WWT Washington's opening hours are changing

To help support a sustainable future for WWT Washington, the site will be moving to seasonal opening hours.

Ensuring WWT Washington continues to thrive

WWT Washington is a window into the wonderful world of wetlands, offering spectacular nature experiences, a chance to switch off from the noise of urban life, and an opportunity to learn something new.

To ensure WWT Washington continues to thrive for wildlife and people long into the future, we’re making some changes to how we operate.

Like many charities across the UK, we’re facing rising costs and increasing financial pressures, alongside historically lower visitor numbers during quieter times of the year. Moving to a seasonal opening pattern is an important step in helping us respond to these challenges while continuing to care for wetlands and the wildlife that depends on them.

From Tuesday 1 September 2026, we’ll move to seasonal opening hours. We’ll be open seven days a week during the busy spring and summer months, and three to five days a week during the quieter autumn and winter period, when visitor numbers naturally fall.

These changes will help us focus our time and resources where they matter most, supporting both the visitor experience and our vital conservation work.

Our 10 wetland sites are, and remain, at the heart of who we are and what we do at WWT. Your support is invaluable in making sure our wetlands are the best they can be, for the benefit of wildlife and people.

Seasonal opening pattern

From Tuesday 1 September 2026 the following opening hours will be in place at WWT Washington:

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Your questions answered

When do these changes start at WWT Washington?

The new seasonal opening pattern will begin from Tuesday 1 September 2026.

When will WWT Washington be open?

Time period	Open	Closed
1 September to 31 October	Friday to Tuesday + October half-term (Sat 24 October to Sun 1 November)	Wednesday and Thursday
1 November to 31 January	Friday to Sunday + every day from Sun 27 December to Sun 3 January	Monday to Thursday
1 to 28 February	Thursday to Monday + February half-term (Sat 13 to Sun 21 February)	Tuesday and Wednesday
1 March to 31 August	Seven days a week	N/A

How will this affect events, guided walks, and school trips?

Most events, including Walk with a Warden, take place on days we will continue to be open.

All school bookings will continue as normal during term-time weekdays.

Will the café still be open?

On opening days, the café will be available 10:00am to 4:00pm daily.

Will my membership be discounted because of the reduced opening days?

Membership provides free access to all 10 WWT sites across the year; with all they have to offer across the seasons. With just four visits, supporters are saving money on admission, whether they visit just one, or a variety of sites.

Membership at Washington continues to offer excellent value because it provides access during the times our members visit most. Visitor demand is strongly concentrated in spring, summer, and early autumn, when the majority of member visits take place.

We remain open, five to seven days a week, throughout these busier months to match that demand and ensure members have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wetlands.

During the winter, visitor numbers at Washington naturally fall. Reducing opening days during these quietest months helps us manage rising operational costs sensibly, while protecting our ability to offer full-week access and a richer visitor experience during the high-demand seasons.

Your membership supports far more than access. The value of membership also includes supporting vital conservation work, species protection, habitat management, and community engagement programmes that continue every single day, even when we’re closed to the public.

We do recognise that winter reductions mean fewer opportunities for some members, and we’ve carefully structured the seasonal pattern to ensure your membership still provides great value, meaningful access, and the best possible experience throughout the year at the times you are most likely to visit.

At this time, we are not offering refunds or price adjustments, but we will take on board all your valuable feedback.