Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre

View of Rutland Water in the summer

View of Rutland Water nature reserve in early summer - David Tipling/2020VISION

The Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre is the gateway to the Egleton Nature Reserve, which makes up the larger part of Rutland Water Nature Reserve. A network of lagoons and wetlands, joined by meadows, hedgerows and woodlands, every inch of this beautiful place is bursting with wildlife.

Location

Egleton, Oakham, Rutland
LE15 8BT
A static map of Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre

Know before you go

Size
293 hectares
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Entry fee

£7/adult, £6/Concession, £4/Children, £17/Family (This fee includes parking and covers entry to Lyndon Visitor Centre)
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Parking information

Please use the car park

Grazing animals

Livestock my be present

Access

The visitor centre, car park and trails are located on the western side of Rutland Water, near to the village of Egleton. Many of the hides and trails are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, and there is an electric buggy available for hire – please phone ahead to book.

Dogs

Assistance dogs only
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Facilities

Visitor centre
Bird hides
Toilets
Shop
Cafe/refreshments
Picnic area
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities

When to visit

Opening times

Open daily throughout the year
9am - 5pm in the summer
9am - 4pm in the winter
Christmas Opening hours:
Closed 24th December - 25th December. Reopen on Boxing Day at 9am.

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

Put simply, Rutland Water Nature Reserve is one of the best places to watch birds and other wildlife in the UK. This internationally famous nature reserve is managed by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust in partnership with Anglian Water and provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in the UK, with in excess of 25,000 ducks, geese and swans in the winter months. It is also a hotspot in England for watching magnificent ospreys fishing over the lagoons.

Right from the moment you step into the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, you are immersed in nature. Panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows give you a taste of the wildlife out on the reserve; spy stately great white egrets, rafts of ducks, fishing terns, grebes, coot, moorhen, herons, waders and more. This stunning wild place is ever changing, so check out our seasonal guide for a taste of what you might see at different times of year. From hearing the sweet serenade of nightingales to watching the striking black and white smew, or even seeing something much rarer, Rutland Water is a place for all the family, no matter what time of year. 

You can spend anything from an hour to a long-weekend exploring. There are over 20 wildlife hides to explore, and both short and long walking routes. With wheelchair and pushchair access to many hides, this is a great place for anyone looking for a wild experience. The visitor centre has refreshments and tea/coffee facilities, as well as a shop, interactive displays and toilets. There are cafes nearby for those wanting a longer lunch. There’s also plenty for kids to do, so bring the whole family along.

Download a map of the reserve here 

Environmental designation

Ramsar
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
SPA

Entry Fee

You will need to purchase a day permit when visiting the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, the cost is £7/adult, £6/Concession, £4/Children, £17/Family. 

This cost includes parking, and entry and parking at the Lyndon Visitor Centre. 

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust members can save 10% on a day permit or purchase an annual permit for £45 from either visitor centre, you will need to show your membership card. 

Become a member for exclusive discounts to Rutland Water Nature Reserve

Members of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust receive a 10% discount on entry to Rutland Water Nature Reserve.

Woman sitting (c) Matthew Roberts
From £3.25 a month

Individual Membership

Individual membership for one person
Bluebells family (c) Tom Marshall
From £4.25 a month

Family Membership

Membership for a family up to two adults and children
(c) Tom Marshall
From £3.75 a month

Joint Membership

Joint membership for two adults