A Visit To WWT London Wetland Centre

Today, I’m taking you to a green oasis in West London – the WWT Wetland Centre. I noticed it while scrolling through Google Maps a long time ago and had it on my list of places to visit in London ever since, but there was never the right time for it – until recently. I had a day off and wanted to explore a new place, but the weather forecast was rather poor for all of England and I didn’t want to risk going out of London to be caught by rain and forced to spend the whole daytrip hiding in some cafe. So, I thought, why not visit the London Wetland Centre! Far enough to call it a trip, close enough to not feel too disappointed should the weather ruin it.

Opening times, ticket prices and other practical info about visiting WWT London Wetland Centre

If you’re looking for practical information about visiting the Centre, visit its website: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/. At the time of my visit, the Centre claimed to be open 7 days a week, 364 days a year! The standard adult ticket was fairly pricey for a park – I paid around £16.

Wooden footpath over a pond. — WWT London Wetland Centre

Getting to WWT London Wetland Centre

Although the Centre is located in London, it took me quite a while to get there. I first took the tube to Waterloo, then a train to Barnes, and finally a bus that took me closer to the Centre’s entrance. Taking the bus was actually unnecessary – it was only for two stops. On the way back, I walked from the WWT Wetland Centre to Barnes train station.

Otter Feeding Time

I booked my ticket online while on the train and received a barcode via email. Once I got to the Centre, the barcode was scanned by one of the staff at the entrance. They also informed me that there was otter feeding taking place just around the corner from the entrance right now, so I immediately headed there.

I didn’t expect to see otters in the Centre, so that was a nice surprise. The two creatures were so cute! They loved their fishy breakfast. Apparently, otters have a super fast metabolism and eat loads. It was their second bucket of fish of the day, and they still had two more coming later on!

Otters feeding at WWT London Wetland Centre. Two otters munching on fish in a shallow pond with pebble stones. — WWT London Wetland Centre

The otters’ keeper gave an interesting, informative talk while feeding the animals, and I definitely learnt a fun fact or two.

The heron gatecrashed the party. Not officially the Centre’s resident, he invited himself over to catch some leftovers. He seemed scared of the otters and kept his distance, but didn’t miss a chance to grab a piece of fish when he spotted a great opportunity to do so.

Otters feeding at WWT London Wetland Centre. Two otters munching on fish in a shallow pond with pebble stones. A grey heron wading in the water a few steps away from the otters. — WWT London Wetland Centre

Waterfowl galore

The WWT London Wetland Centre is home to a wide variety of ducks and geese. They had some stunning ones I had never seen before! The ducks comfortably enjoyed the space, with many of them particularly enjoying chilling on fences. From mallard ducks to Mandarins, there was a different duck everywhere you looked.

Four mallard ducks resting on top of a stone fence. — WWT London Wetland Centre

Unique colourful duck at WWT London Wetland Centre. The duck has a red eye and beak, green and brown head, red front of the belly, beige sides and blue, green and brown wings and back. — WWT London Wetland Centre

A unique duck standing in the shallow waters of a pond. — WWT London Wetland Centre

Mandarin duck swimming in a pond. — WWT London Wetland Centre

Other birds

Apart from all the ducks and geese, I also saw some storks and cranes. And cows, but I think they weren’t part of the wetlands.

Brown, black and white geese at WWT London Wetland Centre, grazing on the grass. — WWT London Wetland Centre

White stork spreading its wings. Second stork strolling on the grass in the background. — WWT London Wetland Centre

Two cranes standing on the grass next to a pond. — WWT London Wetland Centre

Birdwatching hides

There were a few hiding huts all around the Wetland Centre. If you fancy birdwatching or bird photography, it seems to be a great place to go to. The largest hide, called the Peacock Tower, had two floors of 360 degree observation space. You could clearly see the vast wetlands from there.

Peacock tower - a 3-floor birdwatching hide at the wetlands. — WWT London Wetland Centre

The wetlands of WWT Centre with three grazing cows. A view from the top of the peacock tower. — WWT London Wetland Centre

Kingfisher kitchen

The rain did spoil the party eventually, so I popped into the Centre’s cafe – called Kingfisher Kitchen – and ordered a red lentil soup with an onion bhaji. It was alright – it didn’t blow me away, but it was a good pick-me-up meal.

a bowl of red lentil soup and onion bhaji on a white plate. — WWT London Wetland Centre

How long does it take to walk around WWT London Wetland Centre?

I spent around 3 hours 15 minutes at the Centre. I walked around the premises twice, saw both of the two otter feedings scheduled for the day, had a quick meal and took plenty of photos. I imagine an avid birdwatcher could easily spend a whole day there.

Is it worth visiting WWT London Wetland Centre?

I enjoyed my time at the Centre. It’s always great to have a peaceful stroll surrounded by nature as a break from the hustle and bustle of London. That being said, I don’t think I’ll be coming back again in the near future, as it ended up being a pricey day out. £16 for the ticket, £12 for public transport to get there (and I live in London, so didn’t even leave the city). Plus £8 for a bowl of soup, which was completely optional. Feels like a lot for 3 hours in a park. I don’t regret going, the Wetland Centre had been on my bucket list for a few years and I enjoyed my visit. But, I don’t think it’s the best value for money for me to go back frequently. But of course, I’m glad the money goes towards good causes like conservation efforts.

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