Name: WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Rating: 5.0

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 0TA, England, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

1275
0
0

Description

Searching for the best things to do with kids in Lancashire? WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a popular nature reserve and wildlife park set across acres of scenic wetland habitat. Families can explore outdoor trails, view rare birds and mammals, and enjoy an educational day out.

Prices start from £11.12 for juniors and £17.10 for adults when booking online in advance. Infants aged under three enter completely free of charge. Home to hundreds of species, this green sanctuary provides a unique space for children to connect with nature and discover wildlife conservation.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines open outdoor spaces with incredible animal encounters, this wetland reserve is an ideal choice. It offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe flamingos, otters, and exotic waterfowl in naturalistic environments.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Naturalistic Wetlands: Carefully managed reedbeds, meres, and marshlands designed to support native and migratory wildlife.
Interactive Keeper Talks: Daily educational talks, animal feeds, and ranger-led sessions to engage young minds.
Adventure Play Areas: Dedicated outdoor spaces like the adventure playground and water play zones where children can burn off energy.
Immersive Walk-Through Trails: Accessible boardwalks and paved paths allowing close, respectful encounters with free-roaming birds.

Top 5 Highlights

The Chilean Flamingos: Watch the bright pink flamingo flock splash and preen in their dedicated enclosure. Children will love observing their unique stance and social behaviour up close.
The Asian Short-Clawed Otters: Observe the playful family of otters swimming and foraging during daily feeding sessions. It provides a brilliant window into the lively antics of these aquatic mammals.
The Swan Lake and Rushy Pen Hides: Look out across the main mere from heated indoor observation hides. Kids can use giant telescopes to spot huge numbers of wintering swans and ducks taking flight.
The Canoe Safari and Boat Tours: Embark on a guided boat tour or paddle a canoe along the winding water channels. It offers an exciting, hands-on way to explore hidden wetland habitats from the water level.
The Marsh Discovery Hub: Discover pond dipping equipment and interactive displays designed for younger children. The hub brings families face-to-face with fascinating underwater mini-beasts and frogs.

Facilities

Toilets: Family restrooms equipped with baby-changing tables are situated near the main entrance and visitor centre.
Buggy Parking: Designated pushchair parking areas are available outside main indoor exhibit spaces and the cafe.
Food Options: The on-site cafe offers children's portions, hot and cold meals, and dietary-aware choices alongside picnic benches.
Accessibility: Step-free routes, level boardwalks, and accessible parking bays are available across the main visitor zones. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs can also be arranged.

Pro-Tips

Book Online in Advance: Purchasing tickets ahead of time secures a 10% discount compared to gate prices.
Bring Spare Clothes: The water play and outdoor adventure zones mean children frequently get wet or muddy during exploration.
Check Daily Feed Times: Arrive a few minutes before scheduled talks or flamingo feeds to secure a prime viewing spot near the front.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, WWT Martin Mere is a wonderful destination for toddlers because it features flat pushchair-friendly boardwalks, open grassy lawns, duck feeding, and a dedicated water adventure play area.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend between two and four hours walking the reserve trails, watching the animal feeds, and exploring the interactive indoor exhibits.
Where is the best place to park? The most convenient place to park is the free visitor car park located right outside the main entrance, which provides immediate step-free access to the admissions desk.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

Reedy Meadow and Reedbed Walks: Quiet nature trails offering peaceful strolls through native marshland flora.
The Mere Side Café: On-site family eatery serving hot meals, snacks, children's lunch boxes, and drinks.
The WWT Wetland Shop: Retail outlet offering nature books, binoculars, sustainable toys, and souvenirs.

What Visitors Love:

The vast open spaces and nature trails provide a calm, refreshing environment for a full family day out.
The outdoor adventure and water play areas keep children thoroughly entertained for hours.
Staff and volunteers are exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly, and great at encouraging kids to learn about wildlife.
The network of indoor hides makes it easy to watch wildlife comfortably even if the weather turns wet.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Certain rustic outdoor trails can get muddy following heavy rain, requiring sensible footwear.
Popular weekend events can draw large crowds, leading to busier queues around the main cafe and play zones.

Attractions & Live Events

Greater Flamingo Enclosure: Home to the resident flock of vibrant Chilean flamingos.
Otter Enclosure: Viewing pools and grassy banks where the Asian short-clawed otters live.
Canoe Safari & Boat Tour Dock: Seasonal water-based ride experience through the reserve channels.
Ron Barker Hide: Major observation hide overlooking the main goose and swan feeding grounds.
Wild Walk Adventure Area: Ponds, log bridges, and balancing beams for adventurous kids.
Daily Duck Feeding Sessions: Scheduled public feeds where hundreds of birds gather near the main mere.

New for 2026

Enhanced Interactive Wetlands Trail: Newly updated family pathways featuring digital audio points and tactile discovery stations.
Upgraded Water Play Zone: Refreshed sluice gates, pumps, and water channels designed for creative outdoor play.
Expanded Accessibility Boardwalks: Newly surfaced timber decking ensuring smoother pushchair and wheelchair access across wetter terrain.
Modernised Arrival Kiosks: Faster digital check-in points located near the main visitor centre to streamline entry.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Online prices

Adult: £18.85 With Gift Aid / £17.10 Without Gift Aid.
Junior (3–17 years): £12.25 With Gift Aid / £11.12 Without Gift Aid.
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children, 3–17 years): £52.95 With Gift Aid / £48.11 Without Gift Aid.
Concession (65+ & Full-Time Student): £17.10 With Gift Aid / £15.53 Without Gift Aid.
Young Adult (18–24 years): £17.10 With Gift Aid / £15.53 Without Gift Aid.
Children Under 3: FREE.

On the day prices

Adult: £20.90 With Gift Aid / £19.00 Without Gift Aid.
Junior (3–17 years): £13.60 With Gift Aid / £12.35 Without Gift Aid.
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children, 3–17 years): £58.80 With Gift Aid / £53.45 Without Gift Aid.
Concession (65+ & Full-Time Student): £19.00 With Gift Aid / £17.25 Without Gift Aid.
Young Adult (18–24 years): £19.00 With Gift Aid / £17.25 Without Gift Aid.
Children Under 3: FREE.

Pricing URL: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/plan-your-visit/tickets

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: For private family event inquiries, group celebrations, or birthday party bookings, please contact the centre team directly by calling 01704 891220.

Summer (31 March–24 October 2025): Open 9:30am–6pm (last entry 5pm). Gift shop: 9:30am–5:30pm.
Winter (25 October 2025–30 March 2026): Open 9:30am–4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm). Christmas Eve: 9:30am–3pm; Christmas Day: CLOSED.

Address: WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 0TA, England, UK

Post Code: L40 0TA

Council: West Lancashire

County: Lancashire

By Car: Located off the A59 in Burscough, Ormskirk (Postcode: L40 0TA). Easily reached from the M6, M58, and M61 following brown duck tourist signs.
By Train: The nearest station is Burscough Bridge (approx. 2.5 miles away) on the Southport to Manchester line, with local taxi or walking routes connecting to the reserve.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available directly outside the visitor entrance, including designated blue badge bays.