Paradise Wildlife Park
Latest Reviews
We visited the park today to take part in a Monkey Tour that my partner had bought me for Christmas. We spent time exploring the park and seeing the other animals both before and after our tour.
The site is very well thought out and includes some excellent raised walkways that are fully accessible by wheelchair/pushchair and offer a unique view into all the big cat enclosures - we got some lovely photos and you feel very close to the animals. We saw part of a fascinating cheetah training demo and we impressed with the keepers knowledge and how well the animals behaved. There were lots of other feeding / keeper info sessions advertised as running throughout the day and it felt like a very friendly place.
Our Monkey Tour with Glen the keeper was excellent, he was highly informative and entertaining. He knows every animal by name and could tell you a huge amount about their personalities, habits, history, breeding etc etc but in a way that was interesting and at times humorous. You could tell how well the animals have bonded with him by their reaction to him appearing at their cage.
Our tour included afternoon tea in the discovery centre and they were very good in accommodating my special wheat free dietary requirements.
It's not the biggest zoo/wildlife centre but it's got a good range of animals, is well laid out and there is plenty to keep you busy for a day's visit. Plenty of parking and good all round facilities.
We didn't have children with us but there are loads of areas for kids both with farm animals, bunnies and other small animals you can pet plus masses of playground areas. I imagine it's packed at weekends and I'd avoid those if you could or especially if like us you were visiting without children.
The site is very well thought out and includes some excellent raised walkways that are fully accessible by wheelchair/pushchair and offer a unique view into all the big cat enclosures - we got some lovely photos and you feel very close to the animals. We saw part of a fascinating cheetah training demo and we impressed with the keepers knowledge and how well the animals behaved. There were lots of other feeding / keeper info sessions advertised as running throughout the day and it felt like a very friendly place.
Our Monkey Tour with Glen the keeper was excellent, he was highly informative and entertaining. He knows every animal by name and could tell you a huge amount about their personalities, habits, history, breeding etc etc but in a way that was interesting and at times humorous. You could tell how well the animals have bonded with him by their reaction to him appearing at their cage.
Our tour included afternoon tea in the discovery centre and they were very good in accommodating my special wheat free dietary requirements.
It's not the biggest zoo/wildlife centre but it's got a good range of animals, is well laid out and there is plenty to keep you busy for a day's visit. Plenty of parking and good all round facilities.
We didn't have children with us but there are loads of areas for kids both with farm animals, bunnies and other small animals you can pet plus masses of playground areas. I imagine it's packed at weekends and I'd avoid those if you could or especially if like us you were visiting without children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A truely great day out for all & reasonably priced too, kids loved every minute, lots of shows, feeding times & keeper talks to do throughout the day that for a little park there is always something to do, highly recommended for a great family day out and if you get a discount voucher even better :o)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Major surprise how amazingly good this place was. It was quiet, cos we went on a school day (but our 3 year old wasn't starting til tomorrow). Very well designed: raised walkways to get a different view of the animals, and my son loved running around them. Excellent play areas: real old fire engine, train etc. How cool is that. I Friendly service all over - we had lunch watching a tiger. Nice lady in restaurant heated up baby's food with a smile.
Couldn't believe the animals; snow leopards, white lions and tigers. All close up but looking healthy and happy. They weren't just sleeping the distance. Lorikeets standing on my head was a new one for me. Standing next to a huge macaw being trained also.
One of our best days out ever with the kids.
May be obvious, and a bit unfair to say so, but I think that cos it's so good, on a weekend it would be rammed, and I'm not sure how that would be.
Couldn't believe the animals; snow leopards, white lions and tigers. All close up but looking healthy and happy. They weren't just sleeping the distance. Lorikeets standing on my head was a new one for me. Standing next to a huge macaw being trained also.
One of our best days out ever with the kids.
May be obvious, and a bit unfair to say so, but I think that cos it's so good, on a weekend it would be rammed, and I'm not sure how that would be.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I brought my husband a 'shadow a big cats keeper for the day' gift for Christmas and he had a brilliant day. Cassie was really knowledgable & imparted her knowledge as they prepared food for all the big cats. The highlight of the day was my husband being allowed to hand feed Rocky the tiger which was amazing. Worth every penny & would totally recommend to anyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went for a meerkats experience whih we booked for gifts and it was amazing. The staff are very helpful and friendly and made the dasy special. A special thanks to Amy for making it great.
The park is lovely - not massive so you have to spend all day there. You can walk round in a day and enjoy the animals without feeling you nahve to rush on to see everything
Lions tigers and other big cats are amazing and look so healthy and well looked after.the enclosures arent massive but they have a good amount of enrichment Thoroughly enjoyed the whole day
The park is lovely - not massive so you have to spend all day there. You can walk round in a day and enjoy the animals without feeling you nahve to rush on to see everything
Lions tigers and other big cats are amazing and look so healthy and well looked after.the enclosures arent massive but they have a good amount of enrichment Thoroughly enjoyed the whole day
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I (!) have just enjoyed a Tiger Brunch experience at the Paradise. Both retired, we went because two safaris in India resulted in only one tiger pawprint . . . ! This park is everything the good reviewers have said about it, and I just want to add a couple more comments.
Someone criticised the enclosures as being 'too small'. They're not. Our guide explained that some of the big cats are rescues from circus and private ownership. One had never had grass underfoot until he arrived here. Another had been caged in something too small for him to move in, and he had to be confined at first, then gradually moved up to larger pens until he could be outside on grass - which he is now. They actively discourage any animal tendencies to revisit their circus tricks.
Clearly these animals are much better off here than they were in their previous lives, and could never be released into the wild anyway as they wouldn't last two minutes in the bush. Also, as someone else has pointed out, the establishment is extremely conservation-conscious, and our guide explained the breeding programmes and genetic screening which ensures pure-bred babies. Did you know that the White Tiger is a breeding aberration that would have died out naturally, had Man not intervened ? Obviously their camouflage is rubbish !
We had a really good afternoon here, and that was without having to visit the very many childrens' attractions which appeared to be of a very high standard. I was rather pleased we were without grandchildren that day - I don't think we'd have got round to the animals . . . ! Having said that, being able to handfeed reindeer etc (with the purchased and therefore correct food ) is indeed very special, and it is definitely a well-recommended day out which educates and gives pleasure in very large doses !
Someone criticised the enclosures as being 'too small'. They're not. Our guide explained that some of the big cats are rescues from circus and private ownership. One had never had grass underfoot until he arrived here. Another had been caged in something too small for him to move in, and he had to be confined at first, then gradually moved up to larger pens until he could be outside on grass - which he is now. They actively discourage any animal tendencies to revisit their circus tricks.
Clearly these animals are much better off here than they were in their previous lives, and could never be released into the wild anyway as they wouldn't last two minutes in the bush. Also, as someone else has pointed out, the establishment is extremely conservation-conscious, and our guide explained the breeding programmes and genetic screening which ensures pure-bred babies. Did you know that the White Tiger is a breeding aberration that would have died out naturally, had Man not intervened ? Obviously their camouflage is rubbish !
We had a really good afternoon here, and that was without having to visit the very many childrens' attractions which appeared to be of a very high standard. I was rather pleased we were without grandchildren that day - I don't think we'd have got round to the animals . . . ! Having said that, being able to handfeed reindeer etc (with the purchased and therefore correct food ) is indeed very special, and it is definitely a well-recommended day out which educates and gives pleasure in very large doses !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You park and buy a ticket across the road from the park. We thought it was a little expensive, but actually we had a lovel day out. There is a a large outdoor play area that the kids loved. The animals were good, and the kids loved it when they could feed some of them. The cafe is big and child friendly, but the food for the children was over fried and oily! Still the children ate it...!
A lovely day out and my son loved walking past very close to a beautiful white lion.
A lovely day out and my son loved walking past very close to a beautiful white lion.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
fantastic place so much to do for kids everywhere u go there is something to do for kids only criticism is some of enclosures seemed small but fantastic experience great kids can feed so many animals
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
At first we thought the park was a bit expensive, but when we got in and saw the animals they had , and the in depth talks they do on them we soon changed our minds.
We thought the big cats were the best and could hear the lion's roar all over the park !!.
You could also buy food for the small animals so children can feed them and the kids enjoyed this.
The only downside was the weather, too cold to really make the most of the facilities the park had to offer, could have done with more smaller coffee stops !!
We thought the big cats were the best and could hear the lion's roar all over the park !!.
You could also buy food for the small animals so children can feed them and the kids enjoyed this.
The only downside was the weather, too cold to really make the most of the facilities the park had to offer, could have done with more smaller coffee stops !!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although mainly aimed towards children, me and my girlfriend had a fantastic day out here.
We didn't expect much because it's a little zoo but we were amazed at how many great animals they had and how clearly you could see them all!
After a good look around the park and a really nice hotdog (that wasn't a bad price) we even played some mini golf and that's just for adults. The amount of stuff available for kids will keep them occupied all day.
What a fantastic little gem!
We didn't expect much because it's a little zoo but we were amazed at how many great animals they had and how clearly you could see them all!
After a good look around the park and a really nice hotdog (that wasn't a bad price) we even played some mini golf and that's just for adults. The amount of stuff available for kids will keep them occupied all day.
What a fantastic little gem!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really enjoyed a day here. We had a district Beaver Scout day here and this was my first visit to the park. It has lots of great well kept animals and the whole place has a really nice layout with all the usual facilities you might need. Wonderful play areas for the children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a lovely sunny day in February. It was a little early in the year so not all things were open but we saw lots of animals. We brought a picnic and ate outside as previous experience of cafe was mixed. Soft play/coffee area nice for a chill out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed our day at Paradise Park, plenty of animals, lots of feeding talks/shows. You get the opportunity to buy food to feed lots of the animals and birds which really adds to the enjoyment of the day. Particually enjoyed the Wolves feeding talk, the keepers went into the enclosure with them and spoke for 15minutes about these interesting animals. Birds Of Paradise was very interesting. All in all good value for money!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Paradise is a great place to visit with so much going on. The enclosures are quite small but nevertheless the animals appear very happy. In some areas, you can get up close and personal and touch them. There is a great variety to see and every day the keepers do talks and answer questions about their animals. In addition to the animals there is so much more - a fantastic soft play area, cafe, outdoor play area, Discovery Centre, woodland walk and crazy golf. There are lots of special events held too. We now have an annual membership and it's well worth it. It's much smaller than other zoos but actually I think that's good as the kids don't have to do as much walking (and therefore moaning!), yet there's still a day full of stuff to see and do.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You can pay to go into the meerkat cage to feed and play with them! We got to stroke a tapir, play with meerkats, feed a ostrich. It was brill
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with the family on a very cold Easter Monday. The range of animals, birds etc is not vast and many were hidden; probably shivering in the cold but the range on show is still very interesting including cheetahs, lions and so on. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. There are a few too many chargeable attractions for the children so be prepared to pay for these or keep the children's eyes away! Food in the restaurant is quite reasonably priced compared with many other places. So worth a visit if you live in the surrounding area or travelling nearby.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Bought Groupon vouchers for this attraction. Family of 2 adults and 2 children was very good value. Regular prices though bit expensive.
Well laid out, lots of animals to see, especially the ever adorable meerkats.
When the children got tired of the animals there was plenty of climbing activities for them.. Bouncy castles, swings, slides, pirates cove etc at no extra charge. So you can spend 3-4 hours here . Food outlets with hot dogs and ice cream etc, or just have your own picnic.
Well laid out, lots of animals to see, especially the ever adorable meerkats.
When the children got tired of the animals there was plenty of climbing activities for them.. Bouncy castles, swings, slides, pirates cove etc at no extra charge. So you can spend 3-4 hours here . Food outlets with hot dogs and ice cream etc, or just have your own picnic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
fantastic display of animals, so many play areas, little train is very cute, closest you can get to the big cats probably as only glass between you! I think there is probably a wider range of animals than London zoo these days, well worth a visit for all ages, great outdoor paddling pools and area in the summer, nature trail, just a fab day out all round!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went yesterday in the snow, it was a coach tour and I have to be honest I wasn't looking forward to it. The website for the PWP is really not all that so I wasn't sure what to expect except for the reviews here on TA. When we pulled up I was really happy, the place looked amazing. There were really helpful staff on the entrance to the animal park. The animals looked fantastic, I've been to other "animal parks" where I felt more sad than happy just looking at the animals but here, fabulous, it really is true you can get up close and personal with the animals. The park is laid out very well and there is just so much to see. You can buy food for the farm animals for just £1 a bag. We were also very lucky to see the little white lion cub. The keepers were amazing and no question from an excited 8 year old was too much. My little boy was desparate to see the Ocelot, but we couldn't see it anywhere in its enclosure. The keepers told him they were going to feed it and we went back later to see. Sure enough Billy the ocelot came out for his lovely tea of white rat lol. My little boy was so thrilled and the keeper was brilliant with him. We had a hot snack in Safari Sams where the young lady behind the counter was very friendly and helpful, 2 portions of chips, 1 tea, 1 bottle of coke and a pack of crisps £6 odds. Not really too bad I thought and the toilets in there were nice and clean too. The Tiger Treetops was more expensive, 1 hot chocolate and 1 pack crisps £3.80! Steer clear, there are places to have a picnic. The only thing that lets this park down is the human visitors, the amount of rubbish that was left lying around was shocking as the day wore on. We even seen a coffee cup IN the penguin enclosure. That made me so mad. Anyway, we will go back in better weather, but we won't have the park to ourselves this time. p.s don't forget to check out the Rainforest part, it looks like you can't go in but don't miss it!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Despite freezing conditions and non stop snow I really enjoyed this zoo. There were numerous different species of animals in the zoo and they all looked well cared for and happy and many of them could be fed and petted by the customers so there was plenty of interaction that you don't seem to get with the larger zoos. There were also lots of displays and talks and lots of things to do. All ages of children were catered for and there were plenty of play areas and rides for toddlers and children. The cafes were also reasonably priced and the tickets for the park were also reasonably priced. I was pleasantly surprised with this attraction and if the weather hadn't been so bad I would have had an even more enjoyable time. I would thoroughly recommend this wildlife park to everyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited on a cold April day with my daughter & granddaughter, what a fabulous place.
The animals are all well kept in clean enclosures with lots of staff available to give information, what a great idea using so many glass panels at lower levels so even toddlers can get a good view of the animals, the walkways were another great bonus each having ramps so a buggy or wheelchair presents no problems.
I am looking forward to a revisit in the summer with another 2 of my grandchildren.
The layout is easy to navigate & doesn't mean walking miles, there are plenty of toilets which were very clean & plenty of eating places with prices that don't break the bank.
Plenty of free amusements as well as a few you have to pay for.
What a chance to see not 1 but 2 snow leopards, an animals that I never dreamed I would get to see, cheetahs, white lions, orange & white tigers, ocelots, meerkats & many more.
Although it was freezing cold, we all had a great time & the cats were all active which does not happen in the summer heat.
The animals are all well kept in clean enclosures with lots of staff available to give information, what a great idea using so many glass panels at lower levels so even toddlers can get a good view of the animals, the walkways were another great bonus each having ramps so a buggy or wheelchair presents no problems.
I am looking forward to a revisit in the summer with another 2 of my grandchildren.
The layout is easy to navigate & doesn't mean walking miles, there are plenty of toilets which were very clean & plenty of eating places with prices that don't break the bank.
Plenty of free amusements as well as a few you have to pay for.
What a chance to see not 1 but 2 snow leopards, an animals that I never dreamed I would get to see, cheetahs, white lions, orange & white tigers, ocelots, meerkats & many more.
Although it was freezing cold, we all had a great time & the cats were all active which does not happen in the summer heat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I often take my grandchildren here and it is a great day out. The park is clean and animals well cared for, you get really close up with good viewing areas for young children. Big cats here are amazing and there is a lot going on. I have been in snow, rain and sunshine and we have always had a full, enjoyable time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on Easter Sunday and arrived early when the park opened at 9.30am. Toilets in the car park were freezing and not very clean so wait to use the toilets in the park. We bought groupon tickets for our visit. It was lovely to get so close to all the tigers, lions etc. They looked so clean and well kept. We bought some food for the rabbits and farmyard animals, they all seemed very hungry. A lamb had been born the day before so that was a real treat to see a newborn lamb. Soft play area only suitable for under eights really but also a good place to get warm and have a coffee. Food places seemed reasonable as compared to the Merlin group attractions. Staff are very friendly and most are quite mature, helpful and informative. A couple of slides and bouncy castles to use that are free. Overall a good morning out and not too much walking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had a zookeeper experience with my girlfriend accompanying me. She was allowed to go behind the scenes with me to take photos so it was a great experience for both of us. If you are an animal lover you will love this park. The keepers are well informed and clearly committed to where the park would like to be going forward. We started with cleaning in the Tapir paddock then spent time with a number of well informed keepers interacting with all sections of the park. During the visit we were allowed to feed Lemurs, Lorikeets, Wallabies, Lions and a White Tiger (by hand). We also had up close meetings with the Meerkats, birds of prey, snakes and Wolves and also tickled a Tapir. The experience of meeting animals like this up close was once in a lifetime and was more than I expected. If you get the chance to do this take it with both hands :-)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Place is unwardened and untidy during winter period i think.limited facilities and limited atractions,alltough they charge full entry fee you get less than half what is available,i am going to try the place on summer to see if it is the same but definetelly not going there on winter months
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
