General & Ticket Information

• Children under 4 and carers assisting disabled visitors  go free. 
• The site is on a slope but has good access. There are tarmac paths within the inner paths and the admissions team can advise on routes that avoid steep slopes. 
• There is step-free access into most of the hides on the reserve. Hawthorn Wood hide has a large viewing window designed for use by mobility aid users.
• There is 1 manual wheelchair and 3 mobility scooters available to hire free of charge. Please call to book these in advance of your visit on 0191 4165454. 
• There are several toilet facilities including an accessible toilet with low-height baby changing table and a baby change area with separate toilet. There is also an accessible toilet on the reserve in between the Asian short-clawed otter exhibit and Northumbrian Water hide.

• Parking is free for visitors. There are 6 designated accessible car parking spaces available in the main car park. Visitors can be dropped off outside the main visitor centre, accessed by the road to the left of the footpath.

• Unfortunately, no dogs or pets of any kind are allowed on site, with the exception of Assistance dogs (trained by member organisations of ADUK) on duty, as the wildlife may become distressed. Assistance dogs must be kept on their lead, under control and their harnesses must state "working or assistance dog". 
• The following are not allowed at the Wetland Centre; Scooters, bicycles, tricycles, roller skates/blades/wheelies or skateboards, Barbecues, ‘Throwing toys’ such as ball games, Frisbees, nerf guns etc, Wheeled toys e.g. dolls prams or Pond dipping equipment. 
• Saving based off walk up rate and potential booking fees.
• Picniq accept all debit cards, Maestro, Visa and Mastercard as methods of payment. There is no credit card charge or booking fee.
• Online bookings are limited to a maximum of 12 visitors.
• Tickets purchased through Picniq are not refundable. The date of the visit can be amended for a fee of £10 per booking. Terms and conditions apply.
• Picniq Ltd acts as agent for all tickets/bookings on behalf of the supplier/principle ('the attraction'). For Picniq booking terms click here

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Directions

Address: WWT Washington Wetland Centre, Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE38 8LE

WWT Washington Wetland Centre sits on the north bank of the River Wear, overlooked by the region's famous Penshaw Monument. It is easily accessible by public and private transport.

The centre is east of Washington town centre in Pattinson (formerly District 15), four miles from the A1(M), one mile from the A19 and signposted off the A195, A19, A182 and A1231 Washington Highway.

By bus - The centre is served daily by buses to the Waterview Park government building and is just a short walk down the lane. Please visit https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/services and search ‘Waterview Park’ for the latest timetable information.

By rail - Sunderland rail station is a 15-minute car/bus ride away, while Newcastle and Durham stations are about 10 minutes further afield.

By Metro - The region’s underground Metro train service has stations with direct bus links to Washington town centre. These can be found in Sunderland (Park Lane Interchange), Newcastle (Haymarket or Eldon Square), Gateshead (Gateshead Interchange) and Heworth.

By bike - Cycling is an environmentally friendly and pleasant way to arrive at the centre, which is on the Sustrans Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Route. The River Wear trail also passes by (accessible by bike and on foot). Free cycle racks are available.

By coach - The centre has ample free parking for five large coaches. Please book spaces by prior arrangement.

By car - There is extensive free parking for visitors arriving by car, although where possible we would encourage the use of more environmentally friendly forms of transport. 

The centre is located 10 minutes from the A1M (south bound - take junction 65 and follow signs for the A1231 to Sunderland, then follow the brown duck signs; north bound - take junction 64 and do the same) and two minutes from the A19 (take the A1231 exit and follow signs towards Gateshead, then follow the brown duck signs). You can follow the brown duck signs to the centre from the A195, A19, A182 and A1231.

Open 7 days a week, 364 days a year 

Summer  (April – October) - 10am to 5.30pm (last admission 4:30pm)

Winter (November – March) - 10am to 4.30pm (last admission 3:30pm)