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.

1. Marwell Zoo

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.

1.1. History 

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. 

1.2. 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:

• Rothchild Giraffes
• Amur Tigers Varieties
• Snow Leopards
• All Species of Zebra
• White Rhinos
• Humboldt Penguins
• Red Pandas, and many others.

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.

2. New Forest Wildlife Park

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.

2.1. History and Foundation

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. 

2.2. Species

New Forest Wildlife Park accommodates various species, such as: 

• Asian short-clawed Otter
• Red Deer
• Humboldt Penguins
• Common Tod and many more.

2.3. What Makes It Worth A Visit?

Here are some reasons that make The New Forest Wildlife Park worth visiting: 

• The cleanliness of the park
• The well-kept enclosures
• The active and happy-looking animals
• The animals are kept in a comfortable environment that looks similar to their natural habitats instead of cages.

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. 

2.4. Features 

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:

• Diggers
• Slides
• Climbing Frames
• Swings for both young and old people

3. New Forest Reptile Center

The New Forest Reptile Center is an element of the New Forest National Park. 

3.1. Overview

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. 

3.2. Species 

The New Forest Reptile Center has almost all the British reptile varieties settled in a single place. It primarily houses:

• Adders
• Grass Snakes
• Smooth Snakes
• Lizards
• Frogs
• Toads, Etc

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.

3.3. Things to Try

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.

4. FAQs

4.1. Are These Parks Kid-Friendly?

Yes, these parks are safe and secure enough for kids. 

4.2. What Are the Opening Hours of Marwell Zoo and New Forest Wildlife Park?

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.

4.3. Are There Parking Facilities at the Parks?

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. 

4.4. Are There Restaurants Available at Parks?

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.

4.5. Is It Allowed to Take Our Pets to These Parks?

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.

In The End

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. 

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty