London Wetland Centre

Visitor Attraction in Barnes rated 10 / 10 from 1 review
London Wetland Centre image
Address
Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes, Barnes, SW13 9WT
Telephone
020 8409 4400
Region
Barnes
Nearest Station
Barnes
0.74 miles
Opening Times
Monday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Tuesday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Wednesday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Thursday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Friday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Saturday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30
Sunday Open 09:30 - Closes 16:30

London Wetland Centre is a beautiful wildlife reserve in the heart of the capital with scenic walkways which meander amongst lakes, ponds, meadows and gardens. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing walk or for watching wildlife in its natural surroundings. Wandering among the flowers and trees it's easy to believe you're in the countryside, but from some vantage points the London skyline acts as a spectacular backdrop to this beautiful rural setting.

Take a walk through World Wetlands to see some of the most exotic ducks from around the globe and learn about the conservation work that keeps them safe from extinction. Numerous wild ducks, swans and other birds have made the Centre their home and spring is the perfect time to watch the mallard ducklings waddling after their mothers, or to see baby grebes hitching a ride on their parents' backs. Watch out for water voles feeding on the yellow flag iris and butterflies drinking from the flowers in Wildside.

It is the astonishing level of wildlife that makes its home here that inspired Chris Packham, BBC Springwatch presenter, to describe the Centre as, "One of the most important conservation projects of the past century. Its broad range of habitats brings a huge variety of water birds, amphibians and small mammals to the heart of the capital, giving millions of people the opportunity to encounter wildlife up close."

You can enjoy one of the guided walks around the Centre who will point out some of the wildlife highlights of the day or simply sit quietly in one of the hides. Take time out to relax in the Water's Edge Café with lunch and a glass of wine. All this just a convenient 10 minute bus ride from Hammersmith tube station.

Admission prices:

Gift Aid Admission: Adult: £10.99 Concession: £8.20 Child: £6.10 (4-16 years) Family: £30.60 (2 adults & 2 children, 4-16 years) Children (under 4 years): Free

Please note: you may be asked for proof of age, student ID or proof that you are receiving Job Seekers Allowance to qualify for concession admission prices. Essential helpers assisting disabled visitors: Free

Non-Gift Aid Admission: If you choose not to pay the Gift Aid price, these are the equivalent prices excluding the voluntary donation. Adult: £9.99 Concession: £7.45 Child: £5.55 Family: £27.82

IMAGE: Marsh Marigolds by Ross Paxton

London Wetland Centre Picture Gallery

London Wetland Centre Picture

Events

Photography in Nature: Visual Storytelling

WWT London Wetland Centre - Barnes

Saturday 27th of April 2024

Dawn Chorus

WWT London Wetland Centre - Barnes

Sunday 21st of April 2024

Bird Song Walk

WWT London Wetland Centre - Barnes

Tuesday 16th of April 2024 to Tuesday 30th of April 2024

Bat Walks

WWT London Wetland Centre - Barnes

Thursday 9th of May 2024

Bat Walks

WWT London Wetland Centre - Barnes

Thursday 2nd of May 2024

Bat Walks

WWT London Wetland Centre - Barnes

Thursday 25th of April 2024

Bat Walks

WWT London Wetland Centre - Barnes

Thursday 18th of April 2024

Bing's Nature Explorers

WWT London Wetland Centre - Barnes

Saturday 23rd of March 2024 to Sunday 2nd of June 2024

In The News

Otters at London Wetland centre

From 2 June you can be among the first to see our new family of otters – our very own swimming superstars in a year that sees London playing host to the Olympics!

Best For

London's top attractions and activities for Animal Lovers picture

London's top attractions and activities for Animal Lovers

There's plenty on offer in our guide

This acclaimed centre in West London is home to a whole host of animals you wouldn’t normally find in the city due to their predilection for water. The aquatic ecosystem is made up of four reservoirs that were built in the Victorian era, along with their surrounding wetlands, and is inhabited by otters, bats,birds and several types of reptiles and amphibians. Given that this is their natural environment the experience is a bit more immersive than the zoo, and you can turn up to things like the otter’s feeding time.

Things to Try

Lose yourself in the wetlands picture

Lose yourself in the wetlands

A big dollop of wildlife - right here in London
Read more
Watch the otters eat picture

Watch the otters eat

It's an Otter's Life...
Read more

User Reviews

Susie
from Abbey Road

May 25, 2015

What an absolutely fabulous to come with (or without!) little ones; so much to see, great sense of the outdoors and nature, despite being so close to central London, and a whole host of hands-on activities for the children to enjoy... oh, and great cake in the cafe too ;-) Wonderful!