WWT London Wetland Centre — Attraction in London

First time visitor. It has wildlife and nature "trails". Although the wildlife was pretty disappointing -- unless you really like ducks.

I was quite shocked that you have to pay extra for a map -- having already paid the entry fee. Other places, like Kew Gardens, provide a free map. Although I realised after visiting that there's an online map -- which wasn't made clear by staff (staff were pretty unhelpful and unfriendly).

I visited with family and we really wanted to visit the kids playground for my nephew. But when we got there it was closed. It was also difficult to find the play area without a map.

It was very crowded when we visited and there aren't really any quiet places to escape to. Usually when visiting nature reserves I feel a sense of calm, relaxation, and freedom. But I didn't feel that at the London Wetland Centre -- if anything it felt quite claustrophobic and reminded me of an IKEA store with its one-way system and arrows on the floor.

Speaking of the one-way system, I appreciate it's probably temporary due to Covid. But many people weren't sticking to it and there were no staff around to enforce it. So it felt a bit pointless and box ticky.

Which brings me onto my next point. It's a minor point, but, when we visited, there weren't any staff along the actual nature trails. Sometimes it's nice to see staff helping visitors, answering questions about the wildlife, etc. Makes it feel like the place cares about its visitors. The only staff I saw were in the entrance ticket hall and shops, taking money...

Overall, for the price, I probably wouldn't recommend it or visit again. Kew Gardens is just down the road, provides free maps, has more open space, doesn't have a confusing one-way system, has clear opening times for its attractions, staff are friendlier, and has more on offer.

2 out of 5 stars has wildlife and nature has unhelpful and unfriendly staff not worth the entry...

Really enjoyed my visit here. Cafè serves hot and cold food and it is reasonably priced. Hot and cold drinks menu too. Plenty of seating. The Wetlands are very interesting. We saw lots of birds. There are several bird hides dotted around. There are some telescopes in the hides so you can look out over the Wetlands at the wildlife. Plenty of information boards explaining about the wildlife. The South Walk is more family orientated. It was laid out with children in mind including activities for the children. Information boards written for children to learn about The Wetlands. The West walk is more for keen birders and anyone interested in seeing the wildlife and taking in the peace and tranquility. Also has information boards about the wildlife and clearly sign posted. The otters are fed at 11am and 2pm which was really good to see. Definitely worth the £17.95 entrance fee which included gift aid. All the staff we encountered were helpful and friendly. Big gift shop with plenty of souvenirs.

Only thing that we did find frustrating which isn't The Wetlands fault. Google says Hammersmith is nearest train station to The Wetlands - 25 minue walk. We got off at Hammersmith and there are NO DIRECTIONS OR POINTERS whatsoever for The Wetlands!!!! We ended up having to jump in a taxi £30. Taxi driver was able to show us the directions to walk back which is a 25 minute walk and very easy. Just a shame there was no pointers at Hammersmith station. We will know where to walk next...

This place is just off the chart superb. I have lived in London for over 40 years and this is hands down one of the best places for a day out. Worth it for the peace and tranquility alone. Just so many things to entertain children too and yet it is also a seriously wonderful place to spot birds and other wildlife. I can’t fault the place. Sure the little restaurant is pricey and the hot meals could be a bit better but this does not detract from what is a truly stunning place to visit. The double (triple?) decker hide is the best bird hide I have visited and they even have bird spotting guides. The “otter lady” as we called her was marvellous and just as I was wondering how on earth they emptied the place round she came on her bike helping everyone to leave. But I didn’t want to leave and wished we had arrived earlier than we did. It is such a beautiful and tranquil place. My four young kids absolutely loved it. The number and variety of attractions for children is outstanding and one can simply marvel at the flowers, trees, quiet footpaths, lakes, birdlife, insects etc. I joined the WWT at entry (wonderfully helpful man on tickets/shop) and shall definitely visit some of their other sites in the UK if I can. Hard to imagine that this could be bettered. Truly outstanding. I would say the best wildlife centre I have ever visited, anywhere and in any country I have visited. What fantastic work the...