Europe's Longest Stepping Stones Open at WWT Martin Mere
Visitors to WWT Martin Mere are invited to take on Lancashire's newest outdoor adventure as spectacular 68-metre attraction opens in time for the summer holidays, from Monday 6 July 2026.
A trial run of the nearly-completed stepping stones
Families of all ages across Lancashire are being invited to step into a brand-new adventure this summer as WWT Martin Mere, based in Burscough, unveils Europe's longest continuous stepping stones.
Stretching an impressive 68 metres across the water, the attraction features 143 stepping stones, creating a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of wetlands.
The development of the raised pathway which the stepping stones sit on
Victoria Fellowes, Visitor Experience Manager at WWT Martin Mere, said:
"We're incredibly proud to open Europe's longest continuous set of stepping stones right here at WWT Martin Mere. As WWT – the wetland charity – we want to inspire people to connect with wetlands in fun, memorable ways. The stepping stones offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying an exciting adventure together."
The stepping stones form part of WWT Martin Mere's recently created wet meadow and self-guided bug hunting area, which opened in summer 2025. Visitors can pick up an identification chart and discover the fascinating miniature wildlife that calls wetlands home, from colourful insects to fascinating pond creatures.
The sunken walkway when it was built in 2025
After crossing the stepping stones, visitors can continue exploring via two unique walking routes through the wet meadow: a dry path winding through vibrant wildflowers, or a wet route along the sunken walkway for those wanting an even closer encounter with wetland habitats.
The attraction opens in time for the school summer holidays and the return of WWT Martin Mere's popular Dragonfly Festival, running from 18 July to 31 August.
Packed with family-friendly activities, the festival will give visitors the chance to:
Go pond dipping and discover underwater wildlife.
Hunt for giant dragonfly sculptures around the reserve.
Learn dragonfly-inspired dance moves at lively bubble parties.
Get hands-on with interactive dragonfly science shows packed with fascinating facts.
The stepping stones, alongside the Dragonfly Festival activities, are included as part of admission tickets or WWT membership, and Martin Mere is open each day from 9:30am until 6pm during the summer.
Inspired to visit?
WWT membersgain unlimited access all year round. Or, non-members can save 10% on admission tickets by prebooking online at least a day before your visit.