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Where to visit animals this Twixmas 2024


Scratching your head trying to decide how to keep the kids busy this Twixmas? Then why not try these animal-themed ideas:

Glow Marwell

Spend Twixmas at Glow Marwell

There’s still time to visit Marwell Zoo in Hampshire this Twixmas, which has been transformed into a stunning illuminated wonderland until 30th December. Glow Marwell 2024 invites guests to immerse themselves in a world of fire, earth, air and water as they journey through the enchanted nature trail.

Swim with jellyfish in a new ocean display, drift among glowing clouds in the Sky Zone, stroll in the snow beside a luminous ancient woodland and gather around crackling firepits for toasted marshmallows.

Guests can become part of the magic this year with vibrant UV face paints, photo opportunities at every turn and a brand-new immersive VR headset experience. Soar through the sky, dive under the ocean and roam the land without leaving the zoo with Wild Immersion’s state-of-the-art virtual reality film, New Odyssey Around the World. (Additional cost applies.)

The festive menu is packed with mouthwatering treats, such as giant stuffed Yorkshire puddings with all the trimmings, illuminated candy floss and the ultimate winter warmer, a delicious crumble pot with custard. Additionally, the Glow Marwell Hot Chocolate Trail invites guests to indulge in a variety of delicious hot cocoa while exploring the route.

Tickets must be pre-booked and admission includes free access to the zoo from 1pm until 4pm. To book tickets, visit marwell.org.uk

Christmas at Stratford Butterfly Farm

The Lifecycle Demo at Stratford Butterfly Farm over Twixmas

Visitors can once again see the stunning Christmas Butterfly, which will be flying at Stratford Butterfly Farm in Warwickshire during Twixmas. With temperatures of 25°C, the popular family attraction is also the ideal place to enjoy a fabulous day out and escape the cold and wet. The primarily black and yellow Butterfly, also known as Papilio demodocus, is native to Africa, and has an average wingspan of 9 – 11cm. The caterpillars feed on citrus trees and hence are also known as the ‘Citrus Swallowtail’.

The Christmas Butterfly is part of the Swallowtail family and sourced directly from butterfly farmers of the Kipepeo Project, a community enterprise based in and around the Arabuko-Sokoke forest in Kenya. Kipepeo is Swahili for butterfly and the project provides a sustainable income for the people of this area, demonstrating that conservation can be achieved whilst still earning a living.

Butterfly Lifecycle & Mini-Beast Demonstrations will take place daily at 11am in the Discovery Zone until 6th January. The team of experts will demonstrate from egg through to adult, the amazing stages of the butterfly life cycle as well as giving visitors the opportunity to handle a variety of stick insects.

The Butterfly Farm’s Gift Shop is a treasure trove of ideas and a wonderful place to buy stocking fillers, Fair Trade and nature inspired presents. Gift vouchers for admission and season tickets are a lovely way to treat family and friends to a tropical rainforest experience and can be purchased from the website.

To see hundreds of spectacular butterflies, insects, reptiles and spiders, visit the Butterfly Farm from 10am to 5pm, last entry 3.30pm. Open every day of the week except Christmas Day. For more information including purchasing gift vouchers, admission prices and group rates, visit the website at www.butterflyfarm.co.uk



The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo

Visit the llamas at London Zoo over Twixmas
Image credit: London Zoo

This Twixmas and until 5th January, bring your friends and family to London Zoo to celebrate a merry Christmas filled with eco-friendly festivities and magical experiences! With a focus on creating a greener Christmas, enjoy the perfect holiday experience for families and children while supporting our beautiful planet. The experience is included in the price of admission and you can enjoy activities such as:

  • Christmas Crafts for Kids: Bring your little ones and get creative with sustainable crafts. You can make toilet roll stars using recycled materials like toilet rolls, ribbons and bio-glitter.
  • Festive Animal Talks: 12 Animals of Christmas: Enjoy special animal talks throughout the holiday season, focusing on 12 iconic species, including lions, gorillas, penguins and giraffes.
  • Reindeer Rubbish Round Up: Take part in a recycling challenge, a fun, interactive way for families to learn about sustainability.
  • Sweet Treats and Festive Drinks: Indulge yourself and your family with delicious food and hot beverages, perfect to warm the cockles on a chilly winter’s day.

For more information click here.



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Filed under: Isle of Wight, News

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