7 Zoos & Aquariums in Hampshire That You Shouldn't Miss

June 16, 2021 Tynisha Seiler

Discover the best top things to do in Hampshire, United Kingdom including Hawk Conservancy Trust, Hensting Alpacas, Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre, Marwell Zoo, Portsmouth Natural History Museum, New Forest Wildlife Park, Blue Reef Aquarium.
Restaurants in Hampshire

1. Hawk Conservancy Trust

Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover SP11 8DY England +44 1264 773850 [email protected] http://www.hawkconservancy.org
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,095 reviews

Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is an award winning visitor attraction set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, there are over 130 birds of prey on view, from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the impressive Steller's Sea Eagles! Many of these birds are involved in the spectacular daily flying displays in one of the three flying arenas, whilst others are part of important breeding or environmental enrichment projects. Every visitor can meet a British bird of prey and there are extra activities during weekends and school holidays. The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a conservation charity with a mission to conserve birds of prey. The Trust has worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and research of birds of prey for many years.

Reviewed By davquayle - Abingdon, United Kingdom

I used my Birthday Gift Voucher yesterday to visit the Trust and my wife and I came away raving about the place. The site is well laid out with visitors facilities and shop at the front of the site and various birds to see in a number of different aviaries and enclosures beyond. There was ample parking for us but as we went on a week day the Trust was not that busy so it might be different at the weekend. We were treated to interesting talks by enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable staff and stunning flying displays from a variety of birds of prey, including eagles, owls and vultures. In the case of the latter, the Trust are particularly keen to educate people about the plight of vultures in the wild and to improve their public image. Although the staff were great it was our feathered friends who were the stars. A great Birthday Gift.

2. Hensting Alpacas

Kiln Lane Brambridge, Eastleigh SO50 6HT England +44 23 8069 2235 [email protected] http://www.alpacas-hampshire.co.uk/alpaca-walking.htm
Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 336 reviews

Hensting Alpacas

Come and Join us here in Otterbourne Hampshire, when the weather is good we like to be outside trekking or walking Alpacas. This allows you the general public to come and get up close to these beautiful animals, hear them hum to each other, feel how soft their fleece is and look into their big brown eyes! It also serves us a purpose as we get them used to people and being handled on the halters,

Reviewed By 541amandat - Manchester, United Kingdom

Visited henstings this a.m. for my bday gift experience, & it was truly amazing! I enjoyed all aspects off the keepers role, as well as the nice bits included. I got to bottle feed a baby alpaca, handfeed older ones, plus llamas, and take many photos of my lovely morning. I walked pearl, and learned so much about these lovely animals. My day was made so much nicer by the lovely staff who are all so nice. A special mention to katrina who made my morning as an 'apprentice' fun, and i will definately come back again soon. Xx

3. Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre

Crow Lane, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Ringwood BH24 3EA England +44 1425 476487 http://www.libertyscentre.co.uk/index.htm
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 603 reviews

Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre

Liberty's Centre is located near Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest. It is home to a large collection of birds of prey, including eagles, owls and Vultures. We also house a number of reptiles and other creepy crawlies, such as snakes, lizards and spiders in our indoor reptile house. Enjoy a visit that will prove to be fun, exciting and educational for all ages. Observe the birds flying free and the reptiles up close and personal, during various spectacular displays held throughout the day. Facilities include: -> Flying field -> Indoor flying theatre -> Reptile House -> Cafe -> Large outdoor sandpit -> Gift shop -> Party room -> Education room -> Baby changing facilities -> Wild bird rehabilitation facilities

Reviewed By darrylh524 - Poole, United Kingdom

My wife and i visited foday and was amazed by the number of different species of birds and reptiles. Cost £12 per adult may apear steep but definitely worth it, including the bird fly show at 2.30pm. Definitely eill be returning...

4. Marwell Zoo

Thompsons Lane South Downs National Park, Winchester SO21 1JH England +44 1962 777407 [email protected] http://www.marwell.org.uk/zoo/
Excellent
45%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
8%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3,064 reviews

Marwell Zoo

Marwell zoo is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered animals all within a beautiful, landscaped 140-acre park. Take a stroll around the outdoor attraction with friends and family and enjoy the fresh air while spotting their animal stars which include – Rothchild’s giraffes, white rhinos, Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins, red pandas, snow leopards and all three species of zebra (to name a few)! The zoo is owned and operated by global conservation charity, Marwell Wildlife. By visiting you’ll be making a contribution to their incredible projects to conserve species and habitats, both in Hampshire and around the world. By choosing to donate and Gift Aid your tickets when purchasing, you’ll be supporting the zoo even further! Marwell Zoo is open daily from 10am, 363 days a year. Closing times and admissions prices vary. Please check the Marwell website for full ticket prices and other details. Marwell are delighted to have been awarded the "We're Good to go" mark by Visit England.

Reviewed By Cinders1983 - Leigh-on Sea, United Kingdom

My husband, our three year old son and I had a lovely day at Marwell Zoo yesterday despite the heat! We particularly loved seeing the beautiful giraffes, red panda, hippo, leopard and the owls. The only animal that we were disappointed not to see was the tiger, but we certainly saw many other animals. The zoo was clean and we were impressed by the number of water stations - definitely needed in the heat. We also liked the road train although this got busy later on in the day so we weren't able to get on it. Lots of picnic spots as well as onsite food outlets. The lego dinosaurs (there until September) were also really good, but if we think that anyone going specifically to see them may be a little disappointed as they didn't appear to be clearly laid out. But nonetheless they were a welcome addition. Overall, a great day out!

5. Portsmouth Natural History Museum

Portsmouth England +44 23 9281 5276 http://www.portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk/
Excellent
33%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 129 reviews

Portsmouth Natural History Museum

The Portsmouth Natural History Museum gives visitors a close view of a wide range of local wildlife including marinelife (at the aquarium) and butterflies.

6. New Forest Wildlife Park

Deerleap Lane Longdown, Nr Ashurst, Ashurst, New Forest National Park Hampshire SO40 4UH England +44 23 8029 2408 [email protected] http://www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk
Excellent
54%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,378 reviews

New Forest Wildlife Park

Enjoy the amazing animals at this beautiful park, in the leafy New Forest, with its fabulous adventure playgrounds. Follow the woodland trails to see wallaby, European bison, wolves, wild boar, Scottish wildcats, lynx, foxes, pine marten, polecats, owls and ferrets. Meet the friendly deer and say hi to the playful otters, including the endangered giant otter. Feeding sessions, keeper talks and special events year round. Amazing playgrounds for under 6's and from 6yrs to 86yrs!!!

Reviewed By LondonSquirrel42 - London, United Kingdom

This is the wildlife park the least like a zoo we have ever had the pleasure of visiting! Although the beautiful weather helped, the setting really is gorgeous, natural and scenic. A lot of the animals are not really 'fenced in' at all, but kept from wandering too far just by wooden gates. The staff are very knowledgable. We watched Todd feed the asian short-clawed otters, and he was able to answer all our questions. I bet he loves his job! The creatures we saw included other types of otters, many types of owls, a ginormous bullfrog, wallabies, wild boar, water voles, polecats, harvest mice, wolves, and lots of different species of butterflies. And a couple of grey squirrels, who were squatting and not official park residents, lol! Oh yes and a wild bunny rabbit. The butterfly house is really nice. It's tropically hot, and you come out into the cool area where the otters and polecats live. The tiny harvest mice are so adorable! My highlight was seeing the wild boar, as I love piggies. I would love to have fed the one who showed an interest and came up to me, but the animals are all on special diets, and notices tell you this. We didn't visit the cafe, so I can't comment on that, but the gift shop was interesting and well stocked. We bought fridge magnets, postcards and a pen. If you have kids and feel very energetic, Longdown Activity Farm is just up the same road, so you could you both in one day. I am a vegetarian (for over 30 years) and don't tolerate 'roadside' type zoos who are only interested in making money. I recommend this place, as children would learn what animals naturally live in English woodlands, or did up to a few hundred years ago.

7. Blue Reef Aquarium

Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth PO5 3PB England +44 23 9287 5222 [email protected] https://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/portsmouth/
Excellent
15%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
32%
Poor
16%
Terrible
15%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 693 reviews

Blue Reef Aquarium

Take the ultimate undersea safari at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth. Enjoy close encounters with everything from tropical sharks to fascinating frogs and adorable otters!

Reviewed By suemY7748DW - Wickford, United Kingdom

Really enjoyed this beautiful aquarium. The creatures were all looked after so well,in great condition... There's much more beyond the doors than you'd imagine.. even a great play area outside, one price for a day admission...strick one way safe transit through... Highlights for me we're a face mask wearing eel and the friendliest rays I've ever seen.

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