Hamerton Zoo Park

I love animals and this place was amazing for me. All animals look well-cared for, nicely displayed wherever they choose to go (e.g. lemurs and monkeys that have both outside and inside enclosures), their enclosures look great (big cats have so much space!). I was also surprised at how "accessible" some animals were (meerkats, raccoons, wallabies and white storks) - they were in their own open space, but almost within reach, what provides a great view of the animals. The animal petting area is fantastic, especially the super friendly and ever hungry pygmy goats! Stock up in 20p coins if you'd like to feed the animals, as the animal food dispenser only accepts these.
The coffee shop provides a surprisingly good variety of food and drinks for a nice price. The gift shop could do with more plushies and souvenirs of park-local animals.
Overall it was a fantastic experience. I've spent 4,5h there, including a little lunch break.

PS A picture of the friendliest animal in the whole zoo - make sure to say hi, it seems to love the attention :D

Great day out. Many varieties of animals and birds. A large play area for the children, separated into bigger and smaller kids areas. Plenty of room for a picnic around the park or at the cafe.
A small train can take you around part of the park, the tune is very catchy and will have you singing it afterwards!
Highly recommended a visit.

We visited today after reading the reviews, we took an hour and a half journey down and loved it, some of the animals I have never seen before and we have been to a lot of zoo's. All the animals look well looked after. A true little hidden gem. On the reviews it says the cafe was expensive, so we took a big picnic but to be honest brought hot food from the cafe which we found reasonably priced and was lovely. Staff were lovely too. Would definitely recommend it's also not as small as people are making out .

Not been for a while but this little zoo never disappoints. Loving the new Tiger area, lots of baby animals showing the animals are happy. Short road train ride for bit of fun and the petting and feeding area is always a hit. The play area is looking great now, and looking at some of the enclosures they are updating still more areas. Only thing I wish they would up date a little are the loos.

Good variety of animals, some of which are difficult to find elsewhere in other zoos and parks, though some were not of any concern on the Conservation Status scale which it pains me to see. The zoo was clean and well kept, though lack of signage can make it difficult to know where you're going if looking for something specific, like feedings. In my view the enclosures for the smaller animals are too small, such as lemurs, monkeys and in the case of the squirrels they had a mesh tunnel and a small shed and when we visited they were awake and just lay in the tunnel. Additionally some birds were kept in very small enclosures.

Somewhere between a zoo and a wildlife park, but a great way to see some rare and interesting animals up close. They seem to be actively expanding the place at the moment so there's even more to come. The cafe is quite small and the food selection not great, but the outside seating area is covered and cozy.

A lovely zoo but very disappointing when so many of the enclosures are empty with signs saying 'animals coming soon'. Thus disappointed children. And they still charge full price.

Lots to do. A lovely zoo that puts the animal welfare as a priority. It does mean you are not guaranteed to see all the animals but in my opinion the animal welfare is more important. Some part are slightly dated but they seem to be working on it, including a new meerkat enclosure (for the existing meerkats). A great family day out and ideal for the younger children as it isn't too big. There is even a part where you can feed baby goats.

Too many animals in small enclosures. Many displaying stereotypies. The zoo is for human enjoyment, they do not seem to prioritise welfare. It was like visiting a museum, but the animals were alive. Even the fish at the entrance looked sick. I left feeling very sad. I do not think they're part of any zoo welfare associations? This should have been a clue for me not to visit.