Swanlets › Where to see swans in the UK
Where to see swans in the UK
Almost every lake and canal has mute swans. For big numbers or wild winter swans, a few well-known places are worth the trip. Check opening times before you travel.
Everyday swan-watching
You can see mute swans on town parks, rivers such as the Thames and Avon, and many canals. Dawn and early evening are best, with fewer people about. Spring, from April to June, offers nests and cygnets; read about cygnet growth stages to know what you are looking at.
Abbotsbury Swannery, Dorset
Abbotsbury Swannery is on the Dorset coast next to Chesil Beach and describes itself as the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world. Visitors can walk among nesting birds in season, and see cygnets hatching, typically from late May into June. The Swannery operates a seasonal programme, so check opening times and dates on its website before you go.
WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust was founded at Slimbridge on the Severn estuary and has long been associated with Bewick's swan research. In recent years only a few Bewick's swans have reached the UK, but the reserve still offers a lot of wildfowl, including whooper swans and many other species. Check the website for the winter wildlife calendar.
WWT Welney, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire
On the Ouse Washes, Welney draws large numbers of whooper swans in winter, plus Bewick's swans in smaller counts. The reserve is known for its evening swan feeds, with birds coming in to roost as the light goes. Dress warmly and bring binoculars.
WWT Martin Mere, Lancashire
Martin Mere near Ormskirk is a winter home for thousands of wild birds, including whooper swans coming in from Iceland. There are feeds and hides, and a mix of captive and wild collections. Check the website for event times.
Tips for visiting
- Book ahead if the site asks for it, particularly for winter feeds.
- Wrap up warm; hides can be cold and exposed.
- Bring binoculars. A pair with 8x magnification is plenty. Use our identification guide to tell the species apart.
- Keep dogs at home unless the site welcomes them.
- Do not feed wild swans on reserves unless it is part of an organised feed, and do not bring bread; see feeding swans properly.
Seeing Swan Upping
Swan Upping happens on the Thames in July. You can watch from the riverbank at places along the route, and the event is free to view, but check the official dates and the route before you go. For background, see the swan law page.
Choosing the right place
If you have young children, a park pond or a canal towpath is easy and free, and you can be home in an hour. If you want a day out with a flask, a reserve gives you hides, wardens who answer questions and seats out of the wind. If you are keen on photography, go in winter when the light is low and the birds are active, and keep a respectful distance so that you do not disturb them. Whichever you choose, leave no litter and take any fishing line you find, because it is a real danger to swans.
Report what you see
Bird recording is a way to help conservation. The British Trust for Ornithology and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust both welcome observations, and a ringed or collared swan is of particular interest. If you ever see a swan in need while out, our injured swan guide will help.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see cygnets?
Almost any river or lake with mute swans in May and June. Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset is a managed nesting colony where visitors can see cygnets close up in season.
When can I see whooper swans?
From about October to March, on reserves such as Welney and Martin Mere.
Are there Bewick's swans left in the UK?
Yes, but only a small number now come each winter. Welney and Slimbridge are the traditional places to look.