Warbler’s Meadow in Slimbridge - A Nature Lover’s Dream Glamping Retreat

We love glamping because it lets us feel close to nature without giving up a comfy bed or a hot shower. Waking up to birdsong, cooking breakfast with a view and sleeping under a sky full of stars make each trip feel special. We also look for spots that are a bit different - places you won’t find on every travel list - so the stay feels like a real discovery. That’s why Warbler’s Meadow at Slimbridge caught our eye. It promises cosy shepherd’s huts tucked among ponds and reedbeds, with wildlife all around. It seemed the perfect mix of comfort and countryside and we couldn’t wait to experience it for ourselves.

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Unique Stay Surrounded by Wildlife

Warbler’s Meadow is a brand-new addition to the WWT Slimbridge site, having only opened in spring 2025. It’s a fresh venture that offers guests the chance to stay overnight in the heart of the wetlands - something that hasn’t been possible here before.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of WWT Slimbridge, Warbler’s Meadow is perfect for anyone wanting a real break from the fast pace of everyday life. With no screens or digital distractions, it’s a place to slow down and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re reading by your private pond or watching the mist rise over the reeds, every moment here feels peaceful and unhurried.

Each of the five shepherd’s huts - Blackcap, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Sedge, and Reed - is part of this new glamping site and sits among young wildflowers, freshly planted reeds and newly created ponds. While the plants and water features are still settling in and not yet fully grown, it’s easy to picture how lush and full of life the area will be in a few months’ time. Even now, you get a close-up view of the wetland world, and it’s exciting to think how much more wildlife it will attract as everything matures.~

From your deck, you might spot a kingfisher diving, moorhens gliding past or butterflies dancing on the breeze. 

Staying here also means you’re just steps away from the main Slimbridge site, with all its hides, trails and wetland wildlife waiting to be explored. But even if you don’t venture far, the meadow itself is full of life. Wake to the gentle sounds of birdsong and soft tapping in the trees and wind down your day with a peaceful drink as the evening air fills with the quiet movement of night-time wildlife overhead. It’s a true nature escape, right in the heart of Gloucestershire.

Inside the Shepherd’s Huts: Comfort Meets Sustainability

We stayed in the Sedge hut, which turned out to be the perfect choice for us. 

It was spacious and well laid out, with two separate sleeping areas - one with a comfy king-sized bed and the other with a sofa bed - divided by a small but fully equipped kitchenette and a private bathroom. The space felt cosy without being cramped and there was plenty of natural light during the day which we loved. 

We also really appreciated the thoughtful touches, from soft towels and board games to a well-stocked tea and coffee corner. It was lovely having everything we needed right there, so we could just relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

As the evenings drew to a close, the whole place took on a calm, peaceful stillness. The sounds of the day faded and all we could hear were the soft rustles of nature settling in for the night. Sitting out on the deck with a warm drink, we felt completely relaxed - like we were part of the landscape, not just visitors in it. It was one of those rare moments where everything felt still, quiet and just right.

What made it even better was knowing that our stay was part of something bigger. Warbler’s Meadow has been designed with sustainability in mind, and that shows in the materials used, the way the huts are built and how the site blends so naturally into the landscape. It felt good to know that guests staying there, would be supporting Slimbridge’s important conservation work. 

The whole experience gave us a chance to slow down, enjoy nature and be part of something meaningful - all while staying warm, comfortable and well looked after.

Onsite Experiences at Slimbridge Wetland Centre

One of the best parts about staying at Warbler’s Meadow is that you get free access to Slimbridge Wetland Centre for the whole duration of your stay. You can come and go as often as you like, which gave us the freedom to explore the reserve at different times of the day. We made the most of it - popping in for a peaceful morning walk, returning later to catch a feeding talk/bird demonstration and even going back in the late afternoon for a quiet wander along the estuary. It really added to the experience and made our stay feel even more special.

The centre offers a mix of free and paid experiences, so there’s plenty to do whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a few days. There are bird hides dotted around the reserve, offering peaceful spots to watch wildlife without disturbing it. The estuary walk is perfect if you enjoy a gentle stroll with wide-open views and there are lots of interactive areas for children too. Throughout the day, you’ll also find feeding sessions, talks and chances to learn more about the birds and habitats.

If you're up for something more adventurous, there are paid experiences like canoe safaris, where you paddle through the quieter parts of the wetlands, spotting birds and wildlife along the way (we did this and highly recommend it). Wildlife tours and behind-the-scenes experiences offer even more insight into Slimbridge’s conservation work. 

Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or just enjoy being outdoors, there’s something here for everyone.

A Peaceful Base to Explore the Cotswolds & Severn Estuary

While we were more than happy to spend most of our time exploring Slimbridge Wetland Centre, the location of Warbler’s Meadow makes it ideal for those wanting to venture a bit further. It’s right on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with lovely towns and villages like Painswick, Tetbury and Bourton-on-the-Water just a short drive away. Gloucester, with its historic cathedral and waterside quays, is also nearby, as is Berkeley Castle - a great spot if you're interested in history.

What we really liked was how quiet and tucked away the site felt, yet it was still so easy to get to. Whether you're after a scenic drive, a countryside walk, or a relaxed day trip, Warbler’s Meadow makes a great base. You can enjoy the peace and privacy of your shepherd’s hut, while knowing that plenty of other attractions are within easy reach if you fancy a change of pace.

Practical Info: Booking, Prices* & What to Know Before You Go

A quick look at the practicalities: two-berth huts cost £150 per night on weekdays and £175 on weekends, while the larger four-berth huts are £175 per night on weekdays and £200 per night on weekends. All stays include free, unlimited entry to Slimbridge Wetland Centre during opening hours (canoe and wildlife safaris cost extra). A minimum stay of two nights applies on weekdays and three nights on weekends, and check-in or check-out is only on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

For safety, bookings cannot be accepted for children under 7 because there is open water around every hut. 

Paths across the meadow are flat and wide and the Reed hut offers step-free access. At the main Slimbridge site there is a Changing Places toilet, and mobility scooters can be hired from admissions.

*Prices mentioned are correct at the time of writing this post, but it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date rates and availability.

 

Booking tips

• Weekday stays are the best value and usually a little quieter. 
• If you can, aim for spring or early summer when the wetlands are alive with activity.
• Pack layered clothing, waterproof shoes, a torch for evening strolls and binoculars for bird-watching.
• Remember to book mobility aids in advance and reserve paid experiences such as canoe safaris early, as spaces are limited.

Why Warbler’s Meadow Is Worth Booking

Based on our experience, we’d happily recommend Warbler’s Meadow to wildlife lovers, couples, small families (with children over seven), and anyone in need of a proper digital detox. For wildlife enthusiasts, it’s a front-row seat to nature, with birds, butterflies, and other creatures right outside your door. Couples will love the peaceful setting and cosy atmosphere, while those looking to unplug will appreciate the lack of screens and the chance to truly slow down. Families can make the most of the activities at Slimbridge while still enjoying the comforts of a private retreat.

We left feeling recharged and inspired. Being surrounded by nature, with time to just sit, watch and listen, gave us a sense of calm that’s hard to find in everyday life. 

What really sets Warbler’s Meadow apart from other glamping sites is its location within a working conservation centre, the thoughtful design of the huts, and the seamless blend of comfort and sustainability. It doesn’t just offer a place to stay - it offers an experience that reconnects you with the natural world in the most gentle, meaningful way.

Have You Experienced Warbler’s Meadow Yet?

We’d love to hear from you! Have you been glamping before, or are you thinking of giving it a go? If you’ve stayed at Warbler’s Meadow or have any questions about this experience, feel free to drop them in the comments below - I’m always happy to share more. 

If you found this post helpful, please do share it with others who might enjoy a peaceful break in nature. You can also save or bookmark it for later if you’re planning a future stay. For more details or to make a booking, visit the official site or contact the team at Warbler’s Meadow using the details below.
 

WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 01453 891900