WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

WWT Slimbridge is where the modern conservation movement began. Sir Peter Scott — son of Scott of the Antarctic, Olympic medal-winner, and co-founder of the WWF — established the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust here on the Severn estuary in 1946, drawn by the vast flocks of wild geese that still pour onto the reserve each winter.

Today the site holds one of the world's most significant collections of captive waterfowl alongside a working nature reserve, and every autumn up to 30,000 wild ducks, geese, and swans arrive from Arctic Russia — including endangered Bewick's swans, which have been individually named and studied here since the 1960s.

Alongside the reserve you'll find five species of flamingo, Asian short-clawed otters, a kingfisher hide, pelican demonstrations in the Living Wetland Theatre, and Scott House, the remarkably intact family home where Sir Peter lived and worked.

Open 364 days a year, with summer hours running 9.30am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm) and winter hours from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

This suits birdwatchers of any level, families with young children, and anyone wanting a proper half-day or full-day out — there's a café, adventure play areas, canoe safaris, and guided wild safaris on top of the main grounds.

The winter months are the headline draw if wild birds are what you're after, but the living collection means there's always something worth coming for.

Note that dogs are not permitted on site, trained assistance dogs excepted.