Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre — Attraction in Witton-le-Wear

We recently spent a peaceful afternoon at Low Barns Nature Reserve, and it was a real treat. This 47-hectare wetland gem, managed by Durham Wildlife Trust, is one of County Durham’s most important wildlife sites—complete with lakes, reedbeds, woodland, and grassland .

The reserve is brilliantly designed for accessibility, featuring flat, surfaced paths perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs, or casual strollers . Scattered along the trails are several well-positioned bird hides and a boardwalk through the reeds, making wildlife-spotting easy and engaging . During our visit, we saw damselflies, dragonflies, ducks, and even caught glimpses of kingfishers and herons in the lakes .

The visitor centre adds to the charm—converted from old farm buildings and featuring a cosy café serving hot drinks, cakes, and light meals. Friendly staff are on hand to share news of recent wildlife sightings, and there’s also a small shop and indoor seating . Amenities include toilets, an accessible toilet, picnic areas, and parking (a modest £2.50 donation unless you’re a member) .

Low Barns excels as both a wildlife haven and a visitor-friendly community space. It’s a fantastic destination for families, nature lovers, or anyone seeking a quiet, scenic getaway. We’ll definitely be returning—High...

One of our favourite little walks. A short circuit of the Nature Reserve on well maintained tracks is just what you need to reset your brain in a beautiful and mindful green environment. Multiple birdwatching hides around the sections of the route with amazing views of the wildlife on the Reserve. Coffee shop/restaurant serves a nice selection of well presented food and drinks in a welcoming environment under the main building hide and has outside seating areas for the Summer months as well as a warm and clean inside area for colder days. Good parking facilities with a voluntary donation basis instead of a fee gives you all the time you need to enjoy your time at the Reserve. The coffee shop has opening times listed on Google and there is a gate to the car park which opens earlier and closes after the coffee shop times. Well worth a visit. If you bring a dog, they must be kept on a lead/leash at all times, for obvious reasons of the animals and birds on the Reserve. Go and enjoy, go and unwind, plenty of...

Spent a lovely Saturday morning in March here. Parking is free for Durham WT members or a requested £2.50 for visitors. Very reasonable when you consider how much it is to go in RSPB reserves so please pay. Unfortunately it was one of these pay with your phone mularkeys, which did not work for us, so we put a donation in the container in the cafe. The carpark is not massive and it is obviously a popular place. Lots of hides, with information, around the walk. Paths are flat and easy , suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Cafe is down to earth and the staff were lovely. Toilets inside. Dogs are allowed on a lead - unfortunately not everyone thinks that applies to their dogs!😡 Lots of bird life both in the trees and on the water. High light of our visit was a white egret. Strava said we'd done 2 miles at the end of it but we did do every path and some of the extras to see the beautiful river Wear which runs alongside. An accessible for all site. It was a very pleasant morning and I am sure that we...