WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre have won gold in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024 as 'Large Visitor Attraction of the Year'.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence champion the very best of the country's tourism industry celebrating quality, innovation, best practice and exceptional customer service.

WWT Slimbridge, along with all finalists, attended the national awards ceremony on June 5 at Rum Warehouse, The Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.

WWT Slimbridge were the only finalist selected for the awards from the South West, demonstrating the wetland centre is leading the way for the region as a large visitor attraction for all.

This is the second time WWT Slimbridge have made it through to these national awards, last year bringing home Bronze for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism. The wetland centre also picked up two gold awards this year at the South West Tourism Award for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and Accessible & Inclusive Tourism.

Feedback from the awards was outstanding, with the marker saying: "What is not to love about WWT Slimbridge? Beautiful birds, amazing viewpoints, calming spaces and hidden hides. Mixed with canoe experiences, getting wet and wild in Welly Boot Land, meeting the resident otters, whilst heading on an arctic expedition - just shows how WWT Slimbridge is one of the best visitor attractions in the region."

Winning Gold in the regional awards and now gold in the national awards is a massive achievement for WWT Slimbridge and their dedicated staff and volunteers.

Centre manager Gary Haseley-Nejrup said: "We are so delighted and proud to have been given this Visit England Gold Award for Excellence. It is a testament and accolade to the passionate and hard-working team here at WWT Slimbridge who tirelessly work to create a unique experience for our visitors of all ages and for all accessibility needs and requirements."

All of WWT's wetland centres exist to fulfil founder Sir Peter Scott's vision of connecting people with nature and they aim for their wetlands and wildlife to be accessible to everyone.

Winning gold in the VisitEngland Awards recognises that WWT Slimbridge provides a memorable visitor experience for everyone and demonstrates excellence across every aspect of their business.