Evening with the Swans

As dusk falls over the Rushy Lake, experience the beautiful sight and soundscape of hundreds of wild swans, illuminated under soft floodlights. Then warm up with a delicious two-course meal in our Kingfisher Kitchen.

Each winter, Slimbridge becomes a sanctuary for rare migratory visitors - including the enchanting Bewick’s swans, fresh from their epic journey from Arctic Russia. It’s a truly unforgettable evening for wildlife lovers and nature seekers alike.

Dates: Fridays and Saturdays from 2 January to 7 February 2026

Time: 4.30pm - 8.30pm

Meeting Point: Swan Café (behind Admissions in the Visitor Centre)

Price: £44.95 per person

An unforgettable evening with the swans

Start your night with a glass of Buck’s Fizz and tasty canapés in the Swan Café, while watching Flight of the Swans - a short film that sets the scene for the magic to come.

You’ll then be guided to the Peng Observatory for a floodlit wild bird feed, where our expert Reserve Wardens share the incredible migration stories of Slimbridge’s winter visitors.

Then head to the Kingfisher Kitchen to enjoy a delicious two-course meal, freshly prepared to warm you up after the spectacle.

Meal choices are selected during booking, so be sure to check out the Evening with the Swans 2026 Menu below before you reserve your spot.

A beautiful way to kick off the year with friends, family, and nature.

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Evening with the Swans Menu

Welcome Drinks and Canapés

Bucks Fizz
Classic cocktail of sparkling prosecco and orange juice (alcohol free options available)

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
MSC certified smoked salmon served with cucumber upon a lemon infused cream cheese and toasted ciabatta croûte

Muhammara and Polenta
Smoky roasted red pepper and walnut purée garnished with herbs, pomegranate and salted white bean upon a crispy polenta base (Vegan)

Mains

Freshly baked bread rolls and butter
Served on tables before main courses

Coq au Vin
Traditional French style braised chicken in a rich reduced red wine sauce with fried mushrooms and onions. Served with roasted seasonal vegetables and a choice of dauphinoise or roasted potatoes (Gluten Free)

Cambodian Amok Trei
Lightly spiced, aromatic coconut fish curry served with steamed white rice and a crisp Cambodian style salad (Gluten Free)

Beetroot Wellington
Earthy beetroot wrapped in layers of savoury mushroom duxelles, herb crêpe, and crisp puff pastry. Served with a mulled wine gravy, seasonal vegetables and a choice of dauphinoise or roasted potatoes (Vegan)

Desserts

Dark Chocolate Fondant
Warm chocolate pudding with a molten core served with vanilla clotted cream ice cream

Lemon Posset
Creamy and zesty lemon pudding with warming spiced fruits and a homemade shortbread finger (Gluten Free option available on request)

Slimbridge Fruit Crumble
Locally picked fruit, stewed and lightly spiced, topped with a crunchy, oaty crumb and served with custard or plant-based ice cream (Gluten Free, Vegan with ice cream)

Evening with the Swans FAQs

The event

What is Evening with the Swans?

It’s a magical after-hours experience that begins with Buck’s Fizz and tasty canapés, followed by a floodlit wild bird feed, complete with live commentary from our expert wardens. Then, guests enjoy a delicious two-course meal in the Kingfisher Kitchen - making for a truly memorable evening surrounded by nature.

Where does the event take place?

The evening starts in the Visitor Centre at admissions, before we head to our heated Peng Observatory (located next to the Kingfisher Kitchen) for the floodlit wild bird feed. After the feed, guests enjoy a two-course meal in the Kingfisher Kitchen.

Where do I go when I arrive?

Please meet at the Swan Café (upstairs behind Admissions) at 4.30pm for canapés and Buck’s Fizz (non-alcoholic options available). If you're visiting just for the event, enter via admissions at 4.30pm and show your ticket at admissions. Day visitors should note that standard admission charges apply before the event begins. If you think you’re going to be late, please do let us know if you can, so that we can do our best to accommodate you. Please email events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk or call 01453 891900 (Mon–Fri, 9.30am–5pm).

Should I wear warm clothes for the event?

The Peng Observatory and Kingfisher Kitchen are both heated, so you’ll be comfortable indoors. However, we recommend wearing warm layers and suitable footwear for the short walk between the car park, observatory, and café - especially on chilly evenings.

Is this event suitable for children?

Evening with the Swans is designed with adults in mind, but older children (12+) who are keen on nature and wild birds may enjoy the experience. Please note, we don’t offer a separate children’s menu. If you’re planning to bring anyone under 18, we recommend contacting us in advance.

Tickets and prices

How do I book tickets?

You can book your tickets for Evening with the Swans here. Payment must be made at the time of booking.

Do I need to pre-book my tickets?

Yes. Pre-booking I required, with limited tickets available.

How much are tickets?

Evening with the Swans tickets (including canapes and Bucks Fizz on arrival, commentated swan feed, and sit-down two course meal) cost £44.95 per person.

How will I receive my tickets?
Tickets will be emailed to you after purchasing. Please keep these safe as you will need to show these on arrival.

What does my Evening with the Swans ticket include?

Your ticket covers the full evening experience: canapés and Buck’s Fizz on arrival, a floodlit wild bird feed with live commentary, and a delicious two-course meal in the Kingfisher Kitchen.

If you’d like to explore Slimbridge Wetland Centre during the day, standard admission charges apply and must be booked separately.

Can I book for a group?

Absolutely! If you're planning to come with a group of 12 or more, just drop us an email at events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk and we’ll help arrange your visit.

Who should I contact if I need to amend my booking?
For changes or enquiries, email events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk or call 01453 891900 (Mon–Fri, 9.30am–5pm).

What is your cancellation policy?
Tickets are non-refundable. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend an event on the date you have booked and you would like to move to a different date, at least 7 days’ notice must be given. We will do our best to accommodate changes, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

WWT Slimbridge reserves the right to cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances, including low numbers or inclement weather etc. In these instances we would contact you at the earliest opportunity and you would be offered the choice of a space on an equivalent event (where available) or a full refund. We recommend supplying us with more than one contact detail, specifically a mobile number, so that we are able to contact you if necessary.

Dates and times

When is it?

Evening with the Swans events is running on

2026: January 2^nd, 3^rd, 9^th, 10^th, 16^th, 17^th, 23^rd, 24^th, 30^th, 31^st

2026: February 6^th, 7^th

What time does the event start and end?

We ask visitors to arrive for a 4.30pm start, the event will run until approximately 8.30pm.

Accessibility

Is the Evening with the Swans event at WWT Slimbridge accessible?

Yes, the event is wheelchair accessible with level paths, ramp access, and a Changing Places facility near the Visitor Centre. We have a portable hearing loop available for the commentary.

There is a space during the booking process to detail any additional needs e.g. if you are bringing or require a wheelchair or mobility scooter, but please get in touch if you would like to discuss anything before your visit. Email us at events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk or call 01453 891900 (Monday–Friday, 9.30am – 5pm).

Find out more about accessibility at Slimbridge.

Will there be toilet facilities?

Yes. There are toilets just outside the Peng Observatory, and in the main visitor centre near the Kingfisher Kitchen there is male, female, and wheelchair-accessible toilets, plus a fully equipped Changing Places facility just outside.

Food and drink

Are vegan or gluten-free options available?

Yes, there are vegan options and gluten free options for every course including canapés and dessert.

I have dietary requirements - what should I do?

We aim to cater for a range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common allergies or intolerances. Please let us know your requirements when completing the online booking form, or contact our events team on 01453 891900 (Monday–Friday) to discuss them. We’re proud to serve sustainably sourced food and drink - from MSC-certified fish and Fairtrade tea and coffee, to Red Tractor meat and milk, and free-range eggs. Supporting great local produce matters to us.

Is it table service?

Yes - our catering team will serve you at your table throughout the evening, so you can sit back and relax.

Directions and parking

What is the best way to get to WWT Slimbridge for Evening with the Swans?
You can find all the directions and options for getting to the wetland centre here.

Do I have to pay for parking?
We have a large free car park, which includes 17 designated disabled spaces.

Terms and conditions

Your ticket is for our Evenings with the Swans event only. If you plan to spend time at the centre in the day, you will need to purchase entry to Slimbridge Wetland Centre separately. Payment must be made at the time of booking.

All tickets are non-refundable and can only be redeemed on the date specified in your booking.

Please arrive at admissions at 4.30pm for the event. If you’re able to contact us to let us know that you will be late, please do so, so that we can do our best to accommodate you.

WWT Slimbridge reserves the right to cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances, including low numbers or inclement weather etc. In these instances we would contact you at the earliest opportunity and you would be offered the choice of a space on an equivalent event (where available) or a full refund.

We recommend supplying us with more than one contact detail, specifically a mobile number, so that we are able to contact you if necessary.

Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. All activities will be undercover with a short walk from the car park and from the Kingfisher Kitchen and Peng Observatory.

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