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Animal Experiences Near Me

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Looking for Animal Experience Near Me? Find everything from alpaca farms, Llama treks, pygmy goat yoga, and VIP experiences at top UK zoos in our latest article. Meet amazing creatures, boost your feel-good brain chemicals in the process, and make memories to last a lifetime.

Head for the crystal blue coasts of Northern Ireland or trek through the rolling meadows in the South West of England. Whether you love rhinos, red pandas, or seals, we have an adorable selection of animal experiences to show you!

What’s so special about animal experiences?

First of all, any age group will love and appreciate quality time with animals. It’s not your everyday activity and animals tend to be the simplest way to reconnect with nature and ourselves.

Lots of one-to-one experiences involve caring for animals and learning about conservation. Interacting with animals supports kids’ learning and development, and gives children the opportunity to learn how to be gentle and responsible for others. This in itself is incredibly magical for children and their parents! Empathy is a valuable and integral part of being a human so these experiences are really important and will help shape your child. 

If you have older children, animal experiences are equally as important. We know being a teenager can be a turbulent time all round. Exams, friendships, budding relationships, and drastic emotional changes can leave a teen feeling overwhelmed. Strip back your teens worries and cheer them up with a trip to goat yoga or a local woodland farm! See how long it takes for your teen’s frown to turn upside down with a pygmy goat balancing on their back… 

Parents, you also need this stress buster. These adorable experiences will help put a smile on your face too. Animals have a surprising calming effect on humans in general and it has been proved that spending more time with animals decreases cortisol levels. Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. Animals can reduce feelings of loneliness and offer great social support too.

Animal Experiences Near Me in Scotland

alpaca trek

The Alpaca Trekking Centre, Stirling

Animal lovers, or more specifically alpaca lovers, will click their heels with joy on the 1 hour mini trek. Walk with your chosen alpaca around the farm greeting all the other farm animals you pass by. There’s chickens, rabbits, ducks, and geese! 

If you’re looking for a quirky day trip with your partner or adult child, why not try the adult trek? Explore the countryside in 2 hours for £30! The adult alpaca treks run once a month, every month. 

This family run farm also offers other wonderful experiences like being an alpaca keeper for the day. This costs £110 for 6 hours! 

Shape Location Get directions

The Alpaca Trekking Centre, Stirling, B822 FK8

Opening Times

Friday
10:00 - 16:30
Saturday
10:00 - 16:30
Sunday Closed
Monday
10:00 - 16:30
Tuesday
10:00 - 16:30
Wednesday Closed
Thursday
10:00 - 16:30

Pricing

1 hour mini trek = £18
2 hour adult trek = £30
Alpaca keeper for the day (6 hours) = £110

Find out more
Pygmy Goat Pilates Edinburgh

Pygmy Goat Pilates

You may have heard about goat yoga but what about Pygmy Goat Pilates? Grab your mats and join pygmy goats Mabel & Hazel and their boyfriends, Fergus & Angus (who are currently in pygmy pilates training), and get stretching! 

Located in the stunning countryside of Fife in Scotland, the beautiful Bellcraig Farm hosts interactive sessions run by Pilates Teacher Jo, Farmer Holly and Goat Wrangler Caroline. Goat pilates will take place indoors in the cosy stone built cottage but in the warmer months, the class will move outside in the serene cottage garden. 

You can expect a few hours of mischievous fun and the occasional pygmy goat jumping on your back. This is hands down, one of our favourite animal experiences on this list. 

Exercising with animals has proved to…

  • Promote feelings of happiness and joy
  • Promote the release of oxytocin and serotonin, the ‘happy’ hormones
  • Promote relaxation
  • Lower anxiety levels
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Plus the wonderful benefits of pilates!
Shape Location Get directions

50 Thistle St N E Ln, Edinburgh EH2 1DA

Opening Times

Check website for available sessions.

Pricing

One of sessions are £25 per session
Pilates Mat - 6 Class Package costs £78
Pilates Reformer - 6 Class Package - £132
50 Thistle Street North East Lane Edinburgh EH2 1DA

Find out more

Animal Experiences Near Me in Northern Ireland

person swimming by the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge

Aquaholics Causeway Coast Trips

Animal Experiences aren’t all land-restricted. Take to the seas of Northern Ireland in large fast hard boats that can carry 12 passengers and 2 crew, or the Aquababy – a 7.5m Red Bay boats rib that holds up to 7 passengers. 

What’s so great about this company is they offer boat trips around all the Causeway Coast hotspots! You don’t have to stay confined to your seat either as you have the chance to get in the sea to swim or go diving! 

Pick from a trip to Carrick-A-Rede rope Bridge for £20 (with optional swim). Go a bit further with the Rathlin Island and Giant’s Causeway trip for £45. Hop on a sea safari from Port Ellen, and Islay to Ballycastle Ferry for £95. This sea safari lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes and takes you to a Scottish Island! There are lots of other (and cheaper) sea safari options online too, which you can find here

Shape Location Get directions

14 Portmore Rd, Portstewart BT55 7BE

Opening Times

Check times online - there are lots of trips to choose from!

Pricing

Sea safari from Port Ellen, and Islay to Ballycastle Ferry for £95.
Carrick-A-Rede rope Bridge for £20
Rathlin Island and Giant's Causeway trip for £45
Check out more trips online.

Find out more
Eurasian Eagle Owl hiding by a tree

World of Owls

Owls are intriguing creatures. Did you know they are insanely good hunters? Their eyes are tube shaped and designed like binoculars. This enhances their vision for hunting! Their heads can twist 270 degrees too. 

You can get to know a wide range of rescued owls at the World of Owls Centre and learn other quirky facts as well as the importance of conservation. Have you ever seen the dazzling green eyes of a Boobook Owl? Say hi to the snowy owl or check out Harley the Eurasian Eagle Owl

This owl centre also has exhibits for other exotic animals, such as reptiles and minibeasts. 

Shape Location Get directions

32 Mount Shalgus Ln, Randalstown, Antrim BT41 3LE

Opening Times

Tuesday to Friday – 11am Closing at 3pm
Saturday & Sunday – 11am to 5pm

Pricing

Adults £5.50 Children (3 to 15 yrs) & OAPs £4.50

Find out more

Animal Experiences Near Me in the North East England

falconry

North East Falconry

Watch demonstrations, take part in courses or simply get to know your new-found feathered friends at North East Falconry Centre. With over 11 years of experience across the team, this is a winged winner of a day out!

Start with a Hawk Walk through the woodlands where as a family you can take one of the birds for a private, beak-to-beak flying experience. The centre is home to hawks, owls, the odd Indian Eagle owl chick and injured strays, as well as a few celebrities in the mix. The team regularly supplies members of their roost to film and TV, so make sure you get a signature!

At certain times of year, kids can feed adorable newborn chicks as they begin their lives at the centre. Then if your little bird brains want to try something more adventurous, why not give them a go at an Introduction to Falconry? It will teach them all about owning a bird of prey and give them a respect for the wild side of nature. 

Shape Location Get directions

Station Bank,
Ryton,
Tyne and Wear,
NE40 3JB

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 16:30

Pricing

Adults: £15.00
Kids: £10.00

Find out more

Animal Experiences Near Me the North West England

Yorkshire Wildlife Park wallaby feeding experiences

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Exotic animals, dinosaurs, and epic seasonal events – what more could you want from an all-day wildlife experience? 

At Yorkshire Wildlife Park, there are a range of experiences to try out with your little ones. This wonderful animal park will take you all over the world. From the African Lion Country, Land of Tiger, Wallaby Walkabout, and Lemur Woods, there are lots of animal attractions to visit. Make sure to join the ranger talks at the park to learn more about your favourite animals too! With 60 different animal species here, you’ll be setting off on a wildlife adventure! Especially with acres of walkthrough animal experiences to explore!

There are also lots of great VIP animal experiences like the VIP Atlantic Forest experience. Go behind the scenes and get up close with our Bush Dog family, meet the Maned Wolves and feed the Tapirs! Meet five fantastically different primates of Africa on the VIP Primates Of Africa Tour. Discover some of the coolest and most bizarre animals that the continent has to offer, from Six-Banded Armadillos to Howler Monkeys in the VIP South America Tour. With all this, and so much more, Yorkshire Wildlife Park hosts some of the most magical animal experiences in the UK. 

If you’ve got your VIP Pass you can get up to 28% off gate prices

Shape Location Get directions

Hurst Ln, Auckley, Doncaster DN9 3HQ

Opening Times

Monday - Friday 09:30 - 18:00
Saturday & Sunday 09:00 - 18:00

Pricing

Adults: £22 (Online) | £27 (On the gates)
Kids (3-15): £20 (Online) | £25 (On the gates)
Under-3s: Free
Senior Citizen (60+) / Student: £21 (Online) | £22 (On the gates)
Disabled Adults: £15 (Online) | £20 (On the gates)
Disabled Seniors / Disabled Students: £14 (Online) | £19 (On the
gates)
Disabled Kids (aged 3-15): £13 (Online) | £18 (On the gates)
Accompanying carer: £7

Find out more

Animal Experiences Near Me in Wales

boy feeding geese

Llanelli Wetland Centre

How much Welsh Wetland nature can you explore in a day? The answer is, LOTS! Hand-feed some of the world’s rarest (and friendliest) geese, ducks and swans as you wander through the fascinating wetlands, plus keep your eyes peeled for the imaginative outdoor play areas across the reserve! Head to the Explore wild play park and jump, swing or climb your way through the obstacle course, just remember to pack some wellies for rainy days…
Shape Location Get directions

Llwynhendy,
Llanelli,
Carmarthenshire,
SA14 9SH,
Wales

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 17:00

Pricing

Adults: £9.45
Kids: £6.00
Family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids): £26.27
Concessions: £8.04
Under 4s: Free
WWT Members: Free

Find out more
baby leopard at plantasia

Plantasia Swansea

Come face to face with pythons and tarantulas and dare to climb high in the canopy with the parrots! Check out The Rainforest Hut – there’s over 40 species of animal you can GROW your imaginations in this interactive, fully immersive tropical experience for all the family. 

Passby tropical plants like prickly cacti, pineapple plants and giant bamboo. See monkeys, parakeets, reptiles, fish, and more in this exciting tropical zoo.

Get stuck into crocodile feeding in Fort Crox or become a keeper for the day in the Zoo Keeper experience. You’ll get to tour Plantasia’s animal collection and learn about each of the amazing animals. It’s one many excellent zookeeper experiences we have in this article.

Shape Location Get directions

Parc Tawe,
Swansea,
Glamorgan and Cardiff,
SA1 2AL,
Wales

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

Pricing

Adults: £9
Kids (aged (3-15): £7
Concession: £7
Family: £27

Find out more

Animal Experiences Near Me in the West Midlands

little girl with basket of chicks

Ash End House Children's Farm

Rain or shine this is the ideal place for some petting zoo fun! With the animals all under shelter, you can’t let a little rain stop you from coming along. Have you ever wanted to hold a cute little duckling or baby chick? Well, your dreams may come true at Ash End House, you can stroke bunnies too and even sit on some ponies! Is your child a future horse rider? You might find out here…

They have lots of hungry hungry animals, ready and waiting for you to feed and pet them!

Shape Location Get directions

Middleton Lane, Tamworth B78 2BL

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 09:30- 17:00

Pricing

Adults: £8.95
Kids: £12.95

Find out more
elephants on west midland safari park safari

West Midland Safari Park

West Midland Safari Park is without a doubt one of the most popular safari parks in England. It offers a wide range of animal experiences from nocturnal monkeys to African lions, meerkats, penguins, and more! You can book an animal-themed staycation and raid the theme park for epic thrills on the coolest of coasters.

Experience some star-quality VIP treatment and a VIP safari from a minibus-guided Safari tour bus, a white lion cage feed, to a lemur & meerkat keeper for a day and plenty more! With the helpful staff on hand, you’re sure to have a lovely time, as you spend time with playful lemurs and feed giraffes with boxes of food!

Do you have a warm place in your heart for all creatures nocturnal? In the dark, damp depths of the Twilight Cave families can uncover amazing animals like Rodrigues fruit bats and Seba’s short-tailed bats. Did you see that?! The douroucouli (night monkey) just went by! West Midland Safari Park really has a whole day’s worth of fun.

Shape Location Get directions

Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF

Opening Times

Term Time
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 15:00
Saturday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
October Half Term
Daily 09:30 - 15:00

Pricing

Adults: £25.00
Kids (3-15yrs): £20.00 (£25.00 from 01/10/2022)
Seniors 65+: £22.00
Lion feed: £175.00 per person
VIP Tour experience £185.00 per person
Lemur Feed £40.00 per person
Find other VIP experiences online.

Find out more

Animal Experiences Near Me in the East Midlands

boy and mom doing yoga with the catanger llamas in a field.

Catanger Llama Trekking

Whoever said dogs were a man’s best friend clearly didn’t meet any llamas… Trek through the Northamptonshire countryside with a Catanger Llama by your side.

These inquisitive and gentle animals walk around 2mph along the trekking route. You will not ride the llamas but walk with them through the beautiful scenery. What we love about this animal experience is that you get to spend more quality time with the animal compared to other animal experiences in our article. And hey, you get to explore the stunning English countryside while you’re at it too!

It’s a great way to de-stress whatever age you are. You can also book children’s birthday parties for an unforgettable experience too. The treks last 1-2 hours long and are suitable for kids aged 7-14 year old when accompanied by adults.  

Shape Location Get directions

Catanger Farm Wappenham Road, Weedon Lois,
Towcester,
Northamptonshire,
NN12 8FN,
England

Opening Times

Check website for session times.

Pricing

Half-day experience:
1 person per llama = £80
2 people with 1 llama – £60 per person

On-farm trek:
Two people with one llama – £40 per person
One person with one llama – £50

Find out more

Animal Experiences Near Me in the South East England

Guinea pig dressed as a witch on child's lap

Vauxhall City Farm

If you are tired of walking the busy streets of London and want to touch back down with the calming natural world, visit Vauxhall City Farm! Located in Central London, you will avoid the hustle and bustle of city life and find comfort in some friendly furry friends like Stinker the skunk, Shadow the bunny rabbit and Edward the pig!

There are horses to pet too and nature-inspired arts and crafts workshops that the little ones can get involved with. If you want to get up close and personal there are 2 types of meet & greets to choose from:

  • Small animal meet & greets 4+
  • Large animal meet and greets 7+ (pigs 10+)

You can get acquainted with a number of animals from goats, pygmy goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, alpacas, lambs & kids, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens. All you need to do is purchase your meet and greet vouchers online. 

Shape Location Get directions

165 Tyers Street, London, Greater London, SE11 5HS.

Opening Times

Tuesday – Sunday
10:30 – 16:00

Pricing

Farm park entry is FREE! For £30 you can get a 20-minute meet and greet experience.

Find out more
girls holding bunny rabbits on a london farm

Surrey Docks Farm

Enjoy a slice of rural life at Surrey Docks Farm! This interactive, free to enter and educational farm offers the magical experience of meeting animals in an open farmyard.

Forge friendships with pigs, sheep, goats, cows, geese, ducks, turkeys and chickens, as they roam freely around the yard. Children are also allowed to handle, stroke and play with the ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs that are pets of the farm. This is an especially exciting attraction to visit with younger children or children who have never been on a farm before. 

There are three animal experiences on offer that give you the chance to get up close and meet our goat herd, flock of sheep, or our cheeky pony. Each session in the pens last 30 minutes and any pony trekking activities last up to an hour. Each animal experience has a maximum of 4 people.

Shape Location Get directions

Rotherhithe Street,
London,
Greater London,
SE16 5ET,
England

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00

Pricing

Free admission

Find out more

Animal Experiences Near Me in the South West England

Girl on horse in the sea in cornwall

Cornwall Swimming Horses

Take the sea on horseback and enjoy the magical experience of swimming with horses at Cornwall Swimming Horses, a unique experience that will definitely leave you with incredible memories.

Perfect for beginners and experienced riders, you’ll get to hop up onto your ride and set off towards the beach riding bareback ready to dive in. Play around in the shallows with your horse friend, before swimming out further into the sea for your swim, no two swims with these horses are the same!

If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime day out, you can’t get much more one off than swimming with horses. Fancy taking it one step further? You can even enjoy a horse holiday and stay in the enchanted yurt too!

Shape Location Get directions

At The Peep Out, Long Rock,
Cornwall,
Cornwall,
TR20 8YJ,
England

Opening Times

Check online for sessions.

Pricing

The cost is £150 per horse per person
Sharing Horses; 2 adults sharing one horse is £190.
The Family Swim is £370 and includes 2 horses to be shared by 2 adults and 2 children.(Does not have to be a conventional family, simply 2 adults and 2 children)

Find out more
Deer sanctuary

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

Take a trip to the ancient and ornamental woodland of the New Forest National Park and spot some deer! 

The Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary provides a solid viewing platform in the forest where visitors can watch rare, white fallow deer graze and meander around the forest meadow. It also provides a great photo opportunity. Deer viewing at Bolderwood isn’t guaranteed but the herd are fed daily by the local New Forest keeper, between the months of April and September, so the deer are more than happy to remain in the main meadow and are used to humans hanging around. Feeding time can be between noon and 3pm.

While the deer sanctuary is the main attraction at Bolderwood, there are also graded walks and a large picnic area amongst the tall trees. You’ll be relieved to know there are good toilet facilities too – you aren’t completely off the beaten track!

Shape Location Get directions

Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Dr, Lyndhurst SO43 7GQ

Opening Times

Open all day everyday

Pricing

Free admission

Find out more

We hope you’ve found the perfect animal experiences near you! From the depths of the Causeway Coast to swimming horses in Penzance, we hope you’ve picked a wonderful place to create a memorable experience with your kids – whatever their age. 

Looking for more zoo & wildlife content? Check out Petting Zoos Near Me, Huckleberry Woods Miniature Adventure, Alpaca Farm Near Me , Zoo Experience Days, and so much more.