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WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
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WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

See all things to do
See all things to do
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
4.5
1,035
#3 of 12 things to do in Burscough
Nature & Wildlife Areas
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9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,035 reviews
Excellent
678
Very good
265
Average
62
Poor
16
Terrible
14
sdilworth
Bagshot, UK58 contributions
Perfect day - very safe and secure
Family
I visited with my mum (in her late 70s) and 20 year old son yesterday (we haven't been since he was a lot younger) and had a wonderful day. Pre-booked tickets with your phone scanned on entry into a very organised one way system. Even before we made it to the entrance, there was a member of staff in the car park to explain about the safety measures in place and to make sure we were confident about going in. Masks were worn inside buildings and there were notices on the hides that were open alerting you to how many people could enter. There were hand sanitation stations every few meters, especially round gates that you might touch but the one way system meant you could push the gates with an elbow so no need for hands! There were also the usual soap and water hand washing points. No cafe, just snack kiosks for hot/cold drinks and crisps etc, so take your own food if you are going for the day. All picnic areas and benches were sanitised as soon as someone left and everything was well distanced and very safe. On the day we went there were lots of families with excited young children but they were all very mindful of the people around them and it was great to see everyone outside in the sunshine enjoying the wildlife. The staff have obviously gone to considerable trouble to make people feel confident about visiting and we would definitely recommend. Look out for the lego sculpture round the trails!
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dclbrown61
Manchester, UK340 contributions
Nice relaxing place
Well laid out carpark, but dusty so be ready get get your car mats dirty, Well laid out and good service at reception. Cost for two adult ( booked on the internet) £31 for two adults. nice and flat and level ground in most areas so good for prams and wheelchairs, noticed staff member walking round the park spraying benches and chairs to disinfect for Covid19. Cafe serving limited food and drink for outside consumption in the outside sheltered area of the cafe. Food not cheap so would recommend taking a picnic if a family ( £5 for a pasty in cafe). The area is well laid out and there are some impressive birds to see. toilets are clean and there are no shortage of them, like most places not everything was open due to government rules. Would I go again yes but not at the weekend because I should imagine it is pretty busy then.
Written April 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JD S
Stockton-on-Tees, UK141 contributions
Great Fun
What a great place this is, value for a family entry was great and the kids enjoyed feeding the ducks with feed provided at a small surcharge.

The highlight was the canoe we hired £9 a boat for an hour was the best fun the kids had all day, so much fun and a new experience for them.

Even the gift shop wasn't too much of a rip off (which is unusual for this type of place)

We would definitely go again.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shirley H
Liverpool, UK17 contributions
Rude Staff!!
Family
Visited recently on the 14th May with my Son & Family. Enjoyed walking around the park looking at all the wild life. Had food in the Cafe, Children chose the Kiddies brown paper lunch bags, choice of cheese or ham Sandwich, on arrival of the lunch bags we found there was only half a sandwich in each bag....come on Guys, surely you can spare 2 full rounds of bread per Kiddies bag, especially with the cost of the entrance fee. On leaving the park, we stopped to watch some of the ducks that were on dry land. We noticed that one poor female duck looked like she was being attacked by approx another 12 -15 ducks, a member of our party clapped her hands to try and stop the aggression to no avail, so just stepped over the small fence to shoo them away! Next minute we were met by 2 female members of Staff must say in their latter years, rudely shouting “ what do you think your doing”, speaking to us like we were Kiddies at school. We explained the situation that we were concerned for the welfare of the female duck, and was rudely told “that’s how they mate” Well I have since found out that the drakes can be very aggressive when mating and can kill or smother the Female duck! If the 2 members of staff in question had been paying attention instead of sat around having a Mother’s meeting so to speak, this would not of happened! Maybe it’s time you 2 ladies retire!!
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charlotte R
2 contributions
Good family day but too expensive
We are regular visitors and enjoy Martin Mere. It’s always a great day out for all ages with lots to see and do. However, the prices in the cafe are truly ridiculous! Don’t forget to pack a lunch or you could be faced with having to pay too much for very average food (a piece of cake over £4 and a sausage roll £4 Panini £10!) The cafe used to be so accessible…sausage sarnies and a microwave for heating baby food. All of this has gone! There are now signs everywhere reminding you that only rip-off cafe food can be consumed inside.

Toilets were dirty today too, which surprised us as the standard of cleanliness is usually good.

As regular visitors we have started to notice that the place is in need of a bit of updating. The bug hotel structure is clearly degrading and some of the exhibits are looking a bit tired.

A good day out for the family but prices need to reduce.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jon
Tarleton, UK24 contributions
Over priced
Family
We had a monthly family membership which we occasionally used.

We went for a couple of hours with friends….We enjoyed it but it was not worth £30 per couple for those who weren’t members.The price of food and drink is also too high and the toilets were disgusting.

Given the high prices, we cannot have a quick visit with friends who aren’t members and ask them to pay £15 each; it is too much. I have cancelled our membership for this reason.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
john b
Manchester, UK5 contributions
Day out ruined
Couples
Visited Martin Mere on Wednesday 26th August 2020.Whilst we know there are restrictions concerning Covid we took to booking online in advance for a visit.The day was a complete and utter waste of time.The lady serving us when we arrived didnt advise us of any restrictions which soon became evident after we entered.We started to walk round and soon realised that the place was cordoned off in numerous places due to flooding. A one way system became confusing as they had not taken into consideration the areas that had been cordoned off because of the flooding
The amount of birds etc on view was minimal and I feel that my party was short changed.I came away very unhappy with my experience and was also unhappy that there was no compensation for the visit offered.
In hindsight we could have gone to Blacpool Zoo ,paid about £3 more and seen a lot more.
I will not be visiting again.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris M
Hemel Hempstead, UK35 contributions
Martin Mere visit
I am up in Southport for an holiday and decided to pick this wetland centre for a visit.
I was astounded by the amount of different animals that visit here including loads of different ducks and birds from overseas as well as otters ,storks, flamingos .
The centre is open from 9-30 till 18-00 hours summer and we had 3 hours there and didn't do all of the site.
I will be definitely going back to do the 2nd part next time im up this way and it is a real gem and ideal for families to take children too.
They have a restaurant looking over the lake although some of the services are not available at moment due to Covid but price was excellent value for money.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eric S
Southport, UK49 contributions
More like a zoo than a natural environment.
We have lived in Southport since 2011 but never visited Martin Mere, thinking it too expensive. It was my 81st birthday & we pre booked a visit with our eldest daughter. I bought a mobility for the occasion as I can't walk far. The area was composed of set pieces like an open air zoo which being a photographer was not what I wanted. There was another area which I believe was more akin to what I wanted, but it looked like there were no set paths. We eat in the cafe & all had fish & chips, the best but most expensive I've had.
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jennie B
9 contributions
My Family Love Martin Mere
Great place to visit for anyone who enjoys fresh air and nature. My grandson is eleven years old and autistic, he loved the Halloween Trail finding the answers to the questions set on the map. The staff and volunteers are helpful and knowledgeable. I would advise you take along a packed lunch (weather permitting) as the only eatery on site is like a school dinner hall and extremely expensive!
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre (Burscough) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Restaurants near WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre: View all restaurants near WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre on Tripadvisor