Mudfest 2026: stomp, splash and squelch this February half-term
Go mad for mud at WWT Washington’s Mudfest this February half-term – where messy means fun!
Grab your wellies and stomp, splash and squelch your way through Mudfest 2026, back at WWT Washington this February half-term.
Delve into the muddy magic of our wetlands, where mud isn’t just messy - it’s marvellous! It’s the stuff our super-powered wetlands and great family adventures are made of.
So for one-week only (Sat 21 Feb-Sun 1 March), embrace the mess and discover just how brilliant mud can be, with hands-on daily activities and special events that all ages can get stuck into.
“Mudfest 2026 is all about embracing the mess. It’s such a fun, sensory way for families to roll up their sleeves and really connect with nature and our wetlands”, said Gill Pipes, Centre Manager at WWT Washington.
“And mud isn’t just messy - it’s magical. A single cubic metre of estuary mud holds the same calorific content as 16 chocolate bars! So mud really matters for our wildlife.
“Mudfest is all about celebrating this and really getting stuck in and hands on. It’s a brilliant way for families to experience just how incredible our wetlands really are.”
Daily activities
Mud obstacle course - slide, stretch and scamper through our muddy, messy obstacle course.
Welly wanging - gather your friends and family and compete against each other to see who can throw a welly the furthest!
Bean bag toss - who can get the most points on our bird and mud-themed bean bag toss? Are you a lapwing, redshank or a curlew...
Sensory mud play tables - sculpt, construct, squish and make your mark in marvellous mud.
Event line-up
| Date and time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Sat 21 Feb 1-2:30 |
Nature creations family crafts | Be inspired by our wetland nature to create your very own masterpieces |
|
Sun 22 Feb 11-12 |
Wild Walk | Join our wardens in exploring the wilder side of our wetlands |
|
Mon 23 Feb 1-2:30 |
Wetland creature clay sculpting | Get creative to make your very own wetland creature to take home, dry out and paint |
|
Tue 24 Feb 11-1 |
Willow tree planting in Wet Wood | Be part of the future of our wetlands by adding to the vital willow tree canopy in Wet Wood |
|
Wed 25 Feb 10:30-11:30 & 1-2:30 |
Pond dipping | Explore the underwater world and find out what lurks beneath |
|
Thu 26 Feb 1-2 |
Birds and beaks | Explore the many different types of beaks that can be found in wetland birds and learn why they are so varied |
|
Fri 27 Feb 1-2:30 |
Clay face sculpting and seed bombs | Get sculpting and squishing - make clay guardians and native seed bombs to take away with you |
|
Sat 28 Feb 10:30-11:30 & 1-2:30 |
Pond dipping | Explore the underwater world and find out what lurks beneath |
|
Sun 1 Mar 11-12 |
Wild Walk | Join our wardens in exploring the wilder side of our wetlands |
Plus, don’t miss your chance to discover our seasonal wetlands. In late winter they are dramatic and changeable, with breathtaking scenery and open spaces; colourful woodland birds aplenty and lots of waders on easy view from our various hides.
Resident otters Musa and Buster are fed twice-daily during our keeper talks and Waterside Café is the ideal cosy spot for warming up with a delicious homemade treat after your messy fun.
Ready to get muddy?
Find out more and plan your visit online to save 10% on admission (WWT members go FREE). All Mudfest activities are included in admission/WWT membership.
