10 of the best wildlife parks in Norfolk
TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE…!
Looking for a fun day out with the family?
If you love love animals or exotic wildlife, dinosaurs, critters or reptiles, then you’re in luck!
Around the Norfolk Broads, and a little further afield, there are lots of attractions for lovers of animals and creatures of all shapes and sizes.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Norfolk zoos and wildlife parks for you to visit during your holiday.
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens have fascinating a range of rare animals, from tigers and red pandas to snow leopards, reptiles and meerkats. The Swamp House is home to various alligators and crocodiles.
Thrigby Hall, built in 1735, was almost entirely rebuilt in the 1870s. The grounds are accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs, and there is free parking, a picnic area, gift shop and café. There is something to cater for children of different age groups.
Fancy becoming a keeper for a day?
With over 2,000 animals in 50 acres of gardens, Banham Zoo offers a range of events and experiences for visitors of all ages.
Located in Kessingland near Lowestoft, Africa Alive! has a range of British wildlife as well as various species of African animals, including rhinos and giraffes.
Set in 100 acres of countryside, the Safari Roadtrain will transport you round the park. There are play areas, disabled facilities, gift shops, and places to eat.
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure Park
For a roar-some day out for the dinosaur enthusiasts, head to the Dinosaur Adventure Park, near Lenwade. Follow the Dinosaur Trail or swing from the Predator High Ropes in 85 acres of parkland.
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park
Located near the riverside village of Reedham. Pettitts Animal Adventure Park has a range of different attractions for children. Join the Safari adventure, farmyard walk through and enjoy the rides and play areas.
Located in the Norfolk countryside, a few miles from Wroxham. Visit the Junior Farm where children can feed the calves, cuddle rabbits and guinea pigs, and meet sheep and greedy goats. Bella’s Barn has ride on tractors, Lego and lots more fun besides.
There are also local craft shops and a café, and free parking.
Located 45 minutes from Norwich, Pensthorpe featured for three years running on the BBC’s Springwatch programme. Created originally from gravel extraction, the 200 acre reserve now houses a diverse habitat.
Today the park has expanded to offer further attractions, such as WildRootz, a 7,000 square metre adventure play area. Hootz House offers indoor wildlife play experiences with exciting rope bridges and slides.
There is something for all the family, with gardens, a sculpture trail, events and explorer rides, as well as places to eat. Pensthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0LN
For horse lovers, Redwings is a great place to visit. Part of the UK’s largest horse sanctuary, the Aylsham sanctuary looks after around 50 horses, ponies and donkeys.
Get up close and personal with friendly horses and visit the donkey duo Wiggins and Wacko, or the Shetland ponies.
There are two sanctuaries that form part of Hillside Animal Sanctuary; West Runton and Frettenham. Set up in 1995 the sanctuary looks after over 3,000 animals ranging from horses, ponies and donkeys to turkeys, rabbits and sheep.
There are play areas, both indoor and outdoors, a gift shop and Animal Friendly café.
Located in Cromer, Amazona Zoo has over 200 animals, ranging from pumas and jaguars to monkeys, snakes and flamingos. You’ll find large indoor and outdoor play areas.
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