Marwell Zoo, Near Winchester, Hampshire
You’ll be the best parents in the world if you take the kids for a day out at Marwell Zoo, to say they’ll love it is a huge understatement. It’s an amazing place, part of one of the leading conservation programmes in the world, and its 140 acre grounds are home to hundreds of animals, including snow leopards, Amur tigers, cheetahs, white rhinos, giraffes, and pygmy hippos. In the Tropical House you get a real life experience of the rain forest; look out for pygmy marmosets, Burmese mountain tortoises, a two toed sloth and a crowned pigeon called Neil. Enjoy all kinds of animal encounters in Fur, Feather and Scales, where there’s a walk through aviary, a bush walk and a cold blooded corner with slithering snakes and lazing lizards.
There are daily talks and animal feeds to watch, and in between admiring the residents you can have a train ride or a stroll in the formal gardens. Excitement will no doubt reach fever pitch so excess steam can be let off in no less than five adventure playgrounds. You’ll be wanting food of course so head for one of the picnic areas (two are sheltered), one of the many kiosks dotted about the park, or to the café. Then there’s the gift shop for a little momento….
Open 10am-4pm every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day Allow 4 hours for your visit
T: 01962 777407 All information correct at the time of writing