Eat, drink, shop

Sit and soak in unrivalled views of wetland wildlife in our Waterside café, open from 10am daily, closing at 5pm (summer) and 4pm (winter). Hot food is served until 3pm.

Waterside Cafe

Visitors enjoying lunch in the cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast roll and a cuppa. Or enjoy a well-earned lunch break with choices from homemade soup, sourdough toasties and jacket potatoes. Plus indulge in freshly baked cakes and scones, plus a variety of gluten free and vegan options - there’s something for everyone. What’s more, every penny you spend in the café supports our conservation work!

From homemade soup, sourdough sandwiches and jacket potatoes, to freshly baked cakes and scones, plus a variety of gluten free and vegan options - there’s something for everyone. What’s more, every penny you spend in the café supports our conservation work!

Check out our full menu to help you plan your day.

Picnics are welcome on site, however these cannot be eaten in our café. There are picnic benches around our reserve including a covered area at our reedbed shelter. During quieter days, visitors can use the covered veranda to eat their picnic – please speak to a member of our team on the day.

Gift shop

A visitors looking at flamingo coasters in the shop

Visit our gift shop and discover a range of sustainable gifts - from take-home WWT souvenirs, clothing and toiletries; to bird care products, toys, binoculars and a brilliant selection of books; there's something for everyone.

Optics

Visitors using binoculars in a hide

We stock a range of optics at WWT Washington Wetland Centre, including binoculars, scopes and accessories for a variety of needs and budgets. Speak to our dedicated volunteer (Thursdays and Sundays) or our retail team if you’d like to try any out. Plus, keep an eye out for special demo days with our optics partner, Viking Optical throughout the year.