If you’re looking for a family day out that works for toddlers, autistic children and the grown-ups too, WWT Slimbridge is one of our top picks. It’s open, calm, inclusive, and full of opportunities for learning and sensory play.

As a mum of three young children, two of whom are autistic and one who loves to run off, finding days out that work for all of us can be a challenge. But Slimbridge is somewhere we come back to again and again.

Here’s why we love it, and why other families with additional needs might find it a hidden gem too.

Space to Burn Off Energy

One of the best things about Slimbridge is just how much space there is. The paths are wide and flat, and there are plenty of open areas for kids to run, stomp, push buggies or wheelchairs, or just explore.

There are nature trails, picnic areas, outdoor sinks, and viewing hides all over the site, perfect for children who like to be on the move.

A Sensory-Friendly Paradise

Slimbridge is full of gentle sensory experiences. My eldest son, who is autistic and non-verbal, really enjoys birds — and this is a place where birds are everywhere. From the flamingos to the ducks you can hand-feed, there’s constant gentle movement, flapping, sounds, and colour. Bird food is available onsite for just £1.50 a bag from the shop – head down the ramp when you arrive and cut back in on yourself and you’ll find yourself in the gift shop. The bird food is located at the tills themselves.

Some autistic children love birds because they offer repetition, rhythm, and visual interest without the unpredictability of human interaction. Watching them is regulating. At Slimbridge, you can do that all day.

Welly Boot Land: Wet Play Done Right

Welly Boot Land is one of the best sensory play areas we’ve come across. There’s water to splash in, bridges to climb, mud to squelch through, and play equipment to explore. It’s not just a splash pad, it’s a full sensory playground.

But what makes it stand out even more? It’s fenced. There’s one entrance, with a latch out of reach of most little hands. That means children can explore freely without the constant fear that someone will wander off.

Top tip: Bring your swimming kits! If your kids are even vaguely like mine, they’re going to get soaked! If you’re caught short, the Welly Boot land is a relatively short walk to the car park afterwards.

Want to know why we care so much about fences? Read why all splash pads should be fenced.

Accessible Toilets (Including a Changing Places Facility)

Slimbridge has clearly put real thought into accessibility. The addition of a Changing Places toilet is a game changer for families who need hoists or adult-sized changing benches. It’s clean, well located, and gives families the dignity and space they need.

There are also multiple accessible toilets across the site, baby changing stations, and easy paths suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies.

A Bit of Everything

There’s a small soft play area inside, which we’ve used occasionally when it’s quiet, great for smaller tots (height limit 115cm). There are picnic benches throughout the grounds, a calm indoor space with amphibian tanks, and even a cinema with a hearing loop.

For us, Slimbridge has the perfect balance. There’s structure if you want it, but no pressure to follow a specific route. You can dip in and out of areas based on your child’s energy, mood and sensory needs.

Incredible Value with Tesco Clubcard Vouchers

One of our favourite things about WWT membership is that it’s available through the Tesco Clubcard scheme. We converted £57 worth of Clubcard points last year into an annual family membership for Slimbridge, and we’re doing the same again when our pass expires next month.

It’s one of the best value options on the scheme, especially because membership doesn’t just cover Slimbridge. You also get access to other WWT sites across the country, making it a brilliant investment for families who love the outdoors.

A New Experience Each Time

Slimbridge is open 364 days a year (closed only on Christmas Day), and the experience shifts with the seasons. On a recent visit, we loved spotting baby goslings and ducklings roaming freely, and in the winter, migratory swans arrive in their hundreds.

No two visits are quite the same, which keeps it interesting for children who thrive on both familiarity and change.

Other Accessibility Highlights

• Free wheelchair and scooter hire (booking recommended)
• Quiet areas and calm corners
• Subtitled short films and visual signage
• Sensory backpacks available on request
• Friendly, informed staff

Final Thoughts

We often say that our best days out are the ones where no one stares, no one rushes us, and everyone gets something they enjoy. WWT Slimbridge gives us that.

It’s not just accessible, it’s welcoming. And that makes all the difference.

Whether you’re visiting with a toddler, a non-verbal child, or someone with complex needs, this is one place where you can relax a little and just enjoy the day.