WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
A vibrant wetland sanctuary offering diverse birdlife, interactive family fun, and peaceful nature exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Baby birds and ducklings abound!
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Best Time
Baby birds and ducklings abound!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant wetland sanctuary offering diverse birdlife, interactive family fun, and peaceful nature exploration.
"Martin Mere is, without a doubt, one of the best family-friendly days out in the north west."
🎯 Bring Wellies & Spare Clothes
Essential for the splash walk and muddy trails! Kids love getting wet.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy scenic spots. Cafe is pricey but decent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Canoe Safari Adventure
Canoe Safari Area
Paddle through tranquil waterways, getting up close with ducks, geese, and their ducklings. An unforgettable, immersive wildlife experience.
Otter Spotting
Otter Enclosure
Watch these playful creatures frolic and swim. A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, offering endless entertainment.
Bird Hides & Wildlife Trails
Various locations across the reserve
Explore diverse wetland habitats from strategically placed hides, spotting a wide array of bird species and other wildlife.
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Interactive Play Areas
Main visitor area
Engage little ones with themed play zones, splash walks, and wildlife gardens designed for fun and learning.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for All-Day Exploration
Gear Up for Wet Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Wellies & Spare Clothes
Essential for the splash walk and muddy trails! Kids love getting wet.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy scenic spots. Cafe is pricey but decent.
♿️ Excellent Accessibility
Wide paths and accessible hides make it great for wheelchairs & prams.
⏰ Allow a Full Day
So much to see and do, you'll want to explore every corner!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Wellies & Spare Clothes
Essential for the splash walk and muddy trails! Kids love getting wet.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy scenic spots. Cafe is pricey but decent.
♿️ Excellent Accessibility
Wide paths and accessible hides make it great for wheelchairs & prams.
⏰ Allow a Full Day
So much to see and do, you'll want to explore every corner!
📸 Wildlife Photography Tips
Utilize the hides for great shots of birds and wildlife.
🎟️ Consider Membership
Great value if you plan multiple visits, includes free parking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise WWT Martin Mere for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent accessibility, and engaging wildlife encounters. The canoe safari and otter enclosures are frequently highlighted as memorable experiences. While the cafe can be a bit pricey, the overall value and the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature make it a highly recommended day out.
"Today was my first visit. This place is brilliant for kids of all ages to explore wildlife, we saw many species of birds, ducks and geese. The facilities are great for wheelchair users and prams most of the grounds are easily accessible. My kids also loved the new splash walk and wildlife garden, as well as the splash area. Unfortunately we ran out of time and didnt get to use the play ground but it looks great. I think prices are fair as you can easily spend a whole day here immersing yourself in the wildlife and all activities on offer. We missed the educational sessions but would like to do them next time. The cafe is a bit expensive but nothing out of the ordinary these days, would recommend you bring a picnic as there is plenty space designated for this. Recommend a change of clothes and wellies for the wet activities. Will gladly return again soon!"
Yasmin A
"A wonderful place to spend some time in nature. A large site with a variety of walks and hides for those happy to walk a bit further from the main area. Lots for kids to do in the inner area with ponds and different birds to look at and a restaurant too. Wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths and most of the hides are very accessible and some have an upper level. Very well managed and lots of information about what you can see, recommend a visit if you're nearby."
D. M.C
"Martin Mere is, without a doubt, one of the best family-friendly days out in the north west — and our family cannot recommend it highly enough.
We joined with a family membership and were immediately impressed by the outstanding value for money. Every member of our group had a different favourite experience, which really speaks to the range and quality of what’s on offer here.
Accessibility is clearly a top priority at Martin Mere, and they’ve done a wonderful job. One of our family members uses a wheelchair, and it was such a relief and joy to find that nearly all areas — including the beautifully maintained hides — are wheelchair accessible. The pathways are wide, well-surfaced, and easy to navigate, making the whole reserve feel inclusive and welcoming.
Our 7-year-old was in absolute heaven spotting birds, pond dipping (at no extra cost!), and getting creative in the craft room (a small charge to make badges, but totally worth it).
But for me, the true standout was the canoe safari. For just £12, you get an hour of peaceful paddling around a winding waterway where ducks, geese, and their adorable babies glide right by. It’s an unforgettable experience — calming, immersive, and a unique way to connect with the wildlife. The staff running the canoe safari were absolutely wonderful: friendly, helpful, and clearly enjoy what they do.
What makes Martin Mere so special is the balance it strikes between curated habitats and more natural, wild-feeling wetlands. There’s a sense of wonder around every corner, whether you’re looking a thoughtfully designed enclosure of otters or a quiet, secluded hide.
If you're looking for a place that combines education, adventure, tranquility, and accessibility — Martin Mere is it. We’ll be returning again and again."
Leanne Earle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
WWT Martin Mere is located near Ormskirk, Lancashire. It's easily accessible by car via the M6 and A59. There is ample free parking available. For public transport, you can take a train to Ormskirk station and then a local bus service (e.g., the 375) towards Southport, which stops near the centre.
Yes, the centre is well-signposted from the main roads. Use the postcode L40 0TA for GPS navigation.
There is a large, free car park at the centre. It can get busy during peak times, so arriving earlier is advisable.
While driving is the most convenient, you can reach Martin Mere via public transport. Take a train to Ormskirk and then a bus. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Currently, there isn't a dedicated park and ride service. Driving directly to the centre is the primary method for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official WWT Martin Mere website for the most current opening times before your visit. Generally, they are open daily from around 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM.
Ticket prices vary for adults, children, seniors, and families. Consider purchasing a family membership for excellent value if you plan to visit multiple times.
Yes, booking your tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee entry and sometimes to get a better price.
WWT offers various discounts, including for students, disabled visitors (with a carer admitted free), and group bookings. Check their website for details.
General admission typically includes access to the reserve, bird hides, walking trails, and play areas. Some specific activities, like the canoe safari or craft sessions, may have an additional charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the canoe safari for an immersive experience, watching the playful otters, exploring the diverse bird hides, and enjoying the interactive play areas for kids.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic family-friendly destination with dedicated play areas, splash zones, pond dipping, and educational activities that kids of all ages will love. +1
Yes, Martin Mere is renowned for its excellent accessibility. Most paths are wide, well-surfaced, and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with many hides also being accessible.
Families can enjoy pond dipping, craft activities, the splash walk, wildlife gardens, and the adventure playground. Seasonal events like Easter duck hunts or Eek Week add extra fun. +1
Yes, there are designated areas where you can feed the ducks and geese, often with food purchased at the centre. Please do not feed them bread, as it's not healthy for them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe on-site offering a range of hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a convenient option for a break during your visit.
Some visitors find the cafe prices to be a bit on the higher side, which is common for attractions. Bringing a picnic is a good way to manage costs.
Yes, Martin Mere has plenty of designated picnic areas, making it easy to enjoy your own packed lunch amidst the beautiful surroundings.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is encouraged and a great way to save money while enjoying the scenery.
The cafe typically offers a selection of vegetarian options. It's advisable to check with the cafe staff upon arrival for the most up-to-date menu and specific dietary information.
📸 📸 Photography
The numerous bird hides offer excellent vantage points for photographing waterfowl and other wetland birds. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light.
You can photograph a wide variety of birds, including ducks, geese, swans, waders, and sometimes rarer species like egrets or harriers. Otters are also a popular subject.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing detailed shots of birds, especially from a distance within the hides. However, even a standard zoom can capture wider scenes.
WWT Martin Mere occasionally hosts photography events or workshops. Keep an eye on their official website or social media for announcements.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but hides offer shade.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bringing wellies and a change of clothes is a must, as the water play areas and muddy trails are irresistible for little ones. Consider packing a picnic to make the most of the day and save on costs. The centre's excellent accessibility also means that even families with very young children or those with strollers will find it easy to get around.
📸 Wildlife Photographers
Utilizing a telephoto lens is highly recommended for detailed shots, but even a standard zoom can capture the broader wetland landscapes. The early morning and late afternoon light, often referred to as the 'golden hours,' are ideal for softer, more atmospheric photographs. Keep an eye out for the playful otters, which also make for engaging subjects.
♿️ Visitors with Mobility Needs
Crucially, many of the bird hides are also accessible, meaning visitors using wheelchairs can comfortably observe the wildlife without missing out. The staff are known for their helpfulness, contributing to a stress-free and enjoyable visit for all.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Canoe Safari Experience
Visitors consistently rave about the tranquility and the sheer joy of being so close to nature. The staff managing the canoe safari are often praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. It's particularly magical during spring and early summer when ducklings and goslings are abundant. Remember to wear clothing that can get a little wet, as splashes are part of the fun!
This activity is perfect for couples seeking a romantic outing or families looking for an adventurous yet calm way to explore the wetlands. It provides a different perspective than walking the trails and offers fantastic opportunities for photography, though patience is key to capturing those perfect moments.
Accessibility for All Visitors
Furthermore, many of the bird hides are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps or level access and ample space inside. This allows individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy the same birdwatching opportunities as other visitors. The staff are also noted for being helpful and accommodating, further enhancing the inclusive atmosphere.
Beyond physical accessibility, the centre provides clear signage and informative displays, making it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. This focus on inclusivity ensures that a visit to Martin Mere can be a truly shared and enjoyable experience for the entire family or group.
Seasonal Events and Activities
+1These special occasions transform the centre into a festive hub, offering unique experiences that complement the permanent wildlife attractions. For instance, during Eek Week, children can participate in themed trails and creative workshops, adding an extra layer of excitement to their visit.
It's always a good idea to check the WWT Martin Mere website or their social media channels before your visit to see what seasonal events are scheduled. This will help you plan your trip to coincide with any specific activities that might interest you, especially if you're travelling with children.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit