- Play Hard
- 19th Nov 2025
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What’s on at WWT Washington this festive season
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If you’re looking for a festive day out that isn’t all about shopping, WWT Washington Wetland Centre is our go-to destination to visit this winter.
Think frosty reeds shimmering in the sun, ponds so still they look like glass and woodlands filled with bird song. WWT Washington is a beautiful winter wonderland at this time of year.
The wetlands are full of winter wildlife right now, from waders flocking in formation to colourful woodland birds. And if you’re very lucky (and quiet), you might even catch a kingfisher doing its high-speed, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it dive.
And because it’s Christmas, Washington Wetland Centre has rolled out a festive line-up that’s perfect for the little ones, nature lovers and if you fancy a wholesome winter day out without setting foot in a Santa’s grotto.
HLN TOP TIP: Download the new WWT Washington app. It’s your perfect pocket guide, packed with audio descriptions and bird calls, nature trails, quizzes and fun facts to keep the kids entertained along the way.
WILD WELLY WALKS
Monday 1st December – Sunday 2nd February
If the kids are climbing the walls and the energy levels are threatening your sanity, the Wild Welly Walks are your new best friend. Pick up your free activity guide (and kids get a free cookie at the end at the Waterside Café) then head out on a winter-themed adventure.
The activity guide is packed with fun challenges, such as spotting and identifying wild birds, counting, drawing, making a stick figure, and snapping the perfect winter photo. Think of it as your passport to letting the little ones get muddy, messy and worn out.
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Saturday 20th – Monday 22nd December
If you’re looking for something cosy after your outdoor adventures, head to the Discovery Centre for festive family crafts. This is your chance to make a magical willow wand (grown right there on-site) or decorate your own Christmas jam jar to take home.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
While you’re exploring the woodland areas, keep your eyes peeled. Winter is peak bird-spotting season and the feeding stations are a hive of activity with visitors like brambling, siskin and redpoll joining the locals.
WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographers, winter is your moment. The low winter sun makes for dreamy golden-hour shots and Washington Wetland Centre’s resident volunteer photographer Ian Henderson has pulled together some expert tips for making the most of the season.
Whether you’re chasing flying silhouettes at sunset, macro close-ups of curious mute swans or woodland birds perched on frosty branches, there’s something spectacular happening in every corner of the site. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot otters, roe deer or a peregrine falcon putting on a show.
RELAX AT THE WATERSIDE CAFÉ
Finally, when your toes are cold and your camera roll is full, the Waterside Café awaits with hot soups, freshly baked scones and steaming drinks. Sit by the window and watch barnacle geese or common cranes grazing across the stream channel. It’s the perfect place to thaw out and take in the magic.
WWT Washington Wetland Centre, Pattinson, Washington, Sunderland, NE38 8LE
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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