Top Things to do in South West England
Top 10 Zoos & Aquariums in South West England, England
Discover the best top things to do in South West England, United Kingdom including The International Centre for Birds of Prey, Pitcombe Rock Falconry, Llama Lland, The Little Zoo, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Miniature Pony Centre, Exmoor Zoo, World of Country Life, Paradise Park.
Restaurants in South West England
1. The International Centre for Birds of Prey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,492 reviews
Home to over 230 birds of prey with 3 flying demonstrations a day, come and enjoy the Centre as visitors have been doing for more than 50 years. Explore the gardens and woodland, grab a bite to eat in the cafe and see everything from Pygmy Falcons to Steller's Sea Eagles! COVID Changes - please note that we have restrictions in place. All tickets must be purchased through our website and we have temporarily changed our flying demonstrations to 12pm and 3:30pm.
Reviewed By gailsp - London, United Kingdom
Best flying show I have seen, really interesting education about the birds and very passionate people, the birds welfare is a priority and they do some great work - we loved it so much we stayed for the second flights, highlight was the Sea Eagle in flight and the Burrowing Owl and the x4 kites flying together, peregrine was amazingly fast and the European owl so silent, vultures too were fascinating, highly recommend for everyone - food was good too at the cafe and locally sourced and rubbish recycled. Do go along and support them as I imagine it is very expensive to run, they do rescue work as well and breeding programme for the endangered species.
2. Pitcombe Rock Falconry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Pitcombe Rock Falconry is an amazing falconry centre in the heart of Somerset. We have a wide range of hawks, owls, eagles and falcons (many of which we have rescued) and you'll find that visiting us is truly unlike anything you have ever experienced before. We offer hands on experiences to help fund our rescue work and we are happy to welcome visitors to our centre in return for a small donation. We offer a number of different experiences which are fantastic if you want to treat yourself or a loved one, which include: - Walk with a Hawk (£90, 3-4hrs) - Owl Encounters (£40, 2hrs) - Falconry Experiences (£50-70) - Weddings & Events (£POA) - Young Falconers Club (£70 a term)
Reviewed By HeatherColin - Dorchester, United Kingdom
Alan brought us a selection of his birds of prey to our Stratton Home & Garden Club meeting and entertained members with his fantastic birds. We were able to hold and stroke each of the birds and witness them in flight. While we watched two of his owls flying he explained how their plumage worked for silent flight and how sounds were directed towards their ears by the feathers around their gorgeous eyes. He told us how the kestrel hovered following a urine trail, and we now know which birds are hunters, and which ones eat carrion, and the reasons why. The largest birds we saw were the buzzard and an European Eagle Owl. To be able to see these birds up close and to touch them was an exceptional experience that we shall not forget.
3. Llama Lland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 124 reviews
Nestled in the centre of the Cornish countryside only three miles from Truro, Llama Lland is set within our 140-acre farm. This farm has been in the Tripp family for over one hundred years. Established in 2001, Llama Lland is renowned for its quality and enjoyment factor. Due to the growing popularity in Llamas and being a one of a kind business in Cornwall, Llama Lland has become a sought-after attraction for those looking for a natural experience in the beautiful countryside. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere makes Penare Farm the perfect place for a peaceful walk with our Llamas. With the surrounding hills and amazing views your experience will be fun and enjoyable!
Reviewed By PeteM442
Definitely a unique experience visiting Llama Land. After mistakenly arriving at the wrong farm 200 yards away, we called Tom who directed us to the entrance. Seems its a common issue, but one he is looking to resolve. Tom introduced himself and set out the plan for the 3 hour experience. He then led us to the main barn where the Llamas were waiting patiently. He passionately explained the names and personalities of each llama and tried to match you up for the walk with a llama that fitted your personality and confidence with handling the animals. On the lovely cross-country walk (wellies or good walking boots advised!) we were kept entertained by our own and each others llama's - as well as Tom's amusing stories! After the walk, we were taken to another section of the farm to meet the other female llamas and the baby ones, and spent some time learning about the breeding and their names and habits - Tom is clearly very passionate about what he does. After this we were led to a larger barn, which is clearly being converted into a cafe/picnic area where he had laid on sandwiches, salads, scones and other snacks - all included in the price. It was a brilliant 3 hours, and although initially we had wondered about the price tag, Tom works really hard to make sure you get value for money. It would be great to see this experience grow but hopefully also retain it's unique feel. Thanks Tom!
4. The Little Zoo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By deborahbX8456RM
I would say this is the best animal experience I have ever had, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Nicky and Gary made us feel at home, he is an ex army dog trainer/handler, there is not a lot he doesn't know about dogs. It was great we were able to just do it in a small group ( 3 only) didn't get tacked onto a larger group, it makes such a difference, makes it personal. We met Cody, a wolfdog her temperament was lovely, took her for a walk (easy relaxed, loose lead no pulling) in the countryside for half hour, lovely! Gary kept us amused with anecdotes and we had lots of questions. We then saw the wolves ( Carpathian) over tea and cake. Then met the wolf cubs, which was fabulous, mad exuberant fun...We did a group howl (kids would love this bit!) great fun, I think we enjoyed it as much as the dogs! I would thoroughly recommend this, how often do you get your face cleaned by a wolf after all? :-)
5. Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,297 reviews
Noah’s Ark is a unique hands-on zoo and working farm founded by Anthony and Christina Bush, located just outside Bristol and set in over 100 acres of beautiful countryside. The 'hands-on' animal experience, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is home to the Big Zoo animals; come face to face with a tiger, swing by the gibbons or stand tall with our family of giraffes! Explore 12 indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds, watch the daily Animal Show, meet the reptiles, see the Big Cat Feeding Talk and watch our birds of prey take to the sky in their display.
Reviewed By R4966DJkaylas
We had such a lovely day out here at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm. Lots of space, with play area's for little ones to run around and play and not get bored with the same play equipment, my Son loves the Elephant Butt Slide the best! Lovely range of animals, including Rhinos and Bears! The keeper talks are all good, we loved the Meerkat's (as our Son got to throw some food in) and the Big Cats talk the best The keepers are very knowledgeable, and their dedication and love for the animals is clearly shown. The Bird of Prey display was brilliant - I managed to get some good photos! We are definitely going to come in the summer holidays with a picnic and our friends. Thank you Noah's Ark for a lovely day out!
6. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,145 reviews
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a conservation and education charity located in South Devon. With around 2,500 animals across 80 acres, we have more species than anyone else in the South West. These include: lions, tigers, giraffes, crocodiles, rhinos, lemurs, flamingos, meerkats, orang-utans, Komodo dragon... the list is endless! We also have indoor and outdoor play areas, the Jungle Express train, a seasonal bird show and numerous food and drink outlets. With something for guests of any age to enjoy, you'll need all day to experience what we have to offer! Paignton Zoo is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
Reviewed By A3559FQsaraha
Great zoo clean and well kept animals seem happy visit lots Brilliant for children good picnic areas good takeaway food available free parking Lovely shop
7. Miniature Pony Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 518 reviews
Are you looking for a super cute and safe family day out? Then make your way over to The Miniature Pony Centre, situated on the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, where you can enjoy all our outdoor open space and meet all our equines, miniature piggies, and our mammoth donkeys! We have daily activities, outdoor play areas, an onsite café, and free car parking. Open from 10th April to 31st October 2021* *Subject to government restrictions and guidelines. The Miniature Pony Centre, Dartmoor is a great ‘hands-on’ family day out filled with lots of cuteness and pony magic for children and adults alike. Home to over 80 equines from gigantic mammoth donkeys and heavy horses to Miniature Shetlands and Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, this is animal lover’s idea of heaven.
Reviewed By bl0ss0m18 - Willenhall, United Kingdom
Really enjoyed our time here. We walked all around including the petting area which we thought would be purely for children but we were included too. The staff are knowledgeable and it was interesting. We watched the children having their pony rides and then went into the large paddock where the ponies just wander around. There were some young foals which were very cute and lots of petting. There is also a walk-in around a large pond and we sat on a bench watching the ducks and moorhens, very peaceful and relaxing. We also sampled the food in the on-site cafe which was generous and tasty. This is a lovely place to visit especially with children, wish our own grandchildren had been with us.
8. Exmoor Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,626 reviews
Winner of FSB Family business 2019,Winner of the Legacy award ,Best Family Business 2017, Gold award for best attraction in the South-west 2012, Exmoor Zoo has become an ideal family day out. The zoo has established a good rapport with the North Devon community and offers a very hand on experience.Activities run throughout the day (every half hour in summer), meet a bird eating spider, hold a snake, feed wallabies), meet some of the zoos friendly furry animals and go to all the talks and feeding sessions!Home to the “Exmoor Beast” (a pair of black leopards), Puma, Cheetah, Maned wolves, monkeys and lots of other unusual animals like Tamandua, Fishing cats, Tapir, Singing dogs and Binturong to just name a few! The zoo is a living place with changes all the time; no visit is ever quite the same.Useful information:• Disabled access (wheelchair provision and scooter hire)• Activities through out the day• Cafeteria• Children’s playground• Undercover picnic areas• Zoo trail.
Reviewed By red_snowUK - Marlow, United Kingdom
We are staying in the area for Christmas and found Exmoor Zoo on TA. What a gem of a Zoo, a great range of species from reptiles to big cats to wildfowl to primates and a wide range of mammals including the lovely and rare in Europe, singing dogs What I really liked was seeing a lot of the more unusual species and how close you get to large cats as they devour their meat. I saw new enclosures being built for new species as well. A great find, really enjoyable and great for close up observations ..... including a “beast of exmoor”
9. World of Country Life
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,086 reviews
World of Country Life is now closed for the winter period, and will re-open on Friday 12th March 2021. Devon's multi-award-winning all-weather day out for the whole family - open Feb half term - Oct half term! You can ride on the deer train or watch the excellent Hawkridge Birds of Prey flying display. Get up close to the animals in the pet centre or burn off some energy on the outdoor adventure playground including the massive Air Bouncer and the full-size Harry the Harvester play area! There's also a museum of farming and an indoor Victorian Street, featuring a dairy, cottage & pub! The vintage & classic car collection features vehicles that have appeared in Downton Abbey, Mr Selfridge & Parade's End. Then there's the steam engines and Reg Imray motorcycle collection. Refuel at Farmer Lee's Food Barn restaurant. With so much to see, come rain or shine, can you do it all in a day?!
Reviewed By billyantb - Yeovil, United Kingdom
I took my son and his friend to World of Country Life ( both 6 years old ) this week during half term. Wow what a day ! It was fantastic , they had so much fun . There was so much to do from the bouncy castles , soft play areas ,puzzle room, ride on toys , ball pit , park area , deer train , goat walk , seeing all the animals , walking around the old vehicles and motorbikes which my son particularly enjoyed , crazy golf, the big pirate ship and more! We had lunch in the cafe which was really nice . The choice on the menu was good and I was impressed with the specials board. My son had sausage and chips and I was impressed that the sausages wasn’t the standard frozen catering sausage you’d typically expect from a leisure attraction , he was served nice butchers sausages, which were yummy so I was told . The cafe was busy as it started to drizzle with rain but all the staff were very helpful and polite. It was decorated lovely with Halloween decorations . We will certainly return again next year and dine in the cafe. From start to finish it was an enjoyable day! Thank you for a great family fun day out.
10. Paradise Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,337 reviews
Please check the Park website for up to date 'What to expect on a visit' due to Covid restrictions. Thank you. This Award-winning wildlife sanctuary with JungleBarn indoor play centre offers so much for all the family, from amazing summer free flying bird shows to Penguin photocalls and feeding little parrots. You’ll meet stunningly colourful birds including many rare and beautiful parrots, Humboldt’s penguins, Caribbean flamingos, Red-billed Cornish choughs, Golden and Bald eagles, kookaburras, hornbills, cranes and so many more. With over 1,000 birds plus, beautiful Red pandas, rare Red squirrels and playful Asian otters there is a wonderful selection to see. In the summer join in Carrot Time on the Fun Farm with mini donkeys, fun pygmy goats and sheep, and cute rabbits and guinea pigs. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of Paradise Park and is the home of the World Parrot Trust, which has helped the survival of 70 species of parrot in 43 countries.
Reviewed By albionnick
If I could give 10 stars rather than just 5 I would , what a fantastic place to visit , it's clear everywhere the welfare of the animals is the first priority quite rightly so as well , we enjoyed everything about the day , enjoying every aspect , we watched the penguin feeding , both the flying displays and the young one enjoyed the indoor soft play , you may feel it's expensive but once there I feel it's very good value , keep your eyes peeled for discount offers , hats off to all the workers they truly do enjoy their jobs clearly and care for the birds in their care well done to each and every one , our visit will live long in the memory along with the fact that there is clearly on going investment in the site and conservation taking place
