Big Waters Nature Reserve
ENTRY
Free
BUGGY FRIENDLY
Yes
What it’s like
A free nature reserve with bird hides and a pond dipping platform, open round the clock.
This is a spot for slow looking rather than big attractions. The bird hides have proper viewing platforms, so you can sit still with binoculars and see what turns up, and the pond dipping platform gives kids something more hands-on if staring at reeds isn't holding their attention. It won't fill an afternoon the way a big wildlife park does, but that's rather the point.
Otters do turn up here, and the Trust itself is honest that your chances are small on any given visit. Worth going in with that expectation set for the kids rather than promising an otter and having a meltdown when a moorhen shows up instead. The raised boardwalk means it works well for buggies and wheelchairs, though the western section is only open to NWT members, which is a bit of a faff if you fancy exploring the whole site.
There's no admission charge and no set hours, it's open all day every day. Parking's available on site. Just leave the dog at home unless it's an assistance dog, as pets aren't allowed in.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Wheelchairs
- Raised boardwalk suitable for wheelchair users
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs only
- The western section is members-only, so part of the reserve isn't open to everyone
- Bring your own binoculars if you've got them, the hides are just viewing platforms
- No set opening times, so early mornings or evenings both work
Plan your visit
Is it free to get in?
Yes, there's no charge to visit.
What are the opening hours?
It's open all day, every day, so there's no set time you need to arrive by.
Will we see otters?
Big Waters is one of the better spots in the area for them, but the Trust is upfront that your chances of an actual sighting are slim.
Is it OK for a buggy or wheelchair?
There's a raised boardwalk built for wheelchair users, and it works for pushchairs too. If you've got specific access needs it's worth getting in touch with the Trust directly.
Can we bring the dog?
Only assistance dogs are allowed on the reserve.
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