Access Update

The A1101 Wash Road is closed between Welney village and the centre, access us direct from Littleport or Downham Market. Access to Main Observatory and Lady Fen Trails only. All hides closed due to flooding.

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Stay with us

Our cosy and comfortable cottages are located at the very heart of the wetland reserve, you’ll have an unforgettable stay surrounded by nature.

With the Ouse Washes on one side and Lady Fen wetlands on the other, our cottages provide the perfect opportunity to unwind in nature at any time of year.

Wigeon House

  • Up to 4 guests (2 bedrooms, 3 beds)
  • 1 bathroom
  • Fully equipped kitchen and dining room
  • Living room with log burner (logs provided)
  • Garden overlooking Lady Fen
  • Off-road parking
  • Free Wifi
Check availability and book

Pintail House

  • Up to 5 guests (3 bedrooms, 4 beds)
  • Sofa bed for additional 2 people available on request
  • 1 bathroom
  • Fully equipped kitchen and dining table
  • Snug with log burner (logs provided)
  • Garden overlooking Lady Fen
  • Off-road parking
  • Free Wifi
Check availability and book

Wildlife experiences

There are so many amazing wildlife spectacles to enjoy, highlights have to be the daily flights of whooper and Bewick’s swans in the winter, breeding birds including black-tailed godwit, lapwing, snipe and redshank putting on their best displays in spring, bats and barn owls on summer evenings and the bugling calls of cranes in autumn.

To enhance your stay and for a full wildlife experience we can provide the use of a bat detector, moth trap or explorer backpacks for children on request, and for a small donation you can book time with a warden to identify the finds from the moth trap. There’s also the opportunity to have an hours walk with a guide around our wetland reserve for £25, binoculars are available to hire from the centre if you do not have your own. Please indicate your interest in these wildlife extras when booking or call 01353 860711 for more details.

Barn owl

Location

The nearest village, Welney, is two miles away and is home to the Lamb & Flag pub. Most of the year this is accessible via the A1101, occasionally after spells of prolonged or heavy rain the Ouse Washes can flood cutting off the most direct access.

The village of Littleport is seven miles away, has a variety of shops and an additional pub on the River Great Ouse. Just beyond (eleven miles from WWT Welney) is the City of Ely, with a variety of independent shops, cathedral, supermarkets, cinema, eateries and walks.

You can find detailed directions on the Plan Your Visit page.

Aerial of WWT Welney

Reviews

"We had a great stay in the cottage at WWT Welney and made good use of being so near to the reserve. An extra bonus was seeing Whooper swans at this time of the year flying over the embankments at dawn and dusk, and having the late opening times at the weekend."

Peter, January 2022

"My third stay at Wigeon House! I love the peacefulness there - it's so quiet at night. And going up on the bank in the early morning and evening. Once the Hare walk is open again it will be good to walk there - all things you can do when the centre is closed. It's quirky and charming - a real country cottage with a natural garden and simple furnishings. I am aiming to spend a few days there ever season to sample its delights comprehensively!"

Sue, July 2022

"What a fabulous place to stay. The house is spotless, warm and comfortable and the limitless supply of logs for the woodburner much appreciated. The reserve is incredible and the people so friendly and helpful. The peace and the spectacular nature made our anniversary weekend really special."

Kate, October 2022

Find out more and book

Discover more and book your stay with us through Airbnb.