Constantly trying to think of new and thrilling days out for the whole family can be a daunting, tiring task, especially with the Bank Holiday Weekend coming up. When you’ve already used up all the museums and galleries, what’s something different to do that everyone will both enjoy and fondly remember? Long walks with picnics will only suffice for so long and that’s just when the weather decides to hold out! But now, look no further. Animals are a sure way to spark excitement into children, certain to have them squealing for joy. Whether it’s a Safari drive-through, forest wildlife park or a windy boat trip, the little ones won’t be able to get enough of their days out filled with adventure, exploration and animal interaction. We have selected some of the UK’s best fun-filled animal parks, perfect for both children and adults, and even suited for Britain’s inevitable rainy days!
Bocketts Farm Park
A working family-farm open since 1992, Bocketts Farm Park is tucked comfortably away into the beautiful Surrey countryside and this year, they celebrate their 25 year anniversary. The farm features a range of fantastic facilities such as adventure playgrounds, go-karts, an indoor soft play area and huge outdoor trampolines. And for when you get hungry, a restaurant onsite is also available with many of its ingredients being lovingly home-grown. But the real draw to Bocketts Farm Park is, of course, the animals! Feed the greedy goats, get up close to their cows and donkeys, watch their famed pig races, ride a pony and then finish off by cuddling a rabbit! With hundreds of animals to see (including the babies being born throughout the year) and so much else packed onto the site, constant fun and adorable creatures is most definitely guaranteed.
Longleat Safari
Based in Wiltshire, this Safari drive-through was the very first outside of Africa at the time it was built. While away the hours on foot in Longleat’s main square and visit their penguin enclosure, monkey area, various playgrounds and restaurants before finally heading to their Jungle Kingdom, which features gorillas, sea-lions and meerkats – everyone’s animal favourites! Then for the carnivores. Get back in your car, wind up the windows and hide all the food as you drive past lions, tigers, cheetahs, wolves and many more free-roaming wild animals. Once it’s safe, the African Village and walk-through safari becomes available and dotted around all over are the lemurs, zebras and hungry giraffes. With frequent animal shows taking place throughout the day, Longleat Safari will have you gawking in awe at these mesmerising, wild creatures and the truly unbeatable, personal experience that the park allows you.
Blakeney Seals
Personally, being that they’re my favourite animal, I think a boat trip up to see the seals at Blakeney is an absolute must whenever you find yourself around the Norfolk Coast. The National Trust’s top recommended tours to choose from are Temple Seal Trips, Beans Boat Trips and Bishop’s boats – all of which offer open-top boats, an unmissable up-close experience to the seals basking along the shore, and a chance to stop off at Blakeney Point for a walk and a paddle. As well as an optimum location for birdwatchers, Blakeney is home to the largest seal colony in England and whilst you’re sailing past, a few of the inquisitive ones will very often swim out to bop their heads up along next to you. And if the children are really looking to see some adorable sights, go from December to January and you’ll find the seal pups having just been born. Blakeney tours promises wind, waves, fantastic photo opportunities and stunning scenery all year round, and of course the seals lazing about in their own natural habitat.
Richmond Park
If you’re perhaps looking to avoid so much of the crowds and are instead seeking one of those more relaxed days out, Richmond Park is the perfect alternative to the usual animal attractions. Visit the National Nature Reserve’s famous deer park where around 630 Red and Fallow deer have lived since 1637. Nothing beats watching the majestic creatures roaming free in their own environment, and it’s especially perfect for anyone keen to capture some wildlife photography. Be prepared, however, for the deer are not tame animals and visitors are advised to be no closer than 50m, especially during breeding and birthing season (Autumn and early Summer respectively). But don’t let that stop you from packing a picnic, or visiting one of the park’s own delicious eateries, whilst all the while enjoying Richmond Park’s spectacular wildlife in their very own environment.
New Forest Wildlife Park
Follow the winding woodland trails of New Forest Wildlife Park, an organisation which is passionate about the conservation and rescue of numerous species, and discover animals in their very own beautiful, natural habitats. With a variety of animals such as otters, lynxes and wolves, as well as many opportunities throughout the day to watch feeding times and meet the keepers, there is always something both engaging and educational happening to keep everyone occupied. Take time to test out the Park’s restaurant, gift shop and adventure playground whilst spend the day spotting animals from the smallest harvest mouse to the biggest bison.
If you enjoyed this article, click here to read about more of our Bank Holiday weekend ideas!
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