An unmissable event for all the family this October half term
Wondrous wetland creatures will light up the night on a Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at WWT Slimbridge. Encounter larger-than-life birds, luminous bugs, and interactive bat puppets.
As the sun sets, get ready to experience nature in a whole new light.
Dates and times
Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October 2025
Friday 24 October – Saturday 1 November 2025 (Half term)
From 5.30pm – 7.30pm, with time slots every 15 minutes
Get your early bird tickets
Tickets booked before 1 September are just £10.95 (after this tickets are £12.95)
This Halloween, escape the ghouls and goblins and experience a wildlife-packed lantern trail that will leave big and little nature fans spellbound. For those who love the super natural but not the spook, the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience is a magical must-do this October half term.
Get your early bird tickets
Tickets booked before 1 September are just £10.95 (after this tickets are £12.95).
Walk through our spellbinding spiders web and swoop through the glowing firefly tunnel.
Keep your eyes peeled for our NEW light-up lanterns and, get creative as you make your own lantern*.
Spot enormous insects glowing in the dark, luminous owls hunting for mystical mice and a larger-than-life kingfisher.
Interact with bat puppets hovering around to meet you. And, meet our experts who’ll help you track down these elusive creatures in the wild, with a bat detector!
Meet the friendly marsh witch and cast your own wish for nature in her magical cauldron.
And that’s not all… Fuel your magical night with themed street food at the Kingfisher Kitchen (served until 8pm) and toasting marshmallows on the firepit*.
* Additional charges: Lantern making £3.50 and marshmallow toasting £3.50
Twilight SEN sessions
We are running SEN sessions during twilight hours. These slots are open to all visitors and especially those who benefit from a less intense sensory experience. During these sessions the lighting is softer, the music is quieter and the actors (interactive bat puppeteers and the marsh witch) will adopt a gentler approach.
Available: 17-18 and 24 October at 5.30pm and 5.45pm.
Our enchanting super natural lanterns are made by The Lantern Company, whose small team of artists hand make and paint these spellbinding natural artworks. Inspired by real life wetland wildlife, the team closely study natural forms and translate the tiny into the terrific, transforming wings, scales and fur into beautiful light sculptures.
Get your early bird tickets
Tickets booked before 1 September are just £10.95 (after this tickets are £12.95).
There are plenty of super natural goings on at WWT Slimbridge during the day too, from willow wand and potion mixing to super natural science shows. Got a little more time to spare? Make the most of the daytime activities and get entry to the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience with a half day ticket from 2pm. Just choose this option when you book online.
Leave the M5 and leap into the super natural
The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at WWT Slimbridge is just 25 minutes’ drive from the M5 junction 13 and 14, with a large, free car park. We’re just a few miles from Cam & Dursley Rail station too.
30 minutes from Gloucester
40 minutes from Bristol
50 minutes from Newport
Useful information
What is the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at WWT Slimbridge?
Following the success of last year’s event, the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at WWT Slimbridge this October features dazzling NEW additions—including luminous, larger-than-life lanterns. Wander a magical trail where glowing wetland creatures, oversized birds, radiant bugs, and playful bat puppets bring nature to life in spellbinding style for all ages.
Is there an age range, will it be too scary for my toddler?
The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience will be suitable for the whole family and is ideal for those who love the super natural but not the spook.
Is this suitable for adults as well as families?
Yes, the experience is enjoyable for adults as well as families.
What areas of the wetland centre will be open?
The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience will start from the cinema in Toad Hall and will take you out through the doors from Toad Hall, around Swan Lake, via Sir Peter’s Scott’s bust, the Pond Zone and the new Estuary Shoreline and then back to the restaurant. The gift shop will also be open until 9pm.
Can my little witches and wizards wear their favourite Halloween costume?
Absolutely! We encourage visitors of all ages to join in the fun by wearing their favourite Halloween costumes. Whether you're a witch, a superhero, or something totally unique, we can't wait to see your costumes. Don’t forget to tag us in your selfies @wwtslimbridge. Our wetland footpaths are best explored with outdoor footwear and clothes.
Pre-booking is required, with limited slots every 15 minutes (subject to availability). Choose your preferred time when booking. For daytime entry from 2pm, select the ‘Mystical Marsh Lantern Trail + 2pm admission’ ticket at check out. SEN sessions can also be booked.
How much is the experience?
Early bird offer - save £2 per ticket when you book by 1 September.
Standard early bird: £10.95 (same for adults & children)
+2pm Admission: Adult £20.45 | Child £17.45
After 1 September
Standard ticket: £12.95
+2pm Admission: Adult £22.45 | Child £19.45
Under-3s and carers (with paying guests) go free.
Is the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience included in my day ticket price?
If you would like to visit WWT Slimbridge during the daytime, as well as attend the Mystical Marsh Lantern experience, we have a special ticket available. Just make sure to select the ‘Mystical Marsh Lantern trail + 2pm admission’ ticket at check out.
How will I receive tickets?
Tickets will be emailed to you after purchasing. Please keep these safe as you will need to show these on arrival.
Do I need to pay for additional activities?
Your ticket includes full access to the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience. Optional activities—lantern making and marshmallow toasting—are £3.50 each and can be purchased on-site at admissions or the Welly Boot Land kiosk.
I’m a WWT member, will I get discounted tickets?
No, the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience is a separate charge as this is an external event.
Who should I contact if I need to amend my booking?
For any ticket enquiries relating to this event, email events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk or call 01453 891900 (Monday-Friday). While we will assist where we can, we expect this event to be popular and may not be able to offer an alternative date or time.
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, at least 7 days’ notice must be given for us to transfer you to an equivalent event.
What dates is the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at WWT Slimbridge available?
The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at WWT Slimbridge will take place on Friday 17 & Saturday 18 October 2025 and half term: Friday 24 October – Saturday 1 November.
What times does the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience open and close?
The event runs from 5:30–7:30pm, with 15-minute booking slots available. You’ll choose a time when selecting your date. The restaurant stays open until 8pm, and the site closes by 9pm.
When should I arrive?
As our lantern experience is popular, please arrive at least 10 minutes early for your time slot. If your ticket includes 2pm admission, you're welcome at WWT Slimbridge from 2pm onwards.
Can we arrive earlier than the timeslot we have booked?
If you're in early, enjoy fresh street food from 5:30pm at the Kingfisher Kitchen. With a 2pm admission ticket, you can explore the wetland centre before your time slot.
Will the event be cancelled if the weather is really bad?
Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing to enjoy the experience—even in bad weather. In extreme conditions, parts of the event may close or be cancelled. If that happens, we’ll contact you via email.
Is the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at WWT Slimbridge accessible?
All event areas are wheelchair accessible with level grounds, tarmac paths, gravel trails, and boardwalks over marshy sections. Ramps lead to reception and the main site. A Changing Places facility is available near the Visitor Centre and Restaurant. Carers assisting disabled visitors qualify for a free ticket (bookable online). Find out more about accessibility at WWT Slimbridge. Twilight sessions cater to those who prefer a gentler sensory experience with dimmed lighting, soft music, and toned-down performances (including bat puppeteers and the marsh witch). Dates: 17, 18 & 24 October at 5:30pm and 5:45pm.
Will there be toilet and baby changing facilities?
Baby changing facilities are located throughout the centre and near the Kingfisher Kitchen. The Visitor Centre offers toilets, plus three wheelchair-accessible ones with wide doors, spacious interiors, help cords, and handrails. A fully equipped Changing Places facility is available just outside the Visitor Centre.
Will the restaurant be open during the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience?
Yes, the restaurant and Welly Boot Land kiosk will be open until 8pm and will be serving street food. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options will be available.
Are the marshmallows used for marshmallow toasting vegan?
Unfortunately not. But, we will have other vegan food options available at Kingfisher Kitchen.
What is the best way to get to WWT Slimbridge for the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience?
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.
Get your early bird tickets
Tickets booked before 1 September are just £10.95 (after this tickets are £12.95).
