What to do and see in South East England, England: The Best Zoos & Aquariums

May 27, 2021 Terina Blouin

Discover the best top things to do in South East England, United Kingdom including Hawk Conservancy Trust, Hensting Alpacas, Dunreyth Alpacas, Upper Farm Fishery, Heythrop Zoologicial Gardens, BCA Zoo, Willows Bird of Prey & Wildlife Trail, Sandwich Wildlife Park, Owls about Town, Drusillas Park.
Restaurants in South East England

1. Hawk Conservancy Trust

Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover SP11 8DY England +44 1264 773850 [email protected] http://www.hawkconservancy.org
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
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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%
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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. Dunreyth Alpacas

Adsdean Park Rd Funtington, Chichester PO18 9DN England +44 7766 252310 [email protected] http://www.dunreythalpacas.co.uk
Excellent
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5.0 based on 83 reviews

Dunreyth Alpacas

Dunreyth Alpacas offer Alpaca Walking Experiences, which have been enjoyed by people from as far afield as South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Holland, India and The Arab Emirates. Alpaca walks are available from Wednesday to Sunday every week of the year (except Christmas Day). WALKS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE . Unlike some other venues we offer clients to walk an an Alpaca each. No sharing unless requested . Walks are at 10.30am. Children must be over six years old, . As alpacas are herd animals and don't like to be alone, at least two alpacas must be booked per walk, which takes approximately 50 minutes, dependent on the alpacas' pace, which isn't all that fast. We have an onsite shop selling hand knitted Alpaca wear made from our own Alpaca for that unique gift and also Alpaca souvenirs of your Alpaca adventure ..

Reviewed By helenmelon91 - London, United Kingdom

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with these lovely creatures! They are very soft, extremely friendly and are eager to be lead. They generally kept in formation, with a bit of friendly overtaking. They did stop every so often to munch on the vegetation and sometimes to dive into the prickly bushes! It's very interesting to see their individual personalities reveal themselves as the walk goes on. We were lead up a track as a line of alpacas and handlers towards the woodland and then stopped to give them treats at an opening at the top of the hill. We visited on a Wednesday morning for our prebooked walk. We went out with 2 other couples, so it was a 7 alpaca walk as the group leader took one also. At the end of the walk you have the opportunity to have a browse in the gift shop where they sell home made alpaca gifts, as well as items that they bring back from Peru. Obviously sensible, supportive footwear is essential as you are walking across muddy land that is not level and covered in twigs and tree roots, with the occasional muddy puddle. I would also recommend gloves for the wintertime as you are handling their lead the whole time and it is a little chilly on the trail. All in all, a lovely novel way to spend a morning in Chichester! Highly recommended for animal lovers.

4. Upper Farm Fishery

Upper Farm, Henton OX39 4AQ England +44 7476 082142 [email protected] http://www.upperfarmhenton.co.uk
Excellent
80%
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Upper Farm Fishery

Upper Farm Fishery is a tranquil private 1 acre lake situated in the beautiful South Oxfordshire countryside between Chinnor and Princes Risborough. With 20 pegs it is ideal for pleasure anglers on day, night or 24 hour tickets. The lake is stocked with Common, Crucian, Mirror, Leather and Grass Carp, plus Rudd, Roach, Perch, Bream, Chub, Tench and Orfe. Camping is permitted whilst fishing.

5. Heythrop Zoologicial Gardens

Green Lane Oxon, Chipping Norton OX7 5TU England +44 1608 683420 [email protected] http://www.amazinganimals.co.uk
Excellent
98%
Good
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 81 reviews

Heythrop Zoologicial Gardens

For a totally unique experience with exotic animals - book your animal encounter today. Immerse yourself in Oxfordshire’s best kept secret, Heythrop Zoological Gardens!

Reviewed By Cruisekid25

Amazing sloth encounter, Talita loved being stroked and fed vegetables, keeper was very knowledgeable and was amazing to see pygmy hippos too as share same house. Amazing where else can you get up close with a beautiful sloth, who adores the fuss and attention you give her. Simply magical, made a 60th birthday present unforgettable and even got a beautiful certificate to remind us of the special day. Highly recommended for all sloth lovers, not to be missed.

6. BCA Zoo

Hall Place Burchetts Green Road Berkshire College of Agriculture, Maidenhead SL6 6QR England +44 1628 827571 [email protected] http://zoo.bca.ac.uk/
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
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5.0 based on 125 reviews

BCA Zoo

Come and visit BCA's fully accredited zoo! You can book a tour of the zoo and reptile house, an up close encounter with one of our animals or even come and work with us as a Zookeeper for the Day! All visits are available during weekends, school holidays and bank holidays and MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.

Reviewed By SarahH123UK

Great tour of a little zoo with a personal guide who had limitless patience for questions and was clearly passionate about her animals. Highlight was half an hour inside the meerkat enclosure with a dozen of the little creatures clambering all over us. Enjoyed by children (aged 7 and 9) and adults alike. Total duration two hours. Excellent value for money. An unforgettable experience.

7. Willows Bird of Prey & Wildlife Trail

Coolings Green & Pleasant Main Road Coolings Green & Pleasant, Knockholt TN14 7LJ England +44 1959 580677 [email protected] http://www.willowsbirdofpreycentre.co.uk
Excellent
93%
Good
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5.0 based on 106 reviews

Willows Bird of Prey & Wildlife Trail

Welcome to Willow’s Bird of Prey & Wildlife Trail, where you can come nose-to-nose with birds of prey and native wildlife. Set in 22 acres of our beautiful, tranquil nature trail. See eagles, hawks, owls, parrots, ferrets, goats, pigs, raccoon dogs, and more as you make your way around the trail.

Reviewed By Resort688534 - Walthamstow, United Kingdom

We visited Willows yesterday for an introduction to falconry experience (a belated birthday present for husband and son) and had an absolutely brilliant time, Our falconry guide, Josh was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the birds. No question was too silly to ask and Josh and Matt were able to answer them all with ease and knowledge. It was great to see the different characters of the birds although the caracara was definitely my favourite. It was such a great experience, I can't recommend it enough. A hidden gem in beautiful Kent countryside!!

8. Sandwich Wildlife Park

Beller's Bush Dover Road, Sandwich CT13 0DG England +44 1304 611528 [email protected] http://www.sandwichwildlifepark.co.uk
Excellent
96%
Good
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 73 reviews

Sandwich Wildlife Park

Sandwich Wildlife Park is Kent’s newest venue for up close and personal encounters of the wild kind, where you can meet some of your favourite animals. If you liked the surroundings of the Rare Species Conservation Center and the feel of Wingham Wildlife Park, you’re going to love Sandwich Wildlife Park – WWP’s brand new sister park! Our coffee shop on the other hand is now open so if you’re in Sandwich, passing by or on your way to Wingham Wildlife Park why not pop in for a barista style coffee by Lavazza and a slice of cake or panini.

Reviewed By Elliot_Page1

I got brought the sloth experience at Sandwich Wildlife Park as a birthday present and it was absolutely amazing! We arrived for the experience a little early so sat & had a tea in the cafe there, the ladies working in there were lovey & very friendly, wishing me a good experience & asking how it was afterwards. The girl who showed me around on the experience was a girl named Georgia, she was very friendly & knowledgable. She also took lots of pictures on my phone of me with the sloth which was good of her. After being able to stroke & feed Sid the sloth, you get taken around on a little tour looking at the other animals at the centre and asking any questions you wanted. Overall I would highly recommend this experience to anyone.

9. Owls about Town

42 Park Lane, Selsey England +44 7592 664724 http://www.owlsabouttown.co.uk
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Owls about Town

10. Drusillas Park

Alfriston Road, Berwick, Polegate BN26 5QS England +44 1323 874100 [email protected] http://www.drusillas.co.uk
Excellent
69%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,012 reviews

Drusillas Park

Widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe Drusillas Park offers a fun finding-out day out. Brilliant play areas including Go Wild! Go Bananas! and Amazon Adventure. Plus a splashpad, Hello Kitty Secret Garden and African-themed three-ride attraction Go Safari! Get nose to nose with nature with our close encounters. It’s no ordinary zoo!

Reviewed By KTJ82 - Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

I took my nearly 6yr old and nearly 3yr old to Drusillas a few weeks ago and hand on heart, it was amazing. Not one moan, whinge, sad face, dull moment for the whole day. Daddy rode on the Hello Kitty car in giggles, the 6yr old is now fascinated with the Lemur Family, the 3yr was wowed with the train ride, and I was content in watching and taking-in the laughter, fun and great day we were having. Everything was clean and well stocked, toilets smelled fresh, there was no queuing (apart from to get in, and even that didn't take long), we saw lots of happy animals (no empty pens or cages) and the restaurant food was excellent (highly recommend the jacket potatoes - yum!). We will be returning shortly, to see the rest of it, as the 3yr old was pooped in the afternoon, so we left out the Maze, parrot feeding, and large part of the play area. We can't wait to return for another family fun day. Thanks for having us! x

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