Source: Pexels
Being renowned as a port city in Hampshire, Southampton is a beautiful city that is rich in history and plays a significant role in boosting the tourism of England. It is located on England’s distinctive south coast, overlooking the Isle of Wight across the Solent.
This place is family-friendly and offers many attractions including docks and maritime monuments. It also has some of the best zoos and wildlife parks that can help you explore nature and go on an amazing journe to meet and greet distinct animal wildlife species.
So, if you are also wondering which is the best zoo in Southampton, then we have got you covered. Below is a list of our top 3 picks that you should not miss.
Marwell Zoo is a marvellous zoo situated in the countryside in Colden Common near Winchester, Hampshire. It is only 12 miles from Winchester.
This innovative and sustainable zoo is spread across 140 acres of land. The area is large, spacious and contains ample amount of greenery all throughout.
Hence, it attracts nature lovers from all across the globe to enjoy the fresh air by taking a walk around the park and getting introduced to a wide variety of exotic and endangered animals like snow leopards, white spinosaurus, and many other species of animals.
The Marwell Wildlife, a Hampshire-based conservation charity trust, was responsible for the construction and management of this zoo. John Knowles founded it, and officially, it was opened on the 22nd May of the year 1972.
The Marwell Wildlife was started to protect endangered species through this trust. So, they chose a vast Greenland in the heart of Hampshire to inhabit these species.
The Marwell Zoo has a vast diversity of wildlife species that are on the peripheries of endangerment.
Additionally, there are many exotic animals, like:
Here, the visitors can stroll around and learn about these animals, their characteristics, etc.
As you wander through Marwell Zoo, a fascinating exhibit, watch beautiful colourful birds fly overhead and come face-to-face with the two-toed sloth.
When you need a break, stop and listen to the lovely sounds of nature in the park. It is a sound that calms the mind and makes you experience a kind of peace like no other. The most valuable part of visiting this zoo is that you can support projects that conserve species and habitats around the world.
A visit to the New Forest Wildlife Park will offer you a vivid experience of the wildlife and the inhabitance of the animals in the woods.
Carol and Roger visited local zoos and wildlife parks in the United Kingdom to explore and enjoy watching the animals and birds there.
They also travelled across various parts of the world to identify the animals and birds that were at the point of endangerment. After identification and analysis, they decided to bring and conserve these species in the New Forest Wildlife Park in Southampton.
Their idea was to conserve endangered birds and animals without snatching away their natural habitats. That’s why they worked hard towards creating an environment that could somehow make the animals feel at home by making their habitats very similar to the natural ones. This idea ultimately led to the establishment of the New Forest Wildlife Park.
New Forest Wildlife Park accommodates various species, such as:
Here are some reasons that make The New Forest Wildlife Park worth visiting:
The New Forest Wildlife Park offers spacious and well-maintained enclosures that may not fully replicate the exact natural habitat of all animals due to visitor interactions and controlled environments.
This wildlife park has received immense appreciation and positive feedback from visitors because of the friendly behaviour and polite attitude of the caregivers working here.
They are available throughout the day and are open to providing instructions and additional information to the visitors during feedings and lectures.
There are also plenty of other options for fun and play for people of all age groups, including:
The New Forest Reptile Center is an element of the New Forest National Park.
It might not be specifically a zoo, but it is a great place if you want to see reptiles like snakes, lizards, and frogs, with a focus on conservation work. You can also experience an educational reptile trail through woodlands here.
It is a small park with a great collection of reptiles, making it a worthwhile visited place in England.
The New Forest Reptile Center has almost all the British reptile varieties settled in a single place. It primarily houses:
Here, you can witness a few of the endangered species and find out all about the conservation work taking place at the Center and across the UK.
This park is also a great place to enjoy a beautiful circular hiking trail. The Reptile Center offers a one-and-a-half-mile walking trail called the Reptile Trail through the beautiful woodland.
From the reptile centre parking lot, follow the red signposts along the main gravel road, which is fairly smooth. You can park the vehicle in the Millyford Bridge car park, which will then take you to the top of the path beside the pond. The forest gates are always in use.
Yes, these parks are safe and secure enough for kids.
The timings of these parks may vary throughout the seasons. Therefore, check for the standard opening hours of each park at their respective official sites.
Yes, there are spacious parking lots at the park to park the vehicles of the visitors. Zoos and wildlife parks in Southampton and Hampshire offer various amenities. However, the terms, conditions and charges for the parking might vary according to your visiting hours and according to the place that you’re heading towards.
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants available at the park. As a visitor, it is your moral duty to make sure you keep the park tidy by not discarding food waste.
Dogs are generally permitted in the New Forest Wildlife Park and other dog-friendly attractions in Hampshire, with some exceptions, such as guide dogs. Assistance dogs are allowed in Marwell Zoo, but guided dogs are not permitted.
Southampton is a beautiful city in England which lies close to nature and its inhabitants. It is known for its port, greenery, zoos and wildlife parks that provide the general public with a chance to go on a trail and learn more about the species.
Wildlife wonders like Marwell Zoo, New Forest Wildlife Park, and New Forest Reptile Centre are a few on the list of these nature realms in the world.
These places are great for educational excursions or family trips to nature.
Why is Gold Valued? Gold plays an important role in our life. It is a…
Imagine waking to the sounds of the sea gently brushing the shore, the smell of…
Vacations are a precious opportunity to step away from daily routines, unwind, and recharge. But…
For many, James Bond is the holy grail of masculinity, and the numberless attempts to…
If you run a business, you may think that you need to diversify to ensure…
The streets of London have their map, but our passions are uncharted. What are you…
This website uses cookies.
View Comments
you are truly a just right webmaster. The web site loading pace is incredible. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you've done a magnificent task in this subject!