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| Where to See Animals |
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| Children love animals.
They love reading about them.
They love pictures of them.
But, above all they love to see them, and best of all to pet them.
This page lists places where your scamps and rascals can see animals.
The emphasis is on small, local places; large zoos and safari parks will not be listed.
This is a work in progress and is currently weighted in favour of the South-East, however, new additions are being added as quickly as is practicable to cover the whole of the UK.
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| Key: | | | | Wildlife park; | | | | Farm; | | | | Bird sanctuary; | | | | Aquarium. |
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| The Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary |
| Barcaldine, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1SE | | map | http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/oban1.html |
| The Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary is a rescue, rehabilitation and release centre for seals and other sea creatures.
There is also an aquarium with many from the coastal waters of the West Highlands and some from further afield.
This includes: shrimps, starfish, herring, sharks, stingrays, crabs and even octopuses.
There is even a seahorse breeding facility and some otters.
Note: The Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary is associated with the National Seal Sanctuary and the Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary.
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| Woodside Animal Farm and Leisure Park |
| Slip End Village, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 4DG | | map | http://www.woodsidefarm.co.uk |
| Woodside advertises itself as an Animal Farm, Leisure Park and Mini Zoo.
With all the bases covered, you can not help but enjoy a day out here.
The different types of attraction are not separated out, but are integrated so you will find farm animals next to wildlife next to play areas.
Animals to see include: - cows, pigs, ponies, donkeys, goats and ducks; monkeys, lemurs, llamas, racoons, prairie dogs, flamingoes, hornbills and owls.
You also have the opportunity to pet a number of animals including: - rabbits, chicks, goats, owls and reptiles.
The other attractions include play areas, a fun fair, indoor play area, sandpit, crazy golf, egg collecting and a number of places to eat, including a picnic area with vintage tractors to climb on.
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| Beale Park |
| Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9NH | | map | http://www.bealepark.co.uk |
| Beale Park occupies a 350 acre site beside the River Thames close to Reading.
It is active in bird conservation and has a good collection of birds.
There are also other animals, e.g. lemurs, alpaca, meerkats and wallabies to name a few.
A petting area offers a chance to handle rabbits, lambs and others.
Beale Park, however, has a lot more than just the animals.
There are extensive gardens with interesting sculptures; there is a walk along the River Thames with fishing available; there is a range of play areas for children of different ages and abilities.
You can go on a miniture railway or a river cruise on the Thames.
There is something for everyone at Beale Park.
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| Trilakes Animal Park and Fishery |
| Yateley Road, Sandhurst, Berkshire, GU47 8JQ | | map | http://www.blackwater-valley.org.uk/trilakes.htm |
| Trilakes includes an animal park with ducks, goats, horses, donkeys, rabbits, chipmunks and others.
There is also fishing and a nature trail around the picturesque lakes themselves.
Facilities include a little children's play area and a restaurant.
On the same site is the Little Angels Indoor Playworld.
Admission is very reasonable and you can opt for Trilakes, or for Little Angels or for both combined.
Trilakes is ideal for an afternoon diversion of fresh-air and animals.
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| HorseWorld |
| Staunton Manor Farm, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 0QJ | | map | http://www.horseworld.org.uk |
| The emphasis is, of course, on horses.
Meet them, touch them and groom them; also, learn about them and watch them being trained.
There are ponies and horses of all sizes from miniature Shetlands to Shire horses.
However, horses are not the only animals here.
There are donkeys and Garth the Mule, along with goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, chickens and rabbits at the Noah's Ark farm attraction.
Facilities are rounded off with Tea Rooms, tractor rides and a Creative Workshop.
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| Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |
| Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG | | map | http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk |
| Noah's Ark Zoo Farm tries to provide a hands-on experience of animals; of which, it has over 80 species.
Highland cattle, donkeys, pigs, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, and deer provide the the farm element of the park, while the zoo element is represented by the more exotic camels, rhinos, lemurs, reptiles, rheas, emus, giraffes and many others.
If you have time to spare, you might also enjoy the eleven outdoor and indoor playareas and two mazes.
A cafe and kiosk are available for refreshments.
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| National Marine Aquarium |
| Coxside, Plymouth, PL4 0LF | | map | http://www.national-aquarium.co.uk |
| The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is Britain's biggest aquarium.
The sheer scale of the exhibits alone is breathtaking.
The Atlantic Reef tank has a cinema screen sized window looking into a tank that is a replica of the Eddystone reef in the Atlantic a few miles from Plymouth.
The Mediterranean exhibit, at 10.5 meters deep, is Europe's deepest tank — and you walk through a tunnel at the bottom of it.
These tanks hold whole ecosystems of sealife with the various species taking up their natural roles — e.g. at the surface or on the sea bed.
Overall, there are many live exhibits with everything from seahorses to sharks as well as a range of educational exhibitions.
Visitors can also use remote viewing technology to explore Scylla, which is an artificial reef formed from a scuppered warship located a few miles off the Cornish coast.
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| Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay |
| Towan Promenade, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1DU | | map | http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay.htm |
| Blue Reef at Newquay includes over thirty exhibit tanks.
The centrepiece is the giant Tropical Paradise display where a coral reef is the home to hundreds of species of colourful tropical fish.
You can walk through the underwater tunnel to get up close to this tropical paradise.
Other exhibits include Turtle Creek, where rescued turtles are rehabilitated, the nursary, a display of deep water predators and an exhibit of crabs, lobsters and shrimps.
Note: There are also Blue Reef Aquaria in Portsmouth and Tynemouth.
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| Dairyland Farm World |
| Nr Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5AA | | map | http://www.dairylandfarmworld.co.uk |
| Dairyland Farm World is a working dairy farm as well as a tourist attraction, and as such you can, of course, see the cows being milked.
However, that is only a small part of the entertainments on offer.
With Pat-a-Pet, Animal Ark and the aviary there is chance to see a variety of animals.
There are also various play options, including an assault course, Tarzan's House and.
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| The Nation Seal Sanctuary |
| Gweek, near Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6UG | | map | http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/corn1.html |
| The National Seal Sanctuary is a rescue, rehabilitation and release centre for seals.
It has a hospital and a number of pools: nursary, convalescence and residential.
There are a number of different species of seal and sea lion as well as otters, ponies and goats.
Note: The National Seal Sanctuary is associated with the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary and the Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary.
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| Newquay Zoo |
| Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ | | map | http://www.newquayzoo.org.uk |
| Newquay Zoo is, of course, a charitable organisation involved in the conservation of rare species.
Amongst the animals here you will see: penguins, meerkats, parrots, starlings, colobus monkeys, marmosets, tamarins, mouse deer, toads, tropical fish, lions and zebra.
There are also a cafe, a children's play area and the 'Dragon Maze'.
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| Paradise Park and JungleBarn |
| 16 Trelissick Road, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HB | | map | http://www.paradisepark.org.uk |
| Paradise Park is primarily a bird sanctuary and is the home of the World Parrot Trust.
It has been involved in conservation for many years, keeping and breeding many rare bird breeds.
There is a huge Parrot Flight aviary with many parrots living in near-natural conditions.
Other birds include penguins, owls, eagles, falcons and the Cornish Chough.
There are free-flying bird shows featuring parrots and toucans and others.
There are animals other than birds at Paradise Park: otters, red pandas, red squirrels will delight you, and at the Fun Farm you can meet rabbits, alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep and donkeys, amongst others.
Facilities are rounded out with a miniature train, a cafe and the JungleBarn indoor play centre.
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| The Tamar Valley Donkey Park |
| St Ann's Chapel, Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9HW | | map | http://www.donkeypark.com |
| Donkeys, donkeys, donkeys.
If you like donkeys, you'll love the Tamar Valley Donkey Park.
Feed them, pet them, ride on them.
But, it's not all donkeys: other animals include ponies, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs.
There is also a range of indoor play areas for all ages and Holly's Cafe for meals and cream teas.
Don't let the rain put you off — as well as the indoor play areas, the donkey rides can be accommodated indoors too.
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| South Lakes Wild Animal Park |
| Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA15 8JR | | map | http://www.wildanimalpark.co.uk |
| The South Lakes Wild Animal Park is involved in conservation projects around the world and boasts an amazing collection of animals.
Examples of the animals are: - from Africa: lions, cheetahs, hippos, rhinos, giraffes, baboons, mandrills and porcupines; from South America: spectacled bears, tapirs, spider monkeys, tamarins, macaws and marmosets; from Asia: tigers, fruit bats, macaques, gibbons and babirusa; from Australia: kangaroos, wallabies, possums and kookuburras.
There is plenty of opportunity to learn about the animals, and you can pet a snake, feed giraffes and lemurs, ride on the miniture railway.
Refreshments can be taken at the cafe.
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| SeaQuarium Rhyl |
| East Parade, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 3AF | | map | http://www.seaquariumrhyl.co.uk |
| SeaQuarium at Rhyl is an aquarium with over 30 display tanks.
You can meet everything from starfish to sharks and walk through the underwater tunnel.
There is also a full programme of demonstrations, feeding and talks.
Note: There is also a SeaQuarium in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset..
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| Becky Falls Woodland Park |
| Manaton, Nr. Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9UG | | map | http://www.beckyfalls.com |
| Becky Falls is primarily a woodland park with woodland trails of varying difficulty around the spectacular waterfall complex.
However, coupled to this are a number of other entertainments for the whole family, including a small zoo and petting farm.
You can feed the rabbits, guinea pigs, miniature shetland ponies and goats.
The zoo boasts more exotic creatures such as lizards, goliath spiders and boa constrictors — touch them if you dare.
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| The Big Sheep |
| Abbotsham, Bedeford, North Devon, EX39 5AP | | map | http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk |
| At the Big Sheep you will, of course, see lots of sheep: you can feed them in the field, watch the sheep dog trials, be informed by the Sheep Show, bottle feed lambs and even take a punt on a sheep race.
There is also a range of other activities: horse riding, indoor play with giant slides (including a 'drop slide'), ride-on cars, a tractor ride and trampolines.
If you think there is nothing for mums and dads, you are wrong — there is a brewery for your delectation.
Facilities are rounded off with a cafe, shop and a garden centre.
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| Exmoor Zoological Park |
| South Stowford, Bratton Fleming, Nr Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4SG | | map | http://www.exmoorzoo.co.uk |
| Amongst the animals at Exmoor Zoo you will see: arctic foxes, bush dogs, gibbons, tamarins, lemurs, wallabies, emus, rheas, vultures, cranes, parrots and deer.
If you wish, the day can be structured with a full programme of talks and exhibitions, including animal handling and feeding.
There are also a chidren's playground, a cafe and picnic areas.
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| Quince Honey Farm |
| North Road, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3AZ | | map | http://www.quincehoney.co.uk |
| The Quince Honey Farm is something a little different.
It is a farm and there are animals, but, they are not cuddley!
There are many beehives and exhibitions that inform you about the life of the bee and the honey production process from hive to jar.
The indoor apiary is a unique exhibit that gets you into the very heart of the hive, but safely behind a sheet of glass.
Of course, with all these bees there is plenty of honey and beeswax, so a visit the shop is a must.
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| Drusillas Park |
| Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5QS | | map | http://www.drusillas.co.uk |
| Drusillas Park is part animal farm and part adventure theme park.
The emphasis is definitely on fun.
The animal park has a large variety of animals to see and learn about, for example: monkeys, lemurs, penguins, flamingos, otters, beavers, meerkats, prairie dogs, mongooses, bats, snakes, crocodiles and servals.
There is also a farmyard area with a seasonal selection of pigs, cows, goats, ponies, sheep and chickens.
Fill in your free 'Animal Spotter's Book' as you go round the park.
To supplement the animals there are many other activities.
There are play areas suitable for all ages, a paddling pool, shooting gallery, mini golf, gold panning, craft workshop and a climbing wall.
This is not everything by any means — you'll just have to visit to find out the rest.
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| Marsh Farm Country Park |
| Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP | | map | http://www.marshfarmcountrypark.co.uk |
| Marsh Farm is a working farm where children can meet the animals and use the adventure play areas.
You can meet and pet the farm animals and go to the Pet Barn to meet rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, ferrets and others or go for a pony ride.
Take time to explore the peaceful riverside walks of the Country Park, which has has superb views across the River Crouch and plenty of wild birds to spot.
(If walking is too strenuous, then a tractor trailer will take you for a ride around the park.)
There is also the adventure play area, a craft area and the Farmhouse Tearoom for refreshments.
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| Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth |
| Clarance Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3PB | | map | http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/portsmouth.htm |
| The centrepiece is the giant Tropical Paradise display where a coral reef is the home to hundreds of species of colourful tropical fish.
You can walk through the underwater tunnel to get up close to this tropical paradise.
As well as other fishy exhibits there are also frogs and otters to visit.
Note: There are also Blue Reef Aquaria in Newquay and Tynemouth.
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| Finkley Down Farm Park |
| Andover, Hampshire, SP11 6NF | | map | http://www.finkleydownfarm.co.uk |
| Finkley Down Farm Park is located on the North-Eastern edge of Andover in Hampshire.
Its well-kept, picturesque grounds form a pleasant environment to meet a variety of animals.
There are many animals to pet, handle, groom or feed, such as ponies, calves, lambs, chicks, ducks, rabbits and mice.
There are other animals to see too: cattle, pigs, goats, llamas, chipmunks.
Finkley Down also includes a sizable play area with equipment suitable for both young and older children.
Refreshments are available in the tea-rooms or you can use the picnic area.
For those so inclined, birthday parties are can be held here.
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| The Hawk Conservancy |
| Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY | | map | http://www.hawk-conservancy.org |
| The Hawk Conservancy has an impressive collection of birds of prey: hawks, falcons, eagles, owls and others.
It carries out conservation work: for example, it has had considerable success in breeding native British birds of prey and releasing them into the wild.
Twice a day there is a live flying display where a fascinating commentry accompanies many types of bird doing what they do best.
The owl flies silently over the audience; the hawks catch a mid-air lunch; the fish-eagle snatches a (rubber) fish from a pond; the secretary bird takes on a (rubber) snake.
There are also a number of other fun events that young ones will love, such as races for ferrets and running ducks.
The conservancy is a fascinating place that you can not help but love.
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| Miller's Ark |
| Roke Farm, Hillside, Nr Odiham, Hampshire, RG29 1HZ | | map | http://www.millersark.co.uk |
| Miller's Ark is a working rare-animal farm.
Their primary business is to provide a 'mobile farm': they take animals to events and to residential homes, etc., for theraputic animal visits.
However, they also have open days on the farm itself, and these events are immensely enjoyable.
The emphasis is on getting in amongst the animals and petting them.
They have the usual farm animals and others: pigs, sheep, cattle, horses, donkeys, ducks, geese, chickens, rabbits, guinnie pigs.
Check the 'On Farm Events' section of the Miller's Ark website for dates of the open days.
Just before, Christmas Miller's Ark host a nativity play and carol service where you can see Mary on a real donkey, see the shepherds with their sheep in the field (and feed the sheep), then see Jesus in the manger with the animals around him.
The atmosphere is great and the evening is rounded off by a visit from Santa himself.
If you can pay a visit to Miller's Ark, do so.
It's a great day out.
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| Paradise Wildlife Park |
| White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA | | map | http://www.pwpark.com |
| Paradise Wildlife Park has an impressive array of wild animals as well as other attractions.
The animals include a lot of big specimens that young ones will love to see: lion, bactrian camel, alligator, jaguar, cheetah, zebra, tiger.
However, there is also a lot of smaller animals that will delight, from owls and macaws to foxes and the impossibly cute red panda.
There are many additional activities available: there are several play areas to suit all including special needs children, or you can go on a woodland walk, a tractor-trailer ride or join Thomas for a woodland railway ride; you can play golf, pan for gold or have a go in the craft area; and don't forget your swimming costumes for the Paradise Lagoon paddling pool.
Bring a picnic or take refreshments at the restaurant.
Prepare for a full day of fun to do justice to this wildlife park.
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| Coleman's Animal Farm |
| Colemans Lane, Porchfield, Near Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 4LX | | map | http://www.colemansfarm.com |
| Coleman's Animal Farm is a family-run dairy petting farm with plenty of opportunity for animal handling as well as other activities.
Farm animals include donkeys, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, duck, geese and chickens.
There is also an aviary of more exotic birds, some chinchillas and the farm dogs and cats.
Daily activities encourage you to handle small animals, bottle-feed lambs and kids, groom larger animals and collect the chickens' eggs.
Between animal activities, you can ride on peddle cars and tractors, visit the adventure playground and take refreshment at the Old Barn Cafe.
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| Eagle Heights |
| Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JB | | map | http://www.eagleheights.co.uk |
| Eagle Heights is a large bird of prey centre.
They are, of course, involved in breeding, conservation and rehabilitation of injured birds.
When you visit, you can see the birds together with their collection of other animals: meerkats, otters, pygmy goats and various snakes and reptiles.
Every day there are two flying displays of the birds of prey and indoor displays of owls and reptiles.
There is also an outdoor play area.
Eagle Heights also hosts occasional special events (these area roughly monthly during the summer).
Some events have only limited appeal, while others have a much broader appeal.
See the website for details.
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| The Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary |
| Southern Promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5BH | | map | http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/hunt1.html |
| The Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary is a rescue, rehabilitation and release centre for seals and other sea life.
There is also an aquarium with many species from our coastal waters and from around the world.
You will also find displays of penguins and otters.
Note: The Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary is associated with the National Seal Sanctuary and the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary.
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| Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth |
| Grand Parade, Tynemouth, NE30 4JF | | map | http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/tynemouth.htm |
| The centrepiece is the giant Tropical Paradise display where a coral reef is the home to hundreds of species of colourful tropical fish.
You can walk through the underwater tunnel to get up close to this tropical paradise.
As well as other fishy exhibits there are also frogs and otters to visit.
Note: There are also Blue Reef Aquaria in Newquay and Portsmouth.
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| Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens |
| Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP | | map | http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk |
| Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens lie two miles South of Burford just off the A361.
It consists of a manor house surrounded by extensive grounds that house the wildlife park.
The park contains a large and varied collection of animals from around the world, including many endangered species.
The park, of course, is involved in conservation and breeding programmes.
Amonst other animals, the park includes lions, leopards, zebras, ostriches, white rhinos, antelope, camels, tapirs, monkeys, gibbons, tamarins, lemurs, meerkats, snakes, tarantulas, owls, hornbills — even ants.
There is plenty to interest everyone; and if this isn't enough, then visit the adventure playground, see the farm animals at the Children's Farmyard, watch the Bird of Prey flying demonstrations and have a picnic or visit the Oak Tree Restaurant.
For a more relaxing visit, let the narrow guage train take the strain or just enjoy the gardens which are themselves known for their exotic plant species.
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| Manor House Wild Animal Park |
| Saint Florence, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 8RJ | | map | http://www.manorhousewildanimalpark.co.uk |
| Manor House Wild Animal Park has a good collection of animals from around the world.
It includes: zebras, camels, antelope, bison, wallabies, penguins, otters, snakes, reptiles, lemurs, monkeys, emus, parrots, eagles, hawks, falcons, owls.
There is a packed daily schedule of events to entertain you and to bring you closer to the animals.
You can handle bugs, stroke snakes and maybe hold birds of prey after the falconry display.
The grounds of the manor include well tended flower gardens and woodlands within the setting of the beautiful Welsh countryside.
There are also play areas, a number of places to eat, an extensive model railway and you can take a ride on a tractor trailer with an educational talk.
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| Alstone Wildlife Park |
| Alstone Hall, Alstone Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3DT | | map | http://www.alstonewildlifepark.co.uk |
| Alstone Wildlife Park is a small, family-run enterprise that is good value for money.
The animals on display include: owls, parrots, emus, kune-kune pigs, red deer, roe deer, ponies, wallabies, llama and camels.
In the pets area there are also chipmunks, degus, chinchillas, rabbits and guinea pigs.
Refreshments are available in the form of hot and cold drinks and ice creams or you can enjoy your the pleasant picnic area.
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| Animal Farm Adventure Park |
| Red Road, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, TA8 2RW | | map | http://www.animal-farm.co.uk |
| Animal Farm Adventure Park lies close to the coast South of Weston-super-Mare.
The park includes many familiar farm animals: donkeys, goats, Highland and Jersey cattle, rare-breed sheep and llamas.
The Cuddle Club gives you a chance to handle a selection of small animals: guinnea pigs, rabbits, rats and chickens.
In the Animal Barn you can get close to larger animals such as sheep, goats and donkeys.
The park also has a collection of farm and exotic birds.
Other attractions include indoor and outdoor play areas, rides on the Jenny landtrain and the Milking Parlour Cafe.
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| Court Farm Country Park |
| Wolvershill Road, Banwell, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, BS29 6DL | | map | http://www.courtfarmcountrypark.co.uk |
| The Animal Barns give you access to calves, horses goats and sheep, with twice-daily bottle feeding of lambs.
Pony rides are available in season and Pet's Corner gives you access to many small animals.
Other attractions inculde Adventure Land (indoor play) and rides on the Big Cat (amphibious 8-wheeled all-terrain vehicles).
From mid July to mid September a five acre maze open.
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| SeaQuarium Weston-Super-Mare |
| Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1BE | | map | http://www.seaquariumweston.co.uk |
| SeaQuarium at Weston-Super-Mare is an aquarium with over 30 display tanks.
You can meet everything from starfish to sharks.
There is also a full programme of demonstrations, feeding and talks.
Note: There is also a SeaQuarium in Rhyl, Denbighshire..
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| Secret World Wildlife Rescue |
| New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3PZ | | map | http://www.secretworld.org |
| Secret World is different to most of the places listed here in that it is a working rescue centre for our native wildlife.
As such, it is not open to the public all the time, but has designated open days that are listed here on the Secret World website.
Visitors will see the rehabilitation of wild animals, the nurturing of orphaned animals and the centre's resident animals.
Secret World was a nominee for the BBC Animal Awards in 2001 for 'contributions to animal welfare' and has been featured in the BBC's Spring Watch and Channel 4's Pet Rescue.
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| TropiQuaria Animal and Adventure Park |
| Washford Cross, Watchet, Somerset, TA23 0QB | | map | http://www.tropiquaria.co.uk |
| The Tropical Hall is the centrepiece of TropicQuaria.
It is an indoor jungle complete with a waterfall and a stream.
Birds fly and perch around you while you discover the displays of giant snapping turtles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and marmosets.
You might even want to hold a snake or a giant spider.
There are more animals outdoors: macaws, tamarins, gibbons, potoroo, wallabies, emu, tapir, lemurs, meerkats and more.
There are also outdoor play areas, a Puppet Theatre and a Radio Museum.
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| The Wildlife Park at Cricket St Thomas |
| Cricket St Thomas, Chard, Somerset, TA20 4DD | | map | http://www.wild.org.uk |
| This facility is an impressive wildlife park in the South of Somerset.
Its themed enclosures (the "Africal Paddock", "South American Paddock" and so on) attempt to create as natural an environment as is feasible for the animals.
There are far too many species of animals on display to list fully here, but they include: lemurs, meerkats, monkeys, leopards, zebras, oryxes, deer, wallabies, hornbills, flamingoes, ostriches, parrots and pheasants.
There is a Children's Farm exhibit, with various farm animals to meet.
There are a number of options for on-site refreshments, including the Black Swan Pub.
Outdoor play areas round off the facilities.
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| Brockholes Farm |
| Brockholes Lane, Branton, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN3 3NH | | map | http://www.brockholesfarm.co.uk |
| There are two aspects to Brockholes Farm at Doncaster: the Riding Centre and the Visitor Centre.
The Riding Centre is the largest in the North of England.
It caters for all ages and abilities including disabled and under-fives.
The Visitor Centre is where you can visit a range of animals on the farm.
There are the usual farm animals (pigs, goats, sheep, horses, cattle, ducks, geese) as well as some more exotic animals (racoons, zebras, hampsters, mice, coatis, llamas, wallabies, monkeys, owls).
There is also a woodland walk where you can spot wildlife including Red and Fallow Deer.
Facilities are rounded off with the Barn Cafe.
Note: Brockholes also has a site at Luton that is only a Riding Centre.
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| Birdworld |
| Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD | | map | http://www.birdworld.co.uk |
| Birdworld is a large bird sanctuary set in beautifully landscaped gardens.
There is a wide range of birds on disply: parrots, penguins, budgies, ostriches, owls, vultures, toucans, secratary birds and a whole lot more.
But, it isn't only birds.
You can also see fish at 'Underwater World' and see goats and sheep, rabbits and mice at the 'Jenny Wren Farm', both included in the admission price.
Even this is not the end to the fun: there are also children's play areas, a train ride, the 'Heron Theatre' and the feeding of the penguins and pelicans to amuse you.
There's enough diversity to please anyone and everyone.
Birdworld also holds occasional special events: see their website for details.
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| Bocketts Farm Park |
| Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9BS | | map | http://www.bockettsfarm.co.uk |
| Bocketts Farm Park is a working farm just outside Leatherhead close to junction nine of the M25.
There are barns and fields of animals and a wide range of outdoor and indoor play areas.
Bags of feed are available for you to feed the sheep, goats, alpacas and llamas.
Children are fascinated by the demonstration of milking a goat.
There are regular sessions for handling small animals, such as rabbits, guinae pigs and ducks.
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| Burpham Court Farm Park |
| Clay Lane, Jacobs Well, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7NA | | map | http://homepage.ntlworld.com/george_d_harding/burphamcourtfarm/index.htm |
| Burpham Court Farm Park is a petting farm set in very picturesque surroundings to the North of Guildford.
It is a rare breeds farm with cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, ponies, llamas and others.
You might see the odd peacock too.
Bags of food are available for feeding the animals.
(It is worth visiting the website to print out a voucher for a free bag of animal feed.)
Other attractions include a children's play area, a very peaceful pond with benches around that makes an ideal picnic area and a riverside nature walk along the banks of the River Wey.
Burpham Court Farm Park is well worth a visit.
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| Harewood House |
| Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG | | map | http://www.harewood.org |
| Harewood House is the exquisite 18th century country house of the Earl of Harewood, a cousin of the Queen.
The house and grounds are open to the public and are well worth a visit, however, Harewood House is listed here because of the bird garden.
Harewood Bird Garden is one of the country's largest collections of exotic and endagered birds with over a hundred species to peruse.
Harewood participates in conservation, research, education and in breeding programmes for rare-breeds.
But, youngsters will simply be enthralled by the birds of all types.
Also, make sure you visit the impressive Adventure Playground.
Food is available at the Courtyard Cafe or you can bring your own picnic.
You can, of course, take walks in the expansive grounds through woodland around the lake.
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| Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm and Rabbit World |
| Amesbury Road, Cholderton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0EW | | map | http://www.rabbitworld.co.uk |
| Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm and Rabbit World is on the Wiltshire-Hampshire border close to Salsbury and Stonehenge.
As a 'Rare Breeds Survival Trust Approved Centre', Cholderton has over 40 rare breeds on display, including 13 breeds of sheep.
Cholderton offers plenty of opportunity to interact with animals.
There is a 'Baby Farm' section where you can meet, pet and feed the young of various species: lambs, kids and piglets.
Cheer on your favourite piglet in the 'Pork Stakes', a piget race that is hugely entertaining.
If you like rabbits then take a visit to the 'Rabbit World' area.
With over 50 breeds of rabbit on show you will have to go a long way to find better.
You can also relax in the rose gardens and water gardens with its waterfalls and koi carp.
Cholderton also includes a YHA hostel.
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| Longleat |
| Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW | | map | http://www.longleat.co.uk |
| After 40 years in the public eye, Longleat Safari Park needs little introduction here, however, for the record: you drive through the enclosures with lions, tigers, wolves, rhesus monkeys, giraffes, rhinoceroses, ankole cattle, camels, deer.
A little less well known are Longleat's other attractions.
Apart from the 16th century statley home and its gardens, there is a tropical butterfly garden, 'Old Joe's Mine' (a bat exhibition), Pet's Corner (rabbits, ferrets, otters, snakes and others), a minuture steam railway, an adventure play castle, the Blue Peter Maze and a huge hedge maze, Postman Pat Village, pleasure boat trips.
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