With the kids in Bristol: WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre

The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day to head off to Slimbridge, which is just a short trip up the M5 from Bristol.

On arrival, you receive a warm welcome before being given the lowdown on what’s to see and do. Then, with bird food in hand, you are free to explore and get up close and personal with many varieties of birds and animals. These include all five species of flamingo, the rarest goose in the world and lots of fluffy new arrivals during breeding season.

Feeding the ducks and other waterfowl is all part of the experience

Walking out onto the decking you get your first view of the vast area that is Slimbridge: a natural wetland on the banks of the River Severn. Set up by Sir Peter Scott, a pioneering naturalist who also had a hand in creating the BBC’s Natural History Unit on Whiteladies Road, Slimbridge is often referred to as the birthplace of modern conservation.

Much has changed since 1946 when the public were first allowed to wander through the marshlands here, but the themes of conservation and sustainability prevail – as does fun over in Welly Boot Land, where the sun beams brightly – the perfect day to get wet. Children can have fun splashing around in the water and parents can sit back and relax in one of the many shaded areas in this enclosed area.

It’s a gentle stroll around the grounds and there’s plenty of laughter as children play in the stream and manoeuvre around the obstacles, including a few friendly ducks. Playing in this first part of the park is a great way to build an appetite, which can be satisfied at the Kingfisher Kitchen.

The children have many options to choose from including a snack box, as well as a ‘Fill Your Bucket’ for £4.95. Adults are able to deliberate over the delicious hot meals, from old favourite fish and chips to the Legges of Bromyard sausage cassoulet – two hearty meals for just £8.95 each. And if that isn’t enough, there’s a mouth-watering array of cakes as well.

Slimbridge’s grounds are sprawling but easily accessible

As the site is so vast, one of the two guided tours is a good idea. For younger visitors, the Wild Safari in a 4×4 is ideal. It lasts for up to two hours and is a great experience for everyone: a bouncy but safe trip around the reserve, stopping at certain points to be educated.

The highlight was the mini adventure towards the end of the journey; after being led down a track to the water, the guides lifted five corrugated metal flaps, one by one. Each time something different was revealed, from a spider to a grass snake.

Anyone feeling really brave can also have a go on the Canoe Safari, where you paddle along a specially designed 1km trail at your leisure: by closing time, Slimbridge is guaranteed to tire out your little ones.

Prices for Slimbridge are £13.18 for adults, £7.72 for children and under 4’s go free. There is a 10 per cent discount for booking online. To find out more, visit www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge