Whatever the season, come rain or shine - WWT Washington Wetland Centre is the perfect place to connect with nature.

Open 364 days, visitors can explore a diverse mix of wetland, woodland and wildlife reserve - home to endangered wildfowl, flocks of wild waders, grey herons, woodland birds, frogs, dragonflies, bats, goats, ancient woodland and beautiful wildflower meadows.

Visit Close Encounters and hand-feed the rarest goose in the world or watch Eurasian cranes as they parade across the stream area.

Bird hides with views of lapwing, curlew and avocet are on the shore at Wader Lake; colourful bullfinches gather at Hawthorn Wood feeding station; mini-beasts lurk in Hollowood and fluffy babies hatch at Waterfowl Nursery (May-July).

Special annual events include Downy Duckling Days, Animal Magic and the Greenfest eco fair, as well as a fantastic calendar of regular wildlife workshops and family-friendly activities.

Join the WWT membership scheme during your visit and within two more trips you'll be enjoying free days out for the rest of 2010!

Cafe. Picnic areas. Snacks in the gift shop.

Wide range of souvenirs, gifts, books, children's toys, wildlife products and Fairtrade goods available. In Focus binocular experts visit monthly with products for sale or part-exchange. Check the website for details.

Toilets. Accessible toilet facilities. Separate parent and baby room.

Food will be heated by cafe staff on request.

Signposted from A19, A1231, A182 and A195. Served by buses to Waterview Park from Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, South Shields and Washington. C2C Cycle route passes front door. Cycle racks available.

Bring a change of clothes if children are to really explore the splash zone. Allow 1-2 hours for a visit with pre-school children. Older children can easily spend 3-4 hours exploring the centre.

If you've had fun on your family day out to WWT Washington Wetland Centre, tell us about it your visit, so other people will know it's a great place to go as well.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/washington/default.asp