Arundel Wetland Centre

We’re looking forward to welcoming you back and have everything in place so you have the best day out.

We’ve been accredited with the ‘Good to Go’ stamp of approval, which means we are operating within government guidelines and public health guidance for managing coronavirus risk.

We’re carefully managing the number of people on site and have a booking system in place. Our one way system around the grounds means that you can wander around safely enjoying the wildlife and all gates can be pushed open with hand washing stations available. The toilets in the visitor centre and at the Outlook In building by the boat jetty are all open and cleaned regularly. All the gates, hand rails, picnic tables and signage are cleaned daily.

Arriving

When you arrive, have a chat to our friendly team who are there to answer any questions you may have and to ensure you have a fantastic day out. To limit touch points and keep you safe we’re asking everyone to pay by card where possible.

Before you set off on your wetland adventure, why not take a picture of the one-way map to help you explore. Also, handy finger post signs with 'you-are-here' maps are dotted throughout the site.

To beat the queues we have introduced morning and afternoon timed tickets. This will help avoid the morning rush of visitors when we first open and help ensure a safe, even flow of visitors around the site throughout the day. We are open until 4.30pm with last admission at 4pm.
Spotting wildlife

Our boardwalks and pathways are open! Spring is an amazing time to discover wetland wildlife whether it is exploring our reedbed boardwalk walk listening for species like Cetti’s warbler, watching birds on the feeders in the Wood loop, or scanning the wet grassland for nesting lapwings and oystercatchers. Read more about our latest sightings and our seasonal wildlife highlights for hints and tips to really make the most of your time here.

Our wildlife hides re-open on May 17th offering visitors glimpses of families of kingfishers and sand martins in our specialized nesting banks. The wildife hides overlook reedbeds, wet grasslands and lagoon islands with singing warblers, nesting lapwing, nesting oystercatchers and a black-headed gull colony. These enclosed wildlife hides will have limits on the numbers of visitors permitted at one time and masks will need to be worn in line with government guidance.

Plan your wetland adventure

Spring is a great time to visit and experience nature at its very best with 60 acres of wetland paradise to enjoy.

Our new Coastal Creek aviary recreates the natural feel of a coastline for seaducks and wader species. We ask for your patience with the safe queueing system in place here to assist calm and orderly visitor entry into the aviary as the birds get used to the increase in visitors. The new Pelican Cove exhibit next door is home to magnificent Dalmatian pelicans.

Coming soon we are also working on bringing you up-close encounters to hand feed our feathered friends when it’s safe for them and you. In the mean-time, whilst grain isn’t available to buy, we promise our wardens are feeding the birds regularly, they’re not going hungry!
Eat, drink, shop

We have a selection of hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice creams available from the counter of our Water's Edge cafe to fuel your wetland adventure. Enjoy tasty pasties, yummy sausage rolls and "Exclusively WWT" cake slices either indoors in the gallery seating area or on the outdoor decking seats. Indoor tables are limited to groups of 6 people or 2 households/bubbles. Masks are required when seated at indoor tables unless you are eating and drinking.

You’re also welcome to bring your own food and drink and make use of our well-spaced picnic benches to enjoy your snacks in the great outdoors. Our ice cream van near the boat jetty is open on holidays and weekends!

The retail shop is open offering a gorgeous selection of gifts, fun toys, informative books and good value bird food and feeding accessories.

To limit touch points and keep you safe we’re asking everyone to pay by card where possible and in line with government guidance are asking that face masks be worn in all indoor spaces.
Explore and play

Wetland Discovery boat ride

Pre-book your seat on this serene, guided ride through wetlands. Set off your watery adventure searching for dragonflies, fish, water voles and the illusive kingfisher. Open everyday from 11am to 3pm there is an additional small, extra charge for this attraction and space is limited. Advance booking is essential - select your time to embark when you book your admission ticket.

Play areas

In the Pond Skater play area little ones can walk the wobble log, balance on boardwalks and tackle the ducky mini-slide. This wooden play area is for children 8 years and under. The Tree Creepers play area is also open! This tree-tall play area shaped like a pair of bird feeders is suitable for children age 8 and up. Allowing your children to use our playground equipment is done at your own risk. Please ensure you sanitise your child’s hands before & after play.

Family Pond Dipping

Beginning May 29 on weekends and holidays Family Pond Dipping sessions at the Raised Pond can be booked on the day of your visit at our admissions desk. We suggest a family donation of £3 per session. Diving beetle? Water spider? Damselfly? What creatures can you spot on and below the surface? Twenty minute sessions allow only four families at a time to each use a large, clearly marked section of the pond for dipping. There is plenty of space to move freely around this outdoor pond with its paved, level path and a higher water level for easy viewing.

Book online today

To help keep everyone safe we’re carefully managing the number people who visit on any one day and are asking everyone to book in advance, so we can give you the best possible experience.