
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
Discover diverse wetland wildlife, from pelicans to migratory birds, with boat safaris and accessible nature trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird migration

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
Best Time
Peak bird migration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wetland wildlife, from pelicans to migratory birds, with boat safaris and accessible nature trails.
"A gem of a reserve, remarkably uncrowded with a great range of wild birds and welcoming staff."

🎯 Boat Safari Essential
Don't miss the boat safari! It's a peaceful ride with great wildlife spotting opportunities for an extra fee. :boat:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the various trails and hides around the centre. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wetland Discovery Boat Safari
Various waterways
A peaceful boat ride through the reserve, offering unique views of waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.

Pelican Cove
Pelican Cove
Witness the imposing Dalmatian Pelicans and learn fascinating facts during their talks and feeding sessions.

Wildlife Hides
Various locations (e.g., Sandmartin Hide, Lapwing Hide)
Strategically placed hides offer excellent vantage points for observing ducks, geese, and other birds in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit for Birdwatching
Accessibility and Mobility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Boat Safari Essential
Don't miss the boat safari! It's a peaceful ride with great wildlife spotting opportunities for an extra fee. :boat:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the various trails and hides around the centre. :athletic_shoe:
☕ Cafe Treats
Enjoy coffee and cake at the cafe; they offer vegan options too! :coffee:
📸 Bring Your Binoculars
Enhance your birdwatching experience with binoculars for closer views of the diverse avian population. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Boat Safari Essential
Don't miss the boat safari! It's a peaceful ride with great wildlife spotting opportunities for an extra fee. :boat:
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the various trails and hides around the centre. :athletic_shoe:
☕ Cafe Treats
Enjoy coffee and cake at the cafe; they offer vegan options too! :coffee:
📸 Bring Your Binoculars
Enhance your birdwatching experience with binoculars for closer views of the diverse avian population. :camerawithflash:
📅 Check Feeding Times
Plan your visit around bird feeding times and talks for an educational and engaging experience. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise WWT Arundel Wetland Centre for its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere. The boat safari and the opportunity to see pelicans are frequently highlighted as memorable experiences. While generally well-received, some visitors note that the boat safari incurs an additional cost.
"I brought my elderly Mum and we had a wonderful time wondering around, watching the gorgeous wetland birds. Mum has a walking frame, was able to walk on the even tracks and was glad to be able to sit down whenever she needed to. We enjoyed pumpkin spice lattes and carrot cake in the café too!"
Natasha B
"This reserve is a gem. It is compact, but diverse. It was also remarkably uncrowded for a late August Saturday. We saw quite a range of wild birds. I would recommend the boat safari. Even though we did not see a lot of birds, it was a true "Nature Watch mindfulness moment". The staff were very welcoming and helpful (even when we were among the last in the shop after official closing time). The cafe makes a good cup of coffee and there we a great selection of sweet treats (including vegan cakes)."
Gavin J
"Lovely place to wander round for a few hours with lots to see. The hides are well situated, I particularly enjoyed the sand martin one. The woodland walk was short but delightful.
Staff are friendly and helpful.
There is ample parking.
The highlight of the day, aside from the birds of course, was the boat ride."
Tricia C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach WWT Arundel Wetland Centre from London by train, with a journey of approximately 90 minutes from Victoria Station. Alternatively, it's about an hour's drive from Brighton. Ample parking is available on-site.
Yes, it's easily accessible. It's located just over half an hour from Brighton by car, making it a convenient day trip destination.
There is ample parking available at the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Arundel is only a 30-minute drive from Brighton, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Yes, you can take a train from London Victoria Station to Arundel, which takes about 90 minutes. The centre is also accessible by bus routes serving the Arundel area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply to enter the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. The Wetland Discovery Boat Safari is an additional cost on top of the base admission fee.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Check the official WWT Arundel website for current booking policies.
WWT often offers various discounts, including for members, families, and sometimes for specific events. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on pricing and potential discounts.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official WWT Arundel website for the most current opening and closing times before your visit.
No, the Wetland Discovery Boat Safari is an additional cost on top of the general admission fee into the reserve.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of wetland birds, including ducks, geese, pelicans, swans, and sandmartins. The reserve is also home to other wildlife like fish and insects.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! There are activities like pond dipping, a virtual bug hunt, and plenty of birds for kids to spot. The boat safari is also a hit with younger visitors.
Yes, WWT Arundel often hosts informative talks by staff, especially about bird feeding and specific species. Check the daily schedule upon arrival.
The centre has even, accessible tracks suitable for walking frames and wheelchairs. Staff are also very welcoming and helpful.
Generally, assistance dogs are permitted, but other pets may not be allowed to protect the wildlife. It's best to check the WWT Arundel website for their specific policy on pets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers a variety of refreshments, including coffee, sweet treats, and vegan cakes.
The cafe serves a range of items, from coffee and cakes to light meals. They are known to offer vegan cake options.
Yes, there are plenty of picnic spots available around the reserve, making it a great option for a self-catered lunch.
Yes, the cafe at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is known to offer vegan cake options.
Refreshments at the cafe are generally considered to be at reasonable prices.
📸 📸 Photography
The wildlife hides offer excellent opportunities for bird photography. The boat safari provides unique angles of the waterways and birds. The diverse landscapes and bird species offer endless photographic potential.
Yes, the strategically placed hides and the proximity of some birds make it relatively easy to photograph them. Bringing a telephoto lens is recommended for capturing distant wildlife.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the wildlife. Tripods might be restricted in certain areas.
Expect to photograph a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, swans, and pelicans. You might also capture smaller birds, insects, and potentially other small mammals.
Drones are typically not permitted in nature reserves like WWT Arundel to avoid disturbing wildlife. It's best to rely on ground-level photography and the views from the hides.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With accessible paths suitable for strollers and walking frames, it's easy for everyone to explore. The chance to see a wide variety of birds, from pelicans to ducks, provides a wonderful educational experience about wildlife and conservation. Don't forget to check out the Pelican Cove for an impressive sight!
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Take advantage of the informative talks by staff to deepen your understanding of wetland ecosystems and bird behavior. The on-site cafe provides a pleasant spot for a coffee break, and the scenic walks offer opportunities for quiet reflection amidst beautiful natural surroundings. It's a perfect place to reconnect with nature at your own pace.
🐦 Birdwatching Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to observe the Dalmatian Pelicans and learn about them during their talks and feeding sessions. The boat safari also offers unique viewing angles for aquatic birds. Check the daily schedule for feeding times and expert talks to maximize your birdwatching experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wetlands: A Nature Lover's Paradise
The Wetland Discovery Boat Safari is a highlight, providing a tranquil journey through the waterways, allowing for close-up views of waterfowl like Mute Swans and Mallard Ducks. The boatman's narration adds an educational layer to the experience. For those who prefer to observe from land, numerous wildlife hides are strategically positioned around the reserve, offering excellent vantage points for birdwatching. Popular hides include the Sandmartin and Lapwing hides, perfect for spotting various ducks and waders.
Beyond the birds, the centre also features the Wetland Secret Plant House with its unique floral aromas and the Coastal Creek Aviary housing Eider Ducks. Younger visitors can engage with nature through the pond dipping area, a fun and educational activity to discover aquatic insects and life.
Family Fun and Educational Adventures
Children can enjoy interactive experiences like a virtual bug hunt and pond dipping, allowing them to get hands-on with nature. The boat safari is a particular hit with families, offering a unique perspective of the wetlands and its inhabitants. The reserve's accessible paths make it easy for families with strollers or young children to navigate.
Beyond the activities, the centre provides a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about wildlife conservation and the importance of wetlands. Informative talks and the chance to see diverse bird species up close contribute to an enriching educational experience.
Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
The on-site cafe offers a welcoming space to relax and refuel, with a good selection of refreshments, including vegan cake options. There are also designated picnic areas, allowing visitors to enjoy their own food amidst the natural surroundings.
Staff at the centre are consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and welcoming, contributing to the overall positive atmosphere. This focus on visitor comfort, combined with the natural beauty of the wetlands, makes WWT Arundel a highly recommended destination.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit