London Wetland Centre is a 105 acre wildlife haven with scenic walkways set amongst the lakes, pools and meadows that are home to birds, bats, water voles, grass snakes, amphibians, dragonflies and moths.

Unwind in this oasis in the heart of the capital - and let your kids run free in their own Explore, Discovery and Pond Zone adventure areas. Spot wildlife close-up from our hides and meet our collection of rare birds from around the world.

Take a free guided walk with one of our wardens and then relax in our cafe over coffee or lunch. A great day out, whatever the weather.

The Water's Edge Cafe offers a delicious selection of hot and cold food, a variety of coffees and chilled drinks, and tempting home-made cakes. There are children's meals and lunch boxes available.

The Cafe is located within the centre and has the same opening and closing times.

There is a variety of healthy eating options available at the Water's Edge Cafe.

The gift shop stocks a wide range of wildlife books, outdoor clothing, bird feeders/boxes, cards, childrens gifts and souvenirs of your visit to the centre.

There is also an in focus optics shop stocking everything you will ever need to watch wildlife, from compact binoculars to state of the art telescopes (a percentage of all sales goes to the conservation work of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust).

We have plenty of toilet facilities onsite, all with easy access.

We have several baby changing rooms onsite.

We have milk warming facilities for parents in the Waters Edge Cafe.

The centre is buggy friendly with accessible paths and wheelchair/buggy access to all levels (including our 3 storey Peacock Tower viewing hide). Binoculars are available for hire but if do bring your own if you have them. We are buggy friendly. Bring wet weather gear if raining.

My 6 year old daughter Georgina and I have had several great days out here. My husband sometimes works at weekend at Kempton Park so this is an easy afternoon trip for us. I get to spot some birds and even manage to get Georgina to patiently sit and watch - with a promise of the playground as a juicy carrot. The visitor centre has lots to do for kids at weekends and in the hols. Need to check their website before going if you are not there all day. However, a list of the times of activities will be given to you on arrival. The frogs in the stream alongside the car park are amazing - don't try to count them in the summer - far too many! The ponds outside the pond life house are great for spotting frogs, water boatmen etc and are raised so even good for prams/wheelchairs. Top tips.

Use your Tesco Deal Days Out Vouchers to pay for your entry - costs you a quarter of the ticket price.

Remember to take towels, swimming costume, dry clothes, picnic, sun cream and something for you to sit on for the playground. It is fab for a hot day tunnels, showers, ducks to race (though the kids soon cotton on that if you direct the jets inwards in the duck race area, everyone gets soaked) The first time we went didn't know about the playground, so had to strip off!

- Fiona Lawrence / Oct 07

http://www.wwt.org.uk/london