Print pageAbout Radipole Lake
Important notice
The Wild Weymouth Discovery Centre at Radipole Lake is now reopen after being refurbished. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Image: Nigel Blake
A nature reserve in central Weymouth sounds unlikely, but once you are on the footpath amongst the reeds and lagoons you could be far away in the countryside.
Radipole is a great place to come, whether you are new to wildlife watching or an old hand. There are well-known birds here such as house sparrows, finches and robins, alongside uncommon or rare birds like Cetti's warblers and bitterns. The visitor centre looks out over open water, and firm paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs take you into the best areas to see bearded tits and summer-visiting reed, sedge and grasshopper warblers.
There is plenty for families to do, with specially created trails, bird events, and during the summer, family activities such as pond dipping and bug hunts.
Opening times
Visitor centre is open daily 9 am to 5 pm, 4 pm in winter; hide - 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Centre and hide closed Christmas and Boxing Day.
Entrance charges
Free, but donations are welcome to help us continue our conservation work.
If you are new to birdwatching...
Radipole is an ideal site for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike, with well-known birds such as house sparrows, finches and robins, alongside rare and unusual birds like Cetti's warblers and bitterns. On a typical walk you can see seven or eight different kinds of ducks.
Information for families
There is plenty for families to do, with specially trails and Wildlife Explorer backpacks for free loan during visits. There are events based around birds and, during the summer, family activities such as pond dipping and 'bug hunts'
Information for dog owners
Dogs must be kept under close control and are only allowed on public footpaths and bridleways. Please pick up after your dog, take waste away with you and dispose of it in any dog waste bin or litter bin in Weymouth.