Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset is the only managed colony of swans in the world where you can enjoy walking through hundreds of nesting and free-flying Mute Swans. The 600-year-old swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury in the 11th century. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish […]
The Wildlife Trusts have announced that 2021 will be a record year for beaver releases. Plans developed by the Wildlife Trusts of Dorset, Derbyshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Nottinghamshire and Montgomeryshire will see new beaver families moving into these counties for the first time.
Paradise Wildlife Park began life as Broxbourne Zoo in the 1960s and was purchased in 1984 by the Sampson family, who have successfully turned the attraction around. They have made it their mission to create more spacious open enclosures and develop an extensive education programme and more hands-on activities.
The opportunity to visit locations where rewilding projects to bring back native habitats and species are in action is an idea to consider this year. In particular, at Knepp Estate in West Sussex, where the concept of rewilding has been most significantly developed, you can encounter herds of wild ponies, cattle, deer and pigs as they roam […]
Chessington Zoo was founded in 1931 in the grounds of a mansion of considerable history, which can be traced back to 1348. The estate was acquired by entrepreneur Reginald Goddard, a Flight Lieutenant from the Great War, who needed a place to house his exotic animal collection. The Zoo at Chessington has developed into an […]
Dartmoor Zoo is set within 33 acres of beautiful parkland just 20 mins from Plymouth, with an impressive collection of big cats, bear, wolves, meerkats, tapir and much more. The Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Mee wrote a book about buying the zoo called, We Bought a Zoo, which later became the subject of a major Hollywood […]
In 1966, Longleat became the first location outside Africa to open a drive-through Safari. Over 50 years on, Longleat remains one of the UK’s leading tourist attractions. Boasting animals, Elizabethan architecture, 900 acres of parkland, and easy access from the A350, A36 and A361 Longleat truly is the perfect choice for a day out. A trip to Longleat affords you the chance to […]
Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes. Opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, 30 years on the site is now a sanctuary for primates from all over the world including the […]
Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens is part of Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus and was set up as an educational training facility for the college’s Animal Care students, as well as becoming a tourist attraction on weekends and school holidays.
Brighton Sea Life Centre’s elderly green turtle Gulliver has benefited from a unique collaboration between Sea Life and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). The project’s main aim was to try and improve the lives of turtles with buoyancy problems, having suffered severe damage to their shells and spines in collisions with boats. Brighton Sea Life’s […]
Ventura Wildlife’s Zoological Gardens is one of the UK’s newest and most interactive small zoos. Currently set within approximately two acres of Hertfordshire countryside this unique zoo offers visitors of all ages and abilities the chance to get up close to a variety of wild animals. The zoo is home to many animal species including zebras, […]
Trentham Monkey Forest, situated in Staffordshire, is completely unique to the UK. With 140 Barbary macaques living freely within the beautiful 60 acre woodland. Walk amongst the monkeys along the ¾ of a mile pathway and watch as the monkey antics unfold right in front of you. With no cages or bars to hinder your […]
Gauntlet Bird of Prey Eagle and Vulture Park is home to over 120 birds of prey from 46 species, ranging from the smallest owls to the world’s largest eagles, making it the largest collection of its kind in the north west. There are also unusual species such as caracaras, seriemas and storks on display. Regular […]
The Raptor Foundation in Woodhurst, Cambridgeshire provides a rescue and rehabilitation service for injured birds of prey. It is also a permanent home to over 200 birds, ranging from owls to eagles. Visitors can enjoy close interaction with the birds at one of three daily flying displays, and with 40 different birds on the flying […]
Get up close to fabulous birds of prey at this great conservation and education centre situated on the edge of Loch Neagh in County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The sanctuary is run voluntarily by staff, so all proceeds from entry fees go towards the care and conservation of owls from around the world. There are […]
Over 150 Reindeer roam freely across our beautiful 30-acre site, which opens to the public for special events throughout the year. We are the only place in the country where visitors can see, fuss and even feed so many Reindeer of varying ages and types; from babies and young calves, to sleigh-pullers and our incredibly […]
Porfell Wildlife Park is a wild family attraction only a few miles from Looe in South East Cornwall. It offers sanctuary to more than 250 animals from around the world. They might be neglected, injured, imported illegally or simply no longer wanted. For whatever reason they come to us, they’re always welcome.
Five Sisters Zoo has over 160 different species of mammal, birds and reptiles. There are daily keeper talks, feeding and handling sessions and a large outdoor play & picnic area, the Five Sisters Zoo is a great day out for everyone all year round!
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them. Reindeer are not just for Christmas. The centre in Glenmore is open from the February half-term holidays right through the year to early […]
The Reindeer Centre is the home of England’s original ‘Reindeer Grotto’. A few reindeer were imported from Sweden about 14 years ago and they now have in excess of 100 reindeer thanks to their successful breeding programme. The reindeers are English bred and farm reared (some by hand), making them extremely tame and are perfect […]
Wander around our beautiful 24 acre parkland and see over 100 species. The magical Bird of Prey flying displays have been a regular feature since the park opened and we have gathered an eclectic mix of over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra.
See animals such as tigers, otters, meerkats, ponies, monkeys and bats. Meet the keepers in Bug City for a really hands on experience, see birds of prey flown, feed the fish and get to see the tigers up close from the high level viewing area. Visit the Discovery Centre to learn more about wildlife and […]
WWT London Wetland Centre was voted the UK’s Favourite Nature Reserve 2012 by Countryfile magazine. Roam the beautiful walkways amongst the lakes and pools of this 105 acre wildlife haven, perfect for spotting birds and other wildlife. World Wetlands is home to rare birds from around the globe plus a family of otters. Watch wild […]
The Chestnut Centre is an enjoyable day out, strolling through 50 acres of unspoilt Derbyshire countryside. Encountering four species of otters, over 10 species of deer, foxes, Scottish wildcats, pinemarten and others. The Nature Trail is a natural environment for wildflowers throughout the changing seasons.
This superb wildlife centre is home to the finest collection of native species in the country and you will see and learn about Britain’s own wonderful wildlife. They have over 40 different species of animals and birds from the smallest harvest mice to red deer, snowy owls and buzzards. Visit the cheeky otters, Scottish wildcats […]
Home to a whopping 3,500 fish including Europe’s only pair of green sawfish, spectacular sharks and rays. The Deep is an environmental and conservation charity dedicated to increasing the knowledge and understanding of the world’s oceans, journeying from the birth of the oceans into the future.