WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre wins double Silver at South West Tourism Awards 2022/2023

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire, is delighted to have won two Silver Awards for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism and Large Visitor Attraction at the South West Tourism Awards.

WWT Slimbridge applied for the Bristol Bath & Somerset Awards back in 2022 and won Gold for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and Silver for the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award in December 2022. This meant that the wetland centre then went through to the South West Tourism Awards, where they claimed two Silver Awards. 

The 2022/2023 South West Tourism Awards Ceremony took place on Thursday 23 March at The Eden Project in Cornwall. The awards evening began with canapés in the Mediterranean Biome, followed by a three course black tie dinner, awards presentation, networking and dancing.

For the Large Visitor Attraction category Slimbridge were finalists together with Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Lappa Valley and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. And in the Accessible and Inclusive category, Slimbridge were finalists alongside Dorset Museum, The Roman Baths & Pump Room and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm once again.

Feedback from the awards was outstanding with the marker saying;

“WWT Slimbridge is such a fabulous visitor attraction. How many other visitor attractions can you think of where you automatically know that the whole family will have a great day out? Everyone, of all ages and needs will feel included. The South West should be proud to have WWT Slimbridge located in the region!”

This was the second year Slimbridge had applied for the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Awards which then led them through to the South West Tourism Awards and they were absolutely delighted to reach the finals yet again.

Winning Silver in the Accessible and Inclusive category was a massive achievement for Slimbridge as all of 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 Slimbridge provide a truly memorable visitor experience for everyone - particularly those with accessibility requirements, and demonstrate excellence across every aspect of their business. The award comes just after the wetland centre opened a new Changing Places facility which gives visitors to Slimbridge use of a larger accessible toilet for severely disabled people, as well as an adjustable changing bench, hoist and washbasin.