The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre - Image 1

The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre

Oakham, United Kingdom•4.6(535)•Nature Reserve, Wildlife Center

Spot ospreys, waterfowl and diverse bird species at this lakeside nature reserve with visitor facilities and family-friendly outdoor exploration.

The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre is a premier destination for observing wildlife around Rutland Water, one of the UK's largest reservoirs. Visitors can enjoy excellent bird watching opportunities, with ospreys being a particular highlight of the site. The centre features a visitor facility with a cafe, making it accessible for families with young children and pushchair users. The venue offers both indoor amenities and outdoor exploration areas where guests can discover the diverse avian and natural wildlife that inhabits the reserve. From casual family visits to dedicated bird watching expeditions, the centre caters to all ages and experience levels. The site is part of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust's network of nature reserves, combining conservation efforts with public education and recreational access. Family visits are actively encouraged with age-appropriate facilities and activities. The combination of accessible visitor infrastructure and rich natural habitats makes it an ideal location for introducing children to nature observation and wildlife conservation.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00
Friday: 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00

Events at this venue

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Visitor Centre Cafe

On-site cafe offering refreshments and tea/coffee facilities

Hours: 9am - 5pm (summer), 9am - 4pm (winter)

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Google Reviews

4.6(535 reviews)
J
Jax J141

Jax J141

3 months ago

Tranquil atmosphere. Lovely walk through different habitat. Butterflies and birds easily accessible and enjoyable. Fairly large site could spend good part of a day there birdwatching.

J
Janet Fas

Janet Fas

4 months ago

Located on a beautiful setting on the edge of Rutland Waters. The ideal place for bird watching

P
Paul Morris

Paul Morris

5 months ago

The reserve is large and has a diverse range of habitat, which is primarily open water lagoons. There is a large number of hides of a good size overlooking all areas. These are reached by following well maintained paths, these are all level except around the Lax Hill area of the reserve. There is provision for a large variety of mainly bird species and other wildlife. It's well worth a visit at anytime of the year. Its recommended the plan to be at the reserve for several hours to see as much as possible.

M
Mark Polzin

Mark Polzin

a year ago

Lovely place to visit. We could only spend an afternoon here and wanted to cover as much as possible. Visited most of the hides and managed to catch site of a Heron, a Tern in action on the water and a family of Egyptian Geese plus hundreds of others

J
Jane Eardley

Jane Eardley

a year ago

This bird watching centre is amazing. We visited here after going to the nearby Lyndon hides, so we didn't have a full day here, which is really needed to fully appreciate this superb site. The paths were in good condition, as were the vast numbers of hides. If you enjoy bird watching and photography, this is a must visit place. I'll definitely be returning and spending a full day here. The visitor centre & shop is well stocked too.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre

Is The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre free to visit?

The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre suitable for?

The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre.

Is there parking at The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre?

Yes — The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre?

Yes — Visitor Centre Cafe is on site at The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre. On-site cafe offering refreshments and tea/coffee facilities

Is The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre pushchair-friendly?

Yes, The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre?

The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre by public transport?

The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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