WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre is delighted to have won another gold award for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism, along with bronze for Large Visitor Attraction at the South West Tourism Awards.

The 2024/2025 South West Tourism Awards Ceremony took place on Thursday, December 5, at Batch Country House in Somerset.

WWT Slimbridge has been leading the way as one of the most accessible attractions in the South West, and this is the second time the wetland centre has won gold in this category. This year the attraction was up against Bristol Zoological Society and The Roman Baths.

Feedback from the awards has been outstanding, with the marker saying: "WWT Slimbridge is certainly an expert in the accessibility field and many other visitor attractions could learn from the initiatives that WWT Slimbridge have implemented.

"The visitor attraction is taking steps in advancing its facilities to improve the wellness of its visitors, with some significant site redevelopments.

"Access is central to every decision that is made across this site, this is evident with the changing place toilet and the Living Wetland Theatre - both designed with access at the core."

This was the fourth year WWT Slimbridge had applied for this awards scheme, and they were absolutely delighted to reach the finals, for the fourth year running.

Each year the wetland centre has taken on the judge's feedback and developed their site and accessibility offer. The latest adjustments have included 'Quiet Wednesdays' - adapting the site on Wednesday mornings outside of school holidays, to provide a more comfortable visit for visitors with autism and sensory needs, providing SEND friendly sensory backpacks to visitors, and offering SENS sessions for their events.

Winning gold once again in the accessible and inclusive category is a huge achievement for WWT Slimbridge as all WWT's wetland centres exist to fulfil founder Sir Peter Scott's vision of connecting people with nature and aim for their wetlands and wildlife to be accessible to everyone.

The award recognises that WWT Slimbridge provides a truly memorable visitor experience for everyone - particularly those with accessibility requirements and demonstrates excellence across every aspect of the business.

Winning gold also means WWT Slimbridge has the chance to go through to 2025's prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, for which the wetland centre won gold for 'Large Visitor Attraction of the Year' in 2024.