Paradise Wildlife Park
Latest Reviews
I recently visited with my nan and two children (aged 7 & 9) travelling all the way from Norfolk to visit.
After booking tickets I saw some reviews that made me question whether we would have a memorable day for the wrong reasons BUT... I have to say we had the best day. We arrived early at 10ish and didn’t leave until late afternoon.
My boys loved seeing all of the different species but especially the rare white ‘big cats’. The rooftop sections where you could look into the enclosures from higher ground were just amazing, we really got to see the animals in all their beauty.
The animals all looked very well cared for compared to some of the other zoos we have visited. The new dinosaur section of the park was a big hit with my two boys, they were super impressed at how realistic they are!
There were plenty of play areas for the children to enjoy whilst my nan and I had a little rest. We purchased food and drink at the park and thought that it was quite reasonably price although the staff serving could have done with taking some ‘happy pills’
The only thing I wasn’t overly happy with was alcohol being served in ‘family’ areas. Encouraging drinking whilst around children is not a good thing in my opinion.
Overall though we had a great time and will certainly visit again.
After booking tickets I saw some reviews that made me question whether we would have a memorable day for the wrong reasons BUT... I have to say we had the best day. We arrived early at 10ish and didn’t leave until late afternoon.
My boys loved seeing all of the different species but especially the rare white ‘big cats’. The rooftop sections where you could look into the enclosures from higher ground were just amazing, we really got to see the animals in all their beauty.
The animals all looked very well cared for compared to some of the other zoos we have visited. The new dinosaur section of the park was a big hit with my two boys, they were super impressed at how realistic they are!
There were plenty of play areas for the children to enjoy whilst my nan and I had a little rest. We purchased food and drink at the park and thought that it was quite reasonably price although the staff serving could have done with taking some ‘happy pills’
The only thing I wasn’t overly happy with was alcohol being served in ‘family’ areas. Encouraging drinking whilst around children is not a good thing in my opinion.
Overall though we had a great time and will certainly visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a fantastic day with my granddaughter and her nursery class, could not fault this place one bit. There is something for all ages and very clean
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Let’s start with the positives
Dinosaurs were just amazing and my kids absolutely loved it
Plenty of play areas
Good selection of animals including zebra camel penguins snakes ( massive anaconda) lions tigers cheetahs to name a few
Friendly staff selection of different places to eat and a large picnic area if u would rather take your own food
For me two negatives
1st the cost 70+ quid for a family of 4 for one day out is quite pricey and the big big disappointment for me was the fact that they sell alcohol there . This is a wildlife park that attracts thousands of children yet on a hot day you are are greeted by men and women walking around with pints of lager . Not a good look and not necessary at all just a pure money making process
Dinosaurs were just amazing and my kids absolutely loved it
Plenty of play areas
Good selection of animals including zebra camel penguins snakes ( massive anaconda) lions tigers cheetahs to name a few
Friendly staff selection of different places to eat and a large picnic area if u would rather take your own food
For me two negatives
1st the cost 70+ quid for a family of 4 for one day out is quite pricey and the big big disappointment for me was the fact that they sell alcohol there . This is a wildlife park that attracts thousands of children yet on a hot day you are are greeted by men and women walking around with pints of lager . Not a good look and not necessary at all just a pure money making process
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Paradise Wildlife Park visit was bought for me as a birthday experience and one of the best birthday gifts I have ever received! It is an amazing place. I travelled from Birmingham and it was a very easy drive down the M1 and easy to find. It was the hottest day of the year too. I was travelling with my husband but this would be a brilliant place for children too. But as an animal mad lady in my mid 50s I loved this place. The white lions are amazing and i fed Mr Lion! I fed lots of other animals too. The owl was amazing and his wings touched my hair! I braved the reptile house and and got mugged for my food by an alpaca! Totally brilliant place. Places toe at drink and picnic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a nice time however it could have been a lot better
Excellent discounts if you book on line before your visit but the queue to get in is quicker if you pay on the gate
The staff that we saw or spoke to were polite but there aren’t enough. We had a problem on the little electric ride on machines and the racing cars but there was no one near by to speak to
The food outlets are quite pricey and the queue to buy food was ridiculous. Once you have bought food there are not enough tables to sit at either inside or outside. Sadly the food wasn’t that nice either which was a shame as we went with the intention of having a meal there as a birthday treat for my daughter rather than a packed lunch. Sadly I would recommend you do take a packed lunch with you.
There were also lots of places where they expect you to pay more.
The best part about the park was the dinosaurs they were definitely worth a look but if you want a day out at a good zoo you would be better off going to Colchester zoo instead
Excellent discounts if you book on line before your visit but the queue to get in is quicker if you pay on the gate
The staff that we saw or spoke to were polite but there aren’t enough. We had a problem on the little electric ride on machines and the racing cars but there was no one near by to speak to
The food outlets are quite pricey and the queue to buy food was ridiculous. Once you have bought food there are not enough tables to sit at either inside or outside. Sadly the food wasn’t that nice either which was a shame as we went with the intention of having a meal there as a birthday treat for my daughter rather than a packed lunch. Sadly I would recommend you do take a packed lunch with you.
There were also lots of places where they expect you to pay more.
The best part about the park was the dinosaurs they were definitely worth a look but if you want a day out at a good zoo you would be better off going to Colchester zoo instead
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a good experience of breakfast with tigers. Sit in a room with a glass windows and tigers watch you eat your breakfast.
The place is a great day out and staff are friendly.
The place is a great day out and staff are friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a great day out her with my 4.5y/o daughter she really enjoyed the variety of animals and the dinosaur walk through.
Easy to get around and can get very close to the big cats here
A Visit is well recommend here
Took our own lunch with plenty of spots to stop and eat
Staff were friendly and parking was also very close
Easy to get around and can get very close to the big cats here
A Visit is well recommend here
Took our own lunch with plenty of spots to stop and eat
Staff were friendly and parking was also very close
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was in my final year at Hertfordshire university so wanted to visit lots of things in the local area before leaving. Me and my partner decided to visit PWP to see the different animals we hadn't seen before (white tiger, white lions). It was amazing to see all the different animals. We were able to pay for a bag of veggies to feed to the goats, sheep, rabbits etc. There was a splash park for kids to play in, we didn't go in it. There were lots of different children play areas. There was the new dinosaur park with moving dinosaurs. These were good if you had children. There was also a dinosaur train that cost an extra £2 per person! Even though it was already expensive to get in. The train went past the moving dinosaurs, although you could walk fast than it was going. I then went past a wolf enclosure but you can't be sure to see them as when we went to see them they were asleep. The woodland walk bit was closed which meant we couldn't see the animals down there (deer, foxes) which we were looking forward to seeing. The food was quite overprices considering the quality of it. I had a a burger and chips and the burger was cheap meat which was just chewy and tasteless so most of it got left. It also took us between 30 and 45 minuets to get through the line to order some food and then it was a mission to find somewhere to sit. The cold soft drinks where also very expensive. I would recommend bringing your own food and drink. There was also a crazy gold course but there was also an extra cost. There was tree top walk ways so you can see over the top of the animals enclosures which was good. All in all, the animals are great but it is more suited for families with children due to the amount of play areas.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Myself and my partner fancied a little day out so visited the PWP on a Friday afternoon. Parking was okay, though the parking spots were already all almost gone, it was lucky that we found one! We got there just in time for the red panda feed and talk which was amazing as we both absolutely love red pandas! Tilly was adorable and the talk was interesting, though personally I could have listened for longer!
As adults, we obviously came for the animal park rather than the playgrounds which are much more geared towards kids.
The animal park itself is pretty good, the animals seem well looked after although we did have a slight concern that the cheetah looked stressed/frustrated as he/she was pacing a lot around the enclosure. Felt a little sorry for the penguins too as it's so hot right now; I feel they would have benefitted from some real big ice blocks like the ones I saw at the penguin enclosure at Lisbon Oceanarium. A few of the enclosures seemed a bit too small for the animals. All the other animals seemed pretty chilled and happy.
We didn't eat here but the food prices actually seemed pretty reasonable for an amusement park, moreso than we expected. Also plenty of areas to sit down and have a picnic. There was plenty for kids to do which is obviously great for parents. The dinosaur park area was a bit boring and underwhelming for us but we could see why it would appeal to (especially younger) kids. Felt a little bit sorry for the parents being trapped by the dinosaur gift shop on the way out of here too!!
The little lagoon part looked fantastic for kids as well.
All in all a fun day out... tickets quite pricey for what it is especially for two adults alone and booked in advance.
As adults, we obviously came for the animal park rather than the playgrounds which are much more geared towards kids.
The animal park itself is pretty good, the animals seem well looked after although we did have a slight concern that the cheetah looked stressed/frustrated as he/she was pacing a lot around the enclosure. Felt a little sorry for the penguins too as it's so hot right now; I feel they would have benefitted from some real big ice blocks like the ones I saw at the penguin enclosure at Lisbon Oceanarium. A few of the enclosures seemed a bit too small for the animals. All the other animals seemed pretty chilled and happy.
We didn't eat here but the food prices actually seemed pretty reasonable for an amusement park, moreso than we expected. Also plenty of areas to sit down and have a picnic. There was plenty for kids to do which is obviously great for parents. The dinosaur park area was a bit boring and underwhelming for us but we could see why it would appeal to (especially younger) kids. Felt a little bit sorry for the parents being trapped by the dinosaur gift shop on the way out of here too!!
The little lagoon part looked fantastic for kids as well.
All in all a fun day out... tickets quite pricey for what it is especially for two adults alone and booked in advance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
For younger children it has a lot to do. The animals are lovely to see but shame with the heat majority were asleep!!
Versatile in what they have to offer
If u r local worth getting an annual pass just so that u can take advantage of all the areas. Includes water area, picnic area, indoor soft play, outdoor play, safari park, dinosaur park
Would say older children may not be highly entertained but upto age of 9/10 would recommend
Versatile in what they have to offer
If u r local worth getting an annual pass just so that u can take advantage of all the areas. Includes water area, picnic area, indoor soft play, outdoor play, safari park, dinosaur park
Would say older children may not be highly entertained but upto age of 9/10 would recommend
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are regular visitors here using our Clubcard vouchers, however as they're no longer accepted this will probably be our last visit as it would be too expensive for us.
This was our first visit to the dinosaur trail and it was AMAZING! It has wide pathways and lots of dinosaurs to find. Adults and kids alike loved seeing them and reading the basic facts about them. It was the highlight of our visit.
The animals of course are always lovely to see. The jaguar were in an inside cool off section and it's the first time we saw them up close and mobile. Beautiful!
Our kids loved feeding the emus. We were all fascinated watching the keepers feed the birds of prey ice blocks with mill worms frozen inside. Seeing the confusion on their faces and great attempts to get to the worms were comical.
As always the play areas provide a welcome rest for the adults and entertainment for the kids.
It's a great wildlife park for young kiddies (4&5yrs) Our teenager (19) was bored.
This was our first visit to the dinosaur trail and it was AMAZING! It has wide pathways and lots of dinosaurs to find. Adults and kids alike loved seeing them and reading the basic facts about them. It was the highlight of our visit.
The animals of course are always lovely to see. The jaguar were in an inside cool off section and it's the first time we saw them up close and mobile. Beautiful!
Our kids loved feeding the emus. We were all fascinated watching the keepers feed the birds of prey ice blocks with mill worms frozen inside. Seeing the confusion on their faces and great attempts to get to the worms were comical.
As always the play areas provide a welcome rest for the adults and entertainment for the kids.
It's a great wildlife park for young kiddies (4&5yrs) Our teenager (19) was bored.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Booked online for my family for this, I don’t know why I bothered, still had to queue to get in, only one window was open!! Took ages as the young lady was a trainee, she was doing her best, but really needed more cashiers open at the start of the day. Why did we have to have our hands stamped? Which came off the first time we washed our hands, complete waste of time. Would have been nice to be given a map of the park.
On the whole the animals do look well looked after and it was nice to see them all
Dinosaur world is very good, actual size and moving and roaring.
Good play areas, good picnic areas and the cafe and kiosks sold good fast food and drinks. lagoon looked good too.
I did begrudge paying the £2 per person for the very short train ride, especially as it is quite expensive entrance fee.
We did enjoy our day though.
On the whole the animals do look well looked after and it was nice to see them all
Dinosaur world is very good, actual size and moving and roaring.
Good play areas, good picnic areas and the cafe and kiosks sold good fast food and drinks. lagoon looked good too.
I did begrudge paying the £2 per person for the very short train ride, especially as it is quite expensive entrance fee.
We did enjoy our day though.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Absolutely loves this place every time I visit. I went there on my first date and now I went back with my two years old daughter. Surprisingly the zoo are still in good condition and now they have “world of dinosaurs” which is pretty awesome even for adults.
My daughter was so excited and was so happy to see all the animals, especially the white lions. She’s loves the giant sandpit next to the dinosaur cafe, took me sometime to convince her to leave 😅 we stayed there for a good 5hrs and still not bored of this place, we didn’t even went to the lagoon yet.
The only reason I gave 4 starts is because I brought a sandwich from the tiger cafe and it got mold and I only found out after Im about to take the second half of the sandwich 🤢I mean it won’t make me ill but it nearly make everything in my stomach travel back up at that moment. I informed a staff and was given a refund for it.
My daughter was so excited and was so happy to see all the animals, especially the white lions. She’s loves the giant sandpit next to the dinosaur cafe, took me sometime to convince her to leave 😅 we stayed there for a good 5hrs and still not bored of this place, we didn’t even went to the lagoon yet.
The only reason I gave 4 starts is because I brought a sandwich from the tiger cafe and it got mold and I only found out after Im about to take the second half of the sandwich 🤢I mean it won’t make me ill but it nearly make everything in my stomach travel back up at that moment. I informed a staff and was given a refund for it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was here yesterday with my family, 4 adults and 3 children (two 4 years of age and one just under 3 months), we went into the Dinosaur World first, which was great. They had actual size moving and roaring dinosaurs, a Jeep you can get in, donisaur bone dig and some lovely staff there too. A lady showing dinosaur bones on a table by the Dinosaur enterance and picnic benches offered to put them away while we ate as my austic nephew wouldn't eat unless he couldn't see them, which was very nice of her. The animal park was awful really, the animals that were actually in their enclosure were clearly frustrated and too hot and the poor meerkats were being teased by people as we were there, just horrible for them. Lots of empty enclosures too. The lagoon was great for kids to cool down in l if very VERY busy, dread to think what that's like in the sunmer holidays and I'm sure there's a health and safety rule being broken there! The most ridiculous thing was that you had to pay £2 to go on a 3 minute (literally) train ride per person. You pay £21 an adult to get in and then have to pay £14 for 7 people for that. Yes, that's right, they charged us for my 9 week old!!! And the man at the front taking the money was as awkward as anything, really shouldn't be in a customer facing role at all! We didn't eat here but the food smelt good, the play area was great too. All in all an okay day out. Very expensive for what it is... £2.60 for a small Smartie ice cream is extortion!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here with wife and my nearly 4 year old and we just had the best day. The place flows really well. We saw the animals first, you get really good close up views of them especially the white lions, white tigers and cheetah. In a zoo you dont tend to get that close. The enclosures aren't huge but the animals seemed content. Then there is the dinosaur park including fossil digging and then we hit the mini lagoon and play parks. So much for kids to do, food and gifts are reasonably priced and staff helpful. Marked down a point as it looked as though the park hadn't fully opened even at 1030 in the morning - shutters down on various stands etc. Great day out though all in all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took grandaughter there last Thursday. We were so excited to go as we used to take our son many years ago. (not the father of aforementioned grandaughter. Much bigger than I remember with a dinosaur trail and train ride to name a few things. The animals are beautiful and look extremely well looked after. We saw the most beautiful white lion. I think handsome is the best word to use. Tigers, camels, red panda, otters, meerkats, pengiuns to name a few. My main upset on the day were the state of the toilets. I had to hunt around to find one to take my grandaughter into. I think because there had been 28 school coaches on Thursday (far too many if they don't have the staff to be walking round making sure everything is pristine). And a small bag of hoola hoops was £1. Luckily I had taken a picnic. Saying these things I would go back but would try and find out beforehand how many coaches were arriving the day I want to go. We went back to the animal section once the coaches had left and it was so different but the toilets were not.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I remember taking my son to Paradise Wildlife Park and he is now 21 so now I am bringing his niece. It is bigger than I remember and the train ride is new. The dinosaurs are amazing and I have the best video of husband and grandaughter enacting a scene from Jurassic Park in a jeep. Up until this day my grandaughter was petrified of dinosaurs. We couldn't get her away especially from the spitting water one. The beautiful white tiger is still there and the most handsome white lion I have ever seen. Meerkats, red panda, otters, camels (standing under a shower) . We took a picnic and managed to find a lovely quiet area with tables, a fire engine and romany caravan to sit and relax. Ok so two things that I would like to think can be rectified are a packet of hoola hoops which I had left on my kitchen table cost £1. This is terribly expensive and most important I struggled to find a decent toilet. I think they are in such a state because there were 28 school coaches throughout the day and obviously they were constantly in use. I think Paradise should limit it to much less than that on one day. At around 3pm it was very noticable that the school parties had left so we went to visit the animals again. So much nicer. I appreciate that allowing so many schools is financially beneficial but we also paid over £50 for 2 concessions and a 4 year old. Saying all of this I would go back but please Paradise Wildlife Park ensure that I didn't have to struggle finding a decent toilet to take my grandaughter to.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our last visit was about 25 years ago when our boys were young. Today we took one of my sons and two granddaughters. Clearly a totally different place from our memories- fantastic four hours- could have spent even longer there had it not been so warm. Unfortunately several big animals were not out because of the heat. However the Park is great to walk around. A little pricey to enter although you can give gift aid as they are a charity. Staff all very helpful from ticket kiosk to the train staff. £2 per person for short train journey. Could have done two laps but cannot grumble. We took a picnic - plenty of eating places and food prices didn’t look too expensive. Everyone enjoyed their time. Ideal place to treat youngsters although some very young children were a little wary of dinosaurs in Dino-Land. Can buy £1 food packages to feed certain animals. Should visit with young children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited today and want to visit again tomorrow! We had such a lovely day out with friends and all our children.
There is so much for kids to do here. It's all very clean and safe. We were really impressed with the dinosaur walkthrough.
The enclosures with the big cats was great, lovely layout with the treetop walkthrough. Infact the whole park is a fantastic layout. Even though it was an extremely busy sunny day, it felt like you had lots of room around you because the layout is so well thought out.
Food was great, £7 for a burger meal (chips and a drink) really tasty too.
Only downside is how busy the splash lagoon pool was. But it was a very hot day.
We will be back again soon :)
There is so much for kids to do here. It's all very clean and safe. We were really impressed with the dinosaur walkthrough.
The enclosures with the big cats was great, lovely layout with the treetop walkthrough. Infact the whole park is a fantastic layout. Even though it was an extremely busy sunny day, it felt like you had lots of room around you because the layout is so well thought out.
Food was great, £7 for a burger meal (chips and a drink) really tasty too.
Only downside is how busy the splash lagoon pool was. But it was a very hot day.
We will be back again soon :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A brilliant day out for all but especially if you have younger children. I especially enjoyed dinosaur world as it was something different. We ate in the cafe and the food was delicious. It was a really enjoyable day for seeing some great animals and having the chance to hear about some of them which was both interesting and informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I used to take my children here and always enjoyed it. The dinosaur park was much better than I expected. My nieces loved the ones that squirted water. The keepers were all informative and there are some beautiful animals. The higher walk way is inspired as you can see more of the animals this way. Splash park was good and playground that caters for wheelchair users.
All in all a great family day out.
All in all a great family day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited today.
Down sides:
Having to cross the main road from car park to get in
Entrance was a little expensive and food was too, we had two jacket potatoes and kids meal and just under £20.
A few enclosure closed or restricted due to maintenance.
Up side:
Lots to see
Staff really friendly (especially in Dino park)
Lovely to see volunteers helping at train station ride
Very accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Will go again!!!!!
Down sides:
Having to cross the main road from car park to get in
Entrance was a little expensive and food was too, we had two jacket potatoes and kids meal and just under £20.
A few enclosure closed or restricted due to maintenance.
Up side:
Lots to see
Staff really friendly (especially in Dino park)
Lovely to see volunteers helping at train station ride
Very accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Will go again!!!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is our second family visit to PWP and whilst we previously found it very enjoyable (2 years ago) it is even better now. The new Dinosaur area (with animatronic dinosaurs) is fantastic and informative. The new Amazon experience is also great.
It really does have everything for a fun family out - lots of animals, indoor / outdoor play areas, splash water area, picnic areas / food for sale etc etc.
The park is very well organised with LOTS of staff on hand to help out, direct, guide etc so it feels very safe (important when you have 'adventurous' little ones). Also, they seem to be constantly improving the park - new play areas, new experiences, new enclosures etc. So even if you have been a year or two ago it is worth revisiting.
Hopefully next on their list is to refresh the Lagoon splash play area.
Great value and very enjoyable!
It really does have everything for a fun family out - lots of animals, indoor / outdoor play areas, splash water area, picnic areas / food for sale etc etc.
The park is very well organised with LOTS of staff on hand to help out, direct, guide etc so it feels very safe (important when you have 'adventurous' little ones). Also, they seem to be constantly improving the park - new play areas, new experiences, new enclosures etc. So even if you have been a year or two ago it is worth revisiting.
Hopefully next on their list is to refresh the Lagoon splash play area.
Great value and very enjoyable!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our first visit to the paradise park was a great one... there really is something for everyone here and unlike some places there’s plenty of things to entertain the kids when walking round.
The tiger cafe was completely amazing and I don’t think I’ve been so close to as many animal before. New dinosaur walk round was also great.
Food and drink a very good price and so was the extra bits they offered here like facepainting and hair braids etc.
My only few small issues were the toilets (although clean) were more like huts. And splash pool was completely over crowded with children banging into each other all over the place. Needs a banding System in place or something to make it safe.
Worth a wonder round the speedway museum bit aswell, the guy running the place was lovely
The tiger cafe was completely amazing and I don’t think I’ve been so close to as many animal before. New dinosaur walk round was also great.
Food and drink a very good price and so was the extra bits they offered here like facepainting and hair braids etc.
My only few small issues were the toilets (although clean) were more like huts. And splash pool was completely over crowded with children banging into each other all over the place. Needs a banding System in place or something to make it safe.
Worth a wonder round the speedway museum bit aswell, the guy running the place was lovely
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We’ve been visiting PWP for years but every year it improves and is worth visiting again. This year they have added animatronic dinosaurs. They were fantastic noisy moving robots in keeping with a visit to Jurassic park. The path is easily accessible and all the dinosaurs move and make sounds. Beside each is an informative plaque. You can even have your photo taken on a safari jeep in front of the t-Rex. The outdoor and indoor play areas and splash park continue to keep the kids amused to burn off that last bit of energy. Cross the road and here you find all the big cats; lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards and cheetahs. All easily visible from the ground or walkways. There are also reptiles and marmosets, gibbons, tapirs, camels, penguins, red pandas, wolves and much more. The new Amazon section is fantastic with an enormous anaconda. I can’t wait for the bat area to complete its revamp. Then there are the birds: owls, parrots, lorikeets and more. There is just so much to see. Our favourite place to eat is at the tiger cafe where you can watch the tigers as you eat. We also find that the food options are healthier than at the main diner. That’s the only criticism I have in that the hot food options could be healthier and look more appetising across the park. We tend to bring our own food and there are plenty of tables to use. All in all a brilliant day out that the kids will enjoy again and again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
