Slimbridge Wetland Centre is one of those places that had been in my to-do list for a while. So, when my friend mentioned the centre was giving out free tickets for World Wetlands Day, a day trip to the Gloucestershire spot was finally in order.
Setting off after rush hour, the journey there from Easton was straight forward and quick (just under 40 minutes – just about the right distance for the two toddlers in the car to cope with). It was very cold and foggy on the morning we visited, so I was a bit hesitant to see how this would impact our plans.
The wetland centre has a large car park, but the walk to the entrance didn’t feel too far. We spent quite a bit of time by the swan lake right by the visitor centre, but we eventually managed to herd the five toddlers in the group towards the flamingos (which were a total hit).
Welly Boot Land – with a water play area as well as a large playground – was sadly closed on the day we visited due to adverse weather conditions (too cold I am guessing), but this just gave me a reason to want to come back.
Our journey then continued towards the otters and we made it just on time for the otter talk and feed. My two-year-old was mesmerised by the mammals, being able to watch them from up close as they enjoyed their fish.
After a couple of hours of wandering around outside in the cold, we were all ready to head back inside. The café was packed but, after a short wait, my friend and I managed to grab a booth to enjoy our lunch from.
The food on offer was what you might expect in this kind of cafe – think sandwiches, jacket potatoes, sausages and mash – and there was also a wide range of cakes to choose from. I had no option but to go for a hot chocolate, having promised my son one to get him to walk back to the centre.
However, the best was yet to come for my two-year-old who absolutely loved the small soft play corner near the gift shop. Despite this only being a small space, and it being absolutely rammed, he had the best time going up and down all over the place, engaging with all the other children around him.
Slimbridge felt like an easy, lovely day out for children and I can totally see why this stunning spot is a popular place to go. There was only one thing missing for me; the sun. So we will have to come back – in a sunny Summer’s day next time.