An unmissable event for all the family this autumn
Wondrous wetland creatures will light up the night on a Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at WWT Slimbridge. Encounter larger than life birds, mammals, fungi and luminous bugs.
As the sun sets, get ready to experience nature in a whole new light.
Dates and times
Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026
Friday 23 October - Sunday 1 November 2026 (Half term)
From 5.45pm - 7.30pm, with time slots every 15 minutes
Booked a later time slot? Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere - enjoy themed street food in the Kingfisher Kitchen or craft your own lantern* to light the way along the trail.
Get your early-bird tickets
Tickets booked before 1 September are just £12.95 (after this tickets are £14.95)
This October, escape the ghouls and goblins and experience a wildlife-packed lantern trail that will leave nature fans of all ages spellbound. The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience is a magical must-do.
Book your early-bird tickets
Early-bird tickets are £12.95. From 1 September tickets are £14.95. Under-3s and carers (with paying guests) go free. WWT members must also book and pay.
Meet our friendly marsh witch who will send you on your mystical adventure.
Keep your eyes peeled for our swooping kingfisher puppet and our NEW leaping hare, waterlily, water vole and white-tailed eagle lanterns.
Spot enormous insects glowing in the dark, luminous fungi, mystical mammals and even a giant hovering dragonfly.
Find our darting bat puppet and the bat professor will help you listen out for these elusive wild creatures with his detector.
There's even more to enjoy... Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere - treat yourself to themed street food at the Kingfisher Kitchen (served until 8pm) and create your own lantern* to carry along the trail. Don't forget to pause at the firepit to toast marshmallows* and add a warm, delicious moment to your magical evening.
* Additional charges: Lantern making £3.50 and marshmallow toasting £3.50
Twilight SEND sessions
We are running SEND 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 and kingfisher puppets and the marsh witch) will adopt a gentler approach.
Available: 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24 October at 5.45pm and 6pm.
Our enchanting 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.
Book your early-bird tickets
Early-bird tickets are £12.95. From 1 September tickets are £14.95. Under-3s and carers (with paying guests) go free. WWT members must also book and pay.
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 more than twenty larger than life lanterns - four are NEW additions for this year. Wander a magical trail where glowing wetland creatures, oversized birds, radiant bugs, and playful bat and kingfisher 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 is 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.
How long is the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience? Is it far to walk?
The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience trial is just over 600m long on flat terrain.
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. SEND sessions can also be booked.
How much is the experience?
Early-bird tickets are £12.95
From 1 September tickets are £14.95
Under-3s and carers (with paying guests) go free.
WWT members must also book and pay.
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, you will need to purchase admission separately.
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 info.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 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November and half term: Friday 23 October - Sunday 1 November.
What times does the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience open and close?
The event runs from 5:45-7:30pm, 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?
To make the most of your lantern experience, please arrive at least 10 minutes before your time slot. If you're booked for a later slot, consider arriving earlier to enjoy a tasty meal at the Kingfisher Kitchen or craft your own lantern (£3.50 additional charge) for the trail. The last restaurant orders are at 8:00pm, and the event ends at 9:00pm.
Can we arrive before our booked time slot?
Yes! If you arrive early, you're welcome to enjoy fresh street food from 5:45pm at the Kingfisher Kitchen. For later slots, arriving a little earlier means more time to enjoy a delicious meal or craft your own lantern* to carry along the trail. Please note: last food orders are at 8:00pm, final trail admission is also at 8:00pm, and the event ends at 9:00pm.
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: 16, 17, 18 23 and 24 October at 5.45pm and 6pm
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?
Yes, we will have a vegan marshmallow option.
What is the best way to get to WWT Slimbridge for the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience?
We have a large free car park, which includes 17 designated disabled spaces.
Book your early-bird tickets
Early-bird tickets are £12.95. From 1 September tickets are £14.95. Under-3s and carers (with paying guests) go free. WWT members must also book and pay.
