WWT Martin Mere.

What are the parking arrangements and I do have to pay for parking?

We have a large free car park, which includes 14 designated disabled spaces.

Food and drink

Will food and drink be available?

We have a selection of hot and cold food, snacks, drinks and ice cream available for you to buy to fuel your wetland adventure. Find out more here about our Mere Side Café and other options for light bites and drinks including kiosks. If you’d prefer you can also bring your own food to enjoy at the many picnic areas and seating around our wonderful wetlands. We just ask that you don’t bring any alcohol with you.

Get involved

How can I share my festival experience?

We hope you make special memories with us at our festival this summer. We’d love you to share your wetland adventures with us so we can see what fun our festival goers (young and young-at-heart) have had! Follow us and tag us in your pictures on social media Instagram and Facebook using @WWTMartinMere and add our hashtags:
#WWTDragonflyFestival
#WWTMartinMere

As this is our first-ever Dragonfly Festival, your opinion really matters to us. Look out for festival feedback opportunities on-site, where we’ll invite you to share your thoughts, ideas and feedback about your experience.

Where can I find out more about dragonflies?

Before or after your visit, we hope you are inspired to find out more about these fascinating creatures. We can help you become a dragonfly expert – let’s buzz through some fun facts, answer your burning questions, and help you start spotting and identifying dragonflies like a pro. Dive in.