Promising a magical, story-led experience, Santa's grotto, and festive market, Slimbridge Wetland Centre's Wetland Wonderland invites visitors to help Waterlily the elf and the Slimbridge swans save Christmas this December 2026.
What to expect from Wetland Wonderland at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
With a charming new story written especially for Slimbridge, visitors can hear Waterlily read aloud in her enchanting library, follow the trail around the wetlands to find all the characters – like Lottie the otter, Phoebe the flamingo, Gribit the frog, and Bettie the Bewick's swan – and their best cracker jokes, before heading to the elf workshop to make a willow star tree-topper.
Santa Claus has a special, sparkly grotto at Slimbridge where visitors can meet the big man and receive their very own Lottie the otter to take home.
Plus there's a festive market with local artisans selling Christmas gifts, and regional choirs are performing each day in the Swan Cafe, too.
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The characters in Slimbridge's new story are inspired by the real-life wetland animals that call the centre home – including the migratory Bewick's swans which travel over 2,000 miles from Arctic Russia to Slimbridge for the winter.
Visitors can look out for these beautiful birds as they make their way around the trail.
When is Wetland Wonderland at Slimbridge Wetland Centre?
Slimbridge's Wetland Wonderland is on every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 5 until Sunday 20 December, and also on Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December 2026.
How much are tickets for Wetland Wonderland at Slimbridge Wetland Centre?
Wetland Wonderland is included within the price of admission, which costs from £17.91 per adult, from £11.84 per child, and is free for under threes.
Visitors can save 10 per cent off admission by booking online in advance.
Santa's Grotto costs an additional £15 per person, and there are also marshmallow s'more toasting kits for £3.50, available to reserve when booking online, or pick up from the Kingfisher Cafe on the day of your visit.
How to book tickets for Wetland Wonderland at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
To book, visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/wetland-wonderland.
