Wildlife Parks, Zoos and Animal Attractions in Norfolk
Published date: July 2019
There is an abundance of visitor attractions in Norfolk where you can get up close to a wide range of animals, sea creatures, birds of prey and insects. Enjoy a day out at one of the following Norfolk tourist attractions and discover interesting facts, learn about conservation and have lots of fun exploring these exciting destinations. From zoos, wildlife parks and farms to rescue sanctuaries and nature reserves – Norfolk has them all.
Banham Zoo
This award-winning family attraction has over 2,000 animals from around the world and is set in 50 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens in Diss, Norfolk. The prefect destination for a family day out, Banham Zoo has a wide variety of wild cats, primates, hoofstock, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, mammals and domestic livestock. Learn about conservation, listen to talks, check out feeding times and book animal experiences you’ll never forget.
To find out more about Banham Zoo, its facilities, events, admission prices and opening times, go to their website.
Banham Zoo - Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk, NR16 2HE
Tel: 01953 887771
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Discover a special collection of rare animals from Asia at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens. Observe endangered tigers, large crocodiles, red pandas, leopards, gibbons and many more exciting birds and animals. Explore a network of raised walkways that permit you to get up close to many magnificent creatures. The park is wheelchair and pushchair friendly and there are picnic areas, a café, landscaped gardens, gift shop and play areas for varying age groups.
To find out more about Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, opening times, admission prices, accessibility and animal talks and feed times, go to their website.
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens - Filby Road, Thrigby, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 3DR
Tel: 01493 369477
Amazona Zoo
Amazona Zoo is located in Cromer, on the north Norfolk coast and is a fun day out for the whole family. Home to over 200 animals and birds from tropical South America, visitors can see creatures such as jaguars, otters, flamingos, rheas, iguanas, caimans, owls, macaws, tapirs, monkeys, peccaries, capuchins, spiders, snakes and pumas. Set in secluded grounds there is also an outdoor play area and well-equipped indoor play area. Amazona Zoo is committed to helping visitors discover nature and provide education on conservation issues.
To find out more about Amazona Zoo, admission prices, facilities and opening times, go to their website.
Amazona Zoo - Hall Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9JG
Tel: 01263 510741
Norfolk Llamas
Why not spend a few hours in the beautiful Norfolk countryside………with a llama! At Norfolk Llamas you will learn about these gentle, intelligent animals and join them on a walk before finishing with refreshments on the patio. Located at Park Farm Nature Reserve in Great Witchingham, the 25 acres of gorgeous parkland are home to many species of trees, shrubs and bird life and make an idyllic setting in which to enjoy the llamas – a unique experience guaranteed. Please note pre-booking is essential as Park Farm Nature Reserve is not open to the public and no dogs are allowed.
To find out more about how to book a llama experience, please visit their website.
Norfolk Llamas - Park Farm Nature Reserve, Nowhere Lane, Great Witchingham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 5PD
Tel: 01603 260153
Tel: 07910155535
Pensthorpe Natural Park
One of Norfolk’s finest attractions, Pensthorpe Natural Park is situated a 45-minute drive from Norwich and is home to many species of mammals, birds and invertebrates. Its diverse range of habitats creates a stunning rich landscape and is managed by Pensthorpe Conservation Trust. Enjoy educational talks and guided tours, visit its many bird hides, go pond dipping, learn about conservation and take an off-road safari aboard the Pensthorpe Explorer. Marvel at their beautiful flamingos, majestic cranes and rare bird species such as corncrakes, shoveler, black-winged stilts, teal, avocets, redshank, garganey, and bearded reedlings.
Discover the excellent indoor and outdoor play areas, café and gift shop – there is something for all ages ay Pensthorpe Natural Park. Please note dogs (other than assistance dogs) are not permitted in the park. To find out more about Pensthorpe Natural Park, including events, admission prices and opening times, visit their website.
Pensthorpe Natural Park - Pensthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0LN
Tel: 01328 851465
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park
At Pettitts there are plenty of animals to see such as alpacas, cockatiel, zebu, ferrets, guinea pigs, macaws, meerkats, owls, grey parrots, marmoset monkeys, miniature horses, micro pigs, raccoons, ring tailed lemurs and reptiles. Visitors can get up close to creatures in the petting area, visit the monkey house, feed the fish, discover the bird and lemur enclosures, go on a farmyard walkthrough, meet the meerkats and see the birds of prey. Younger visitors can enjoy the rides and play areas.
To find out more about Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, admission prices and opening times, go to their website.
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park - Church Road, Reedham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 3UA
Tel: 01493 700094
www.pettittsadventurepark.co.uk
Sea Life Hunstanton
Get up close to jungle beasties such as snakes, lizards and giant creepy crawlies if you dare! Be amazed at their array of different fish, majestic green sea turtle, penguins, resident seals, underwater viewing area and much more. Learn about conservation and beach cleans and book experiences, sleepovers and birthday parties at Sea Life Hunstanton. To find out more, including admission prices, events and opening times, go to their website.
Sea Life Hunstanton - Southern Promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5BH
Tel: 01485 533576
www.visitsealife.com/hunstanton
Melsop Farm Park
Established in 2002, Melsop Farm Park allows visitors to get up close to a range of farm animals in their natural surroundings such as the waterfowl pond, paddocks and incubation rooms. All year round there is something to see and the farm makes a great location for birthday parties, school trips or just a day out with friends and family. There is a café, gift shop and indoor and outdoor play area. To find out more about Melsop Farm Park, including events, admission costs and opening times, please go to their website.
Melsop Farm Park, Ellingham Road, Scoulton, Near Watton, Norfolk, NR9 4NT
Tel: 01953 851943
Hawk and Owl Trust - Sculthorpe Moor
The Hawk and Owl Trust is a national charity and they create and manage nesting, roosting and feeding habitats for owls and birds of prey, with conservation at the very heart of all they believe and do. Founded in 1969 because of concerns about the alarming decline in numbers of peregrines and other raptors at that time, they today have some of the leading owl and raptor experts in the country as well as volunteers, and work with landowners and government in various areas of the UK to create suitable habitat for birds of prey. Their work includes installing nest boxes for species such as little owl, barn owl and kestrel and campaigning for wider protection for owls and raptors in the UK and abroad. Visitors to Sculthorpe Moor in Norfolk can experience the beauty and peace of this reserve, with its huge variety of wildlife that call the mosaic of woodland, fen and reedbed habitats home. Enjoy boardwalks, viewing platforms, an aerial walkway and a host of bird hides; it’s one of the most disabled-friendly and accessible nature reserves in the country.
To find out more about the Hawk and Owl Trust’s Sculthorpe Moor reserve, including how to become a volunteer, educational visits and opening times, go to their website.
Hawk and Owl Trust - Turf Moor Road, Sculthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 9GN
Tel: 01328 856788
Stubbs Farm Alpacas
Home to 30+ alpacas, Stubbs Farm in south Norfolk was established in 2016 and makes a fun and different day out. Please note that you must book in advance if you are wishing to visit the alpacas here. The farm makes an ideal place for birthdays, team building experiences or just a fun day out with friends or family. To find out more about what’s on offer at Stubbs Farm, including details of their experience days and how to adopt an alpaca, please visit their website.
Stubbs Farm Alpacas - Stubbs Green, Loddon, Norfolk, NR14 6EA
Tel: 07881 595599
Snettisham Park
Set in 329 acres, Snettisham Park is a working Norfolk farm and has been open to the public since 1986. It grows wheat for animal feed, grass, sugar beet and malting barley, and is grazed by their 400 ewe flock, their herd of red deer, as well as horses and ponies from their stables. Visitors can see lambs being born, go on a 45-minute deer safari, bottle feed lambs, groom ponies, carefully handle smaller animals, feed the calves, collect fresh farm eggs and ride ponies, and enjoy a wander along one of their 3 walking trails. There is also a play area, tearoom and shop.
To find out more about what’s on offer at Snettisham Park, including lambing times, admission prices, events and their activity and feed timetable, visit their website.
Snettisham Park - Bircham Road, Snettisham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 7NG
Tel: 01485 542425
Wroxham Barns Junior Farm
Wroxham Barns is an award-winning visitor attraction close to the Norfolk Broads and has something for the whole family. Wroxham Barn’s Junior Farm is so much fun and has daily activities that the little ones are sure to love. These include bottle feeding the calves, cuddle time with the guinea pigs, watching the pigs being fed, pony grooming and feeding the guinea pigs, pygmy goats and rabbits. Please note these are weather permitting and dependant on time of year.
Wroxham Barns also has a wide range of independent shops selling handmade crafts, a restaurant, café, indoor soft-play area, outdoor play area, mini golf and small funfair. To find out more about Wroxham Barn and its Junior Farm, visit their website.
Wroxham Barns Junior Farm - Tunstead Road, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8QU
Tel: 01603 783762
Church Farm - Stow Bardolph
Church Farm in Stow Bardolph is in west Norfolk, 10 miles south of King’s Lynn and is home to many rare breeds. Wander around the petting pens and get up close to Church Farm’s tamest residents and learn about the animals with their friendly staff. Often there are baby animals to see at Church Farm, such as lambs, piglets and baby goats. There is also an adventure playground with trampolines, climbing frames and a football pitch, as well as ride on tractors and a large undercover sand pit and straw barn. Visitors can take a tractor tour of the farm or relax in their indoor treehouse play area. Watch the children run around and have fun whilst you enjoy a tea or coffee, and maybe a slice of delicious homemade cake. Book a Sunday nature walk with Nigel, who will take you around the estate and point out the resident flora and fauna. The tearoom offers light lunches, brunch and cream teas. Picnics are welcome and their gift shops stocks a wide variety of gifts and souvenirs.
For more information about Church Farm, including opening times, admission costs, events and activities and details about Stow Hall Gardens, go to their website.
Church Farm - Stow Bardolph, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE34 3HT
Tel: 01366 382162
www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk
Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary
Visit Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary and see lots of animals including heavy horses, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits, ducks, ponies, donkeys and many more rescued animals. There is a museum with a large collection of carts and farm machinery as well as a children’s play area, gift shop and café.
Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Frettenham is open on certain days throughout the year – for further details please go to their website: http://hillside.org.uk/frettenhamopendays.htm
Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary - Sandy Lane, West Runton, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9QH
Tel: 01603 736200
www.hillside.org.uk/OpenDaysatWestRunton.htm
Gressenhall Farm
Once used to grow produce for the inmates at the workhouse, today the farm is used to demonstrate traditional farming techniques to visitors. Gressenhall Farm is home to Suffolk Punch, one of the oldest breeds of working horse recorded in the UK and visitors can observe these as they work the farm. Throughout the year these majestic creatures play a pivotal role in ploughing, planting and harvesting and they also offer cart rides around the farm. In the St Nicholas’ Barn, there are nature watch cameras so that visitors can observe the birds and animals who live on and around the farm.
To find out more about what’s on offer at Gressenhall, including its workhouse, museum of Norfolk life, gardens, play areas, admission prices, opening times and events, go to their website.
Gressenhall Farm - Beetley, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4DR
Tel: 01362 869263
www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/gressenhall-farm-and-workhouse
Sea Life Great Yarmouth
Explore an underwater world at Sea Life Great Yarmouth and see sharks, colourful clownfish, seahorses, playful penguins, octopus and the inquisitive sea turtles! The 250,000 litre Tropical Ocean Display and Tunnel is a great place to observe their largest inhabitants as they roam around the Lost City of Atlantis themed display. Enjoy fascinating talks and watch some of the creatures at feeding time, and book premium experiences and birthday parties too. Understand the importance of conservation and learn about their Breed Rescue Protect message.
To find out more about Sea Life Great Yarmouth, admission prices and opening times, go to their website.
Sea Life Great Yarmouth - Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3AH
Tel: 01493 330631
www.visitsealife.com/great-yarmouth
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