WWT Washington Wetland Centre
Washington Wetland Centre is a nature conservation area located in the wetlands and woodlands on the River Wear. It is home to exotic birds, amazing insects, beautiful scenery and much more. Discover more about Washington Wetlands below...
WWT Washington Wetland's Centre is a recreated wetland that lets you experience wildlife up close. Perfect for a family day out, you can discover 45 hectares of stunning wetland right here in Sunderland, and allows visitors to get up close with the birds and feed them.
The centre is designed to provide a 'stop over' and wintering habitat for migratory waterbirds after their passage of the North Sea. It is a haven for curlew and redshank birds, as well as a breeding ground for flocks of herons.
For this reason it is an important conservation area that shelters endangered wildlife from extinction, and seeks to inspire communities to take care of nature.
Washington Wetlands Centre is part of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge which was set up in 1946 by Sir Peter Scott - the son of famed Antarctic explorer Captain Scott. Scott wanted to create a centre for science and conservation, and today nine other sites are open to the public across the UK; the Washington Wetlands Centre itself was established in 1975.
The Wetlands Discovery Centre is a window to a wide range of wildlife in the area, as well as being home to a programme of art exhibitions. Species that can be seen at Washington Wetlands Centre include Andean geese, black-necked swans, Chilean flamingos and the white-faced whistling duck, to name a few.
It is one of the North East's biggest conservation success stories, and welcomes guests from around the world every year. For more information on WWT Washington Wetlands Centre, visit their website.
How To Get There
WWT Washington Wetlands Centre is located on Barmston Lane in Washington, which is roughly a 20-minute drive from Sunderland City Centre.
There are regular bus services to Waterview Park from Sunderland, Newcastle, Durham and South Shields, with a short walk from the station to the centre.
It is also easily accessible by car with signposting that will allow you to reach the centre from the A19, A195, A1231 and A182. There are also up to 80 parking bays available, with some reserved for disabled drivers nearer the entrance.
Opening hours
To view WWT Washington Wetland Centre opening hours, please click here.
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