WWT Washington Wetland Centre

Explore 103 acres of wetland, woodland and wildlife reserve at Washington Wetland Centre - one of the North East's biggest conservation success stories.

This vibrant, family-friendly, site gives sanctuary to birds, insects and plant-life alike.

Its wildlife reserve is home to the region's largest nesting colony of Grey Herons; while Hawthorn Wood feeding station offers spectacular views of woodland birds such as Great-spotted Woodpecker and Bullfinch.

See colourful Chilean Flamingos and watch as fluffy ducklings take their first wobbly steps in the Waterfowl Nursery (May-July).

New developments include a stream channel, reedbed and Close Encounters feeding area - bringing visitors nose to beak with some of the rarest and most exotic water birds on earth, many of which will eat corn from an outstretched hand.

Waterside Café, with its sun terrace and BBQ area, offers a wide range of delicious home-cooked food.

Plus there's a well-stocked gift shop, selling locally sourced produce, the Discovery Centre and the early years Splash Zone adventure play area for little ones.

Excellent disabled access and free wheelchair hire. Free parking, parent and baby room, binocular hire and guide dogs allowed in the grounds.

Learn about the value of the UK's diverse wetlands, their rich wildlife and the importance of WWT's conservation programmes. WWT members get in free.