Paradise Wildlife Park
Latest Reviews
Great place to take the kids. When I was a kid we knew this place as Broxbourne Zoo and it's much bigger than I remember it as a toddler. Loads to do for the kids and a surprising amount of wildlife on show..
Source: google.com
What a disappointment!
Good points first; the animal enclosures seemed very clean and well taken care of, we were able to pet the Zebra which was nice and we didn’t have to travel very far as we live close by.
I should have known that it was going badly when I found that only half of my car would fit in a parking space which clearly seemed to have been marked out for Smart cars and Minis!
The full ticket price is extortionate and on a par with big safari type wildlife parks. We had a deal through another website but I still felt ripped off by the time we left.
Once we’d finally got past the café, shops, play areas and various stands and found the animals in the Wildlife Park, it only took us an hour to wonder around the meandering paths and see all the animals. Half the enclosures were empty and I wasn’t expecting to see the sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens!
We loved the penguins, tigers, lions, cheetahs, lemurs, zebra and camels but most of the other animals can be seen in our local petting zoo (for free!)
I appreciate it was low season but it was a nice sunny day and there were quite a few people there, so I would have expected more of an atmosphere and a buzz, but there wasn’t, not helped by the fact that all the stands were shut.
Maybe it’s better in the summer, I’m not paying that much again to find out.
Good points first; the animal enclosures seemed very clean and well taken care of, we were able to pet the Zebra which was nice and we didn’t have to travel very far as we live close by.
I should have known that it was going badly when I found that only half of my car would fit in a parking space which clearly seemed to have been marked out for Smart cars and Minis!
The full ticket price is extortionate and on a par with big safari type wildlife parks. We had a deal through another website but I still felt ripped off by the time we left.
Once we’d finally got past the café, shops, play areas and various stands and found the animals in the Wildlife Park, it only took us an hour to wonder around the meandering paths and see all the animals. Half the enclosures were empty and I wasn’t expecting to see the sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens!
We loved the penguins, tigers, lions, cheetahs, lemurs, zebra and camels but most of the other animals can be seen in our local petting zoo (for free!)
I appreciate it was low season but it was a nice sunny day and there were quite a few people there, so I would have expected more of an atmosphere and a buzz, but there wasn’t, not helped by the fact that all the stands were shut.
Maybe it’s better in the summer, I’m not paying that much again to find out.
Source: google.com
Love it. Fed the meercats. I def coming back. Its ace
Source: google.com
A brilliant park for photography. You can get up close and personal with anything from Lemurs to Ocelots and can even watch the Tigers whilst eating! The keepers are really helpful and knowledgeable and have a passion for their animals that really comes across when you ask them something.
There's even a petting zoo for some of the younger visitors as well as a play area and a pool in summer, so it's great for all the family. Definitely planning a return visit, and would definitely recommend it!
There's even a petting zoo for some of the younger visitors as well as a play area and a pool in summer, so it's great for all the family. Definitely planning a return visit, and would definitely recommend it!
Source: google.com
We were booked on the' breakfast with the big cats experience' last Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed our morning. Our keeper was really informative, friendly, and he quite clearly had a passion for the cats. His enthusiasm was contagious and our group enjoyed chatting about the cats over breakfast.
Breakfast was brilliant and plentiful, served in the Tiger Treetops Cafe, which overlooks the tiger enclosure.The lady who looked after us during our meal was friendly and helpful..
We spent a few hours afterwards in the park and both agreed it was a lovely day out, its very clean, staff are friendly and all the animals are very well looked after. Its not a huge space to explore but is brilliant for young families to visit. There are lots of play areas for children, along with shows and keepers talks, so something for all the family.
I would thoroughly recommend a visit :)
Breakfast was brilliant and plentiful, served in the Tiger Treetops Cafe, which overlooks the tiger enclosure.The lady who looked after us during our meal was friendly and helpful..
We spent a few hours afterwards in the park and both agreed it was a lovely day out, its very clean, staff are friendly and all the animals are very well looked after. Its not a huge space to explore but is brilliant for young families to visit. There are lots of play areas for children, along with shows and keepers talks, so something for all the family.
I would thoroughly recommend a visit :)
Source: google.com
I visited Paradise Wildlife Park with my friends in the autumn last year and had a brilliant day.
There is a wide range of animals in comfortable enclosures which enable you to see them clearly.
I have never seen red pandas before and they are so cute!! I also loved seeing all the big cats, they have white tigers, snow leopards, tigers and white lions amongst others!
The keepers were all very helpful and friendly and able to answer any questions i had about the animals.
I would also add that for keen photographers the encolsures are built in such a way to provide great photo opportunities of the animals in very natural looking settings.
I had a great day out and would reccommend to people of all ages. I will definitely be returning!
There is a wide range of animals in comfortable enclosures which enable you to see them clearly.
I have never seen red pandas before and they are so cute!! I also loved seeing all the big cats, they have white tigers, snow leopards, tigers and white lions amongst others!
The keepers were all very helpful and friendly and able to answer any questions i had about the animals.
I would also add that for keen photographers the encolsures are built in such a way to provide great photo opportunities of the animals in very natural looking settings.
I had a great day out and would reccommend to people of all ages. I will definitely be returning!
Source: google.com
When I worked for Arlesdene children's centre in Cheshunt we used to bring the holiday club children to Paradise Park for the day. It was a splendid time with plenty for all the children and their mums to enjoy. The animals are magnificent and well cared for, the staff interact with the children and there are good facilities and refreshments and parking.
Source: google.com
I had a great day out when I visited Paradise Wildlife Park. There was a great variety of animals and I loved seeing the white lions and white tigers as I hadn't seen them at any of the zoos I've been to before.
I liked that you are able to get up close to the animals when they're in the enclosures and get a really good look at them. I was able to take some amazing photos of the animals there.
I didn't use the food facilities whilst there, but I liked the look of the small treetop cafe, as you can enjoy a view of the tigers whilst having some lunch.
I had an awesome time and couldn't stop talking about it to everyone afterwards and recommending it to them. My brother is going there soon to participate in a red panda feed and I'm hoping to do an animal experience myself at some point in the year and visit the wildlife park again soon :)
I liked that you are able to get up close to the animals when they're in the enclosures and get a really good look at them. I was able to take some amazing photos of the animals there.
I didn't use the food facilities whilst there, but I liked the look of the small treetop cafe, as you can enjoy a view of the tigers whilst having some lunch.
I had an awesome time and couldn't stop talking about it to everyone afterwards and recommending it to them. My brother is going there soon to participate in a red panda feed and I'm hoping to do an animal experience myself at some point in the year and visit the wildlife park again soon :)
Source: google.com
Great place, loads to see and do... and the animals are all happy! Love the meerkats :)
Have been a regular visitor for several years, taking family and friends ... especially love the christmas carols.
Have been a regular visitor for several years, taking family and friends ... especially love the christmas carols.
Source: google.com
I used to come here all the time as a child and I loved it then, seeing it as an adult and all te money they've recently spent on it I can't recommend it highly enough, it's great and the staff are brilliant at their jobs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Don't go as often as I did when my son was little, but I can't recommend highly enough. Perfect size for a day out and a real personal touch, with knowledgeable staff who really care about the animals. There seems to be a programme of expansion and improvement constantly and it is great to see a small independent place like this competing with the larger zoos. A local treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although not cheap, £60 for 2 plus 2, it will take all day so it is worth the money, Lots of free activities for the children besides the animals. Cafe prices not bad but plenty of picnic space.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The kids will like this one not only the animals but the bouncy castle. Lovely little park well worth the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I booked a Meerkat experience as part of my daughters 30th Birthday surprise (finished off with a one night spa break at Sopwell House St Albans..see seperate review :-)). This wildlife park is just wonderful and the Meerkat experience is just something that needs to be done!! These gorgeous, friendly little creatures are just adoreable and my daughters face was a picture when she realised what was going to happen. We were met by extremely friendly staff who were great at keeping the surprise secret until the very last minute. On entering the Meerkat enclosure, we were each given a bowl of food by Barry (the lovely, friendly and knowledgeable keeper). The little darlings just ran all over us clambering into the bowl so as not to miss out! :-) After eating, they continued to be very inquisitive and so friendly. This experience is highly recommended and also the rest of the park is wonderful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Paradise Wildlife Park. Must admit wasn't expecting it to be anything special. Well got to say the best zoo I've visited. Great size excellent animals and really up close to them which was un nerving. Will definitely visit again. The tiger is already on my screen saver. Loved it
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Loved the park but the car park was a bit far away and was quite muddy. However, we did enjoy the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went on a day out with my 4 year old son and for a family day out its not a bad place to visit. There are not many attractions like this around Hertford so it makes a treat to come here without travelling too far, however if you live outside Hertfordshire it isn't really special enough to warrant the journey.
The price was a bit dear, and there are quite a few attractions (train, cars, diggers) that cost extra. There are no cash points on the site either so you will need change ready to use these things. Again the food was quite expensive for the poor quality.
There is a large play area outside, which was the biggest hit of the day, with lots of different areas. There is also a play area for wheelchair users which I thought was a nice touch. There is a moderately sized, indoor soft-play area which we used a lot.
The animal park and enclosures seem quite small in comparison to other zoos but there are some good viewing areas and opportunities to see feeding. We also visited the Bug Show, which was very good (in the style of I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here).
Positives
Range of play activities for young children
Variety of animals with high visibilty
Some interesting shows/ feeds
Negatives
Generally seems a bit run down/ needing of attention
Food very poor and overpriced (bring a picnic!)
Entry expensive for the size of the place (use vouchers if you can)
You will be pestered by your kids none stop for pound coins in order to go on the extra little rides
The price was a bit dear, and there are quite a few attractions (train, cars, diggers) that cost extra. There are no cash points on the site either so you will need change ready to use these things. Again the food was quite expensive for the poor quality.
There is a large play area outside, which was the biggest hit of the day, with lots of different areas. There is also a play area for wheelchair users which I thought was a nice touch. There is a moderately sized, indoor soft-play area which we used a lot.
The animal park and enclosures seem quite small in comparison to other zoos but there are some good viewing areas and opportunities to see feeding. We also visited the Bug Show, which was very good (in the style of I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here).
Positives
Range of play activities for young children
Variety of animals with high visibilty
Some interesting shows/ feeds
Negatives
Generally seems a bit run down/ needing of attention
Food very poor and overpriced (bring a picnic!)
Entry expensive for the size of the place (use vouchers if you can)
You will be pestered by your kids none stop for pound coins in order to go on the extra little rides
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The park is wonderful for the whole family, the big cats are a must in my opinion.
will definately be back
will definately be back
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We did the 'Snooze at the Zoo' experience last weekend as a special treat for one of my daughters' 7th birthday. It was great! The accomodation was practically 5* luxury!! - I had been expecting something much more basic: the rooms were immaculately clean and all the furnishings and the bathroom were really luxurious. Big, comfy beds. The kids loved the animal theme. The breakfast with the tigers was lovely too; the friendly staff made a huge fuss of both the kids and made them feel very special. And nothing was too much trouble, they had even got special food in for one of my kids who has an allergy. We had a private tour of the zoo with one of the keepers and the kids had the chance to hold and pet some cute - and some not so cute- animals. They loved it. was exciting to walk round the zoo before it opened and the animals were just waking up. I'd highly recommend this as a really special weekend. We got a great deal through the Telegraph daily offers, but I would have been happy to have paid more. Great value!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been here several times,and we just love it !The big cats are a must-see,particularly the white lions and tigers.Well worth a visit !The keepers are passionate about their animals,and the park is well kept.You could spend a whole day here wandering around,and there are lots of things to do if you have children.A great place !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went on a cold windy day in October school half term. You can get round the whole park in about 2 hours. So a bit pricey for a short time 1 adults/2 children £42 but i did use my tesco days out vouchers and there is free parking. We did hang it out for a few more hours by using the play areas (indoor and out) and going round the wildlife trail. Kids got to stroke a snack and a lamb. Cages a bit small for the big cats.Would go back on a sunny day. Good tip wear wellies.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We live quite close to Broxbourne but I hadn't visited Paradise for quite a few years and only when I'd taken my children. On the spur of the moment, my husband and myself decided to visit on the 3rd November. I knew from having visited before that unless you have children to make the most of the playgrounds etc, and take a picnic, that there wasn't enough there to justify a whole day, but that wasn't a problem. It was a bright day, but very cold, so we probably would have frozen if we'd been there any longer than just an afternoon! We really enjoyed ourselves and even though the car park was quite full (it was a Saturday), the actual zoo didn't seem at all crowded and it was easy to see the various animals without having loads of people infront of you. We particularly enjoyed seeing the meerkats, otters, wolves and most of all, the big cats, especially the white tigers. They have a snow leopard there too which are almost impossible to see in the wild. (They did have two until recently but unfortunately one died). All of the animals seem to be kept in very good conditions and the keepers we encountered seemed more than happy to discuss their various charges. Some years ago, I wasn't too sure about zoos, but this one has reinforced my view of many of them in today's world. They do excellent work in education and conservation, and for children to be able to see these stunning animals close up and in real life can only help to encourage people to care for the world and its animals. I hope it won't be too long before we go back and I would very much like to be treated to one of their 'feed the big cats experiences'.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a great place to visit. The main attraction is of course the animals and this is excellent. You can get very close to the animals and there are some high level wall ways which afford a good view of the big cat enclosures. There is a good variety of animals from big cats, camels to domestic rabbits so children of all ages have something of interest. The animal focused staff (keepers) were very helpful and obviously enjoy their work and care for the animals. They had plenty of time for the children and were excellent. For example the tiger feeding was great to watch but the information from the keeper was really interesting even for an adult.
There is a good play area and a good internal ball-pond, climbing type thing inside a café area (handy if wet).
Some rides like the train are extra (£1.00) but some like the tractor tour are included. There are a fair number of stalls (remote control cards, water jets, diggers) that charge £1.00 and so the ‘add on costs’ of the day did mount up so if you are on a fixed budget you may need to avoid going near these things. There is plenty enough to do without these.
Get the events schedule and try and plan your day around these. The events like feeding time, bird show etc. were very good and form a good back bone for the day.
Just one area let the park down. That was the catering. The food was not great value and not very inventive. When I visit again I will take my own picnic.
There is a good play area and a good internal ball-pond, climbing type thing inside a café area (handy if wet).
Some rides like the train are extra (£1.00) but some like the tractor tour are included. There are a fair number of stalls (remote control cards, water jets, diggers) that charge £1.00 and so the ‘add on costs’ of the day did mount up so if you are on a fixed budget you may need to avoid going near these things. There is plenty enough to do without these.
Get the events schedule and try and plan your day around these. The events like feeding time, bird show etc. were very good and form a good back bone for the day.
Just one area let the park down. That was the catering. The food was not great value and not very inventive. When I visit again I will take my own picnic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great day out for all the family, young and old. If you are arriving by train at Broxbourne ask at the station and they will send a mini bus to pick you up - for only a £1 each!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been here a few times, but the most recent was for my daughters 4th Birthday in August.
The kids love it, we only made half a day of it, so it wasn't really value for money, but if you make a day of it, with a picnic etc then I can imagine it would be!
The kids love it, we only made half a day of it, so it wasn't really value for money, but if you make a day of it, with a picnic etc then I can imagine it would be!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
