When you think of wildlife parks, what springs to mind? The big, open spaces of Africa where lions and elephants roam free, right? If you’re thinking of Harrogate, you’re partially right – we have our fair share of wildlife.
But the kind of wildlife parks we’re talking about here is a little different. In fact, they’re more like enclosed gardens with various animals and birds on display. So, if you’re looking for an interesting day out with the family, why not check out one of Harrogate’s many wildlife parks? It might surprise you at just how much fun they can be!
When there are such amazing options to explore, there’s no excuse not to get out there and learn more about the wildlife in Harrogate! If you’re a tourist, look for the accommodation Harrogate boasts of around these areas to have the best experience possible. And if you’re a local, take advantage of these parks and support them however you can!
Piglets Adventure Farm Park:
Are you ready for a fun outdoorsy adventure with rabbits, tortoises, guinea pigs, and more? Piglets Adventure Farm Park is the place to go! Your kids can meet and greet the cute animals while you enjoy a cup of coffee in the cafe. There’s also an outdoor play area for when they’ve had enough time with their furry friends. The Piggy Pizza Parlour and the Piggy Poo Ice Cream Parlour are popular attractions at this farm park.
Tropical World Roundhay:
Head to Leeds to summon your inner Indiana Jones at Tropical World. This wildlife park is home to various animals, including snakes, meerkats, and crocodiles! If that’s not enough to get your heart racing, there’s also a Butterfly House where you can see some of the world’s most beautiful insects fluttering about. The kids will love the Dinosaur Trail too, which is perfect for a game of hide-and-seek.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park:
It’s time to meet the famous bears of Yorkshire Wildlife Park! This award-winning park is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and leopards. If we’re being specific, there are around 475 animals here. But the real stars of the show are the bears. You can even watch them being fed at certain times of the day. Just remember to bring your camera – you’ll want to take lots of photos!
South Cave Falconry:
Are you ready for your Harry Potter moment? Have an owl fly right over your head at South Cave Falconry, or have them sit on your arm for a photo. You can also meet other birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, at this wildlife park. And if you’re feeling really brave, you can even hold a snake! For the ones with a faint heart, sheep and goats roam around the park too.
Ponderosa Zoo:
Indoor and outdoor animal encounters await you at Ponderosa Zoo. This family-run zoo is home to over 100 animals, including wallabies, owls, raccoons, and marmosets. You can even feed some of the animals here! The zoo has an indoor soft play area for when the weather isn’t so great. You can also learn more about the animals through the zoo keeper talks and demonstrations.