WWT Steart Marshes - Image 1

WWT Steart Marshes

Bridgwater, United Kingdom•4.7(538)•Country Park, Nature Reserve

Explore hundreds of hectares of saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands that protect homes while providing sanctuary for diverse wildlife and birdlife.

WWT Steart Marshes is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust's pioneering working wetland reserve, combining flood defence with nature conservation. Spanning hundreds of hectares of saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands along the Somerset coast, this National Nature Reserve demonstrates how communities can fight climate change by working with nature. The site protects local homes and businesses from rising sea levels while creating thriving habitats for countless bird species, plants, and wildlife. Visitors can explore the reserve through observation hides, including the Mendip Hide and Tower Hide, and enjoy walking trails across this sprawling coastal landscape. The site is part of the broader Bridgwater Bay and Somerset Wetland NNR, a carefully managed mosaic of habitats that supports migratory birds, saltmarsh specialists, and seasonal visitors. Educational signage throughout the reserve helps visitors identify birds and understand the ecological importance of wetland ecosystems. Steart Marshes welcomes families and nature enthusiasts of all ages, offering free entry and dog-friendly facilities. The venue hosts seasonal events, guided experiences, and nature connection programmes, making it ideal for families wanting to discover wildlife, enjoy outdoor activities, and learn about wetland conservation in a beautiful natural setting.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 08:30 – 16:30
Tuesday: 08:30 – 16:30
Wednesday: 08:30 – 16:30
Thursday: 08:30 – 16:30
Friday: 08:30 – 16:30
Saturday: 08:30 – 16:30
Sunday: 08:30 – 16:30

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

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
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Google Reviews

4.7(538 reviews)
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Peter Smithson

Peter Smithson

3 months ago

Lovely walks along well made gravel paths. Toilets and info boards at car parks. Well made hides looking over vantage points. Some of the scrapes had dried out so no birds just now but lots among the reeds. The Merlin app showed a few different species. Could do with a small route map at junction points on the paths.

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Pamela (Pam)

Pamela (Pam)

3 months ago

This is a nature reserve recently developed and well set out which has plenty of bird hides where you can sit in comfort and view water birds on their islands. I found all the bird watchers informative and helpful and willing to view the birds through their binoculars/telescopes. There was plenty of sign posting with information on wildlife and paths. Family friendly with good level paths suitable for bikes. There are car parks near each viewing area.

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steve benham

steve benham

a year ago

Found this location on maps, met a friend with a flask and went for a wonder. Found it easily, good size car park and toilet facilities too, it's well laid out and I could see it's had some up keep and maintenance done. Alot of the path is a hard gravel making it possible for wheel chairs to travel on. Loads of water channels and areas of water, the two walk ways sadly don't meet, one being slightly longer than the other following the river Parrot. We came across a couple of well made bird hides being great to get out of the weather, seats inside and good viewing windows, even some windows latched so photographers could open with windows to get a capture a better photo. Around half a kilometer after the second bird hide we came across a gate, the path here is a grass track with fairly deep ruts, making it alot more difficult to walk on and very difficult to walk side by side. Eventually we reached the furthest point. Then turned around and headed back, the weather turned and it began raining heavily. Its so open there's no where to shelter for a long way. Think this bit was around 1.5 kilometers before getting back to one of the bird hides. We were soaked. Within tne bird hide there isn't any hooks to hang up damp coats. All in all a nice part of Somerset to explore, if I did it again I wouldn't go beyond the second bird hide.

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Scott Lewis

Scott Lewis

a year ago

Fabulous place for birdwatching. Good-sized car park that is free, but they ask for donations. You can pay with cash or a card.Very clean toilets in the car park. Well laid out trails that are easy to follow, good wheelchair access for a big section.

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hudson801

hudson801

a year ago

Some truly lovely hides with some great views. Had the pleasure of spending a few hours here admiring the ducks and egrets and getting to see a Marsh Harrier swooping around. Plenty of paths for wandering around, it's just a shame about the transmission towers cutting through it and buzzing away. Still, a very nice area. No food or drink to be bought on site (although I did see a sign for catering on Sundays), so make sure to bring a pack lunch. And the parking is free, but make sure to leave a donation. Overall, a great find!

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at WWT Steart Marshes

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about WWT Steart Marshes

Is WWT Steart Marshes free to visit?

Entry to WWT Steart Marshes is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

Is WWT Steart Marshes dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at WWT Steart Marshes.

Is there parking at WWT Steart Marshes?

Yes, WWT Steart Marshes has on-site parking.

Is there food at WWT Steart Marshes?

WWT Steart Marshes doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is WWT Steart Marshes pushchair-friendly?

Yes, WWT Steart Marshes 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 WWT Steart Marshes?

WWT Steart Marshes is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to WWT Steart Marshes by public transport?

WWT Steart Marshes is well-served by public transport.
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