Hamerton Zoo Park

Hamerton Zoo Park is a family-friendly zoo near Huntingdon, set across more than 20 acres of countryside and home to hundreds of animals. The collection includes big cats, bears, primates, wombats, marsupials, reptiles and a wide variety of birds, making it a great choice for families who want to see a more unusual range of species in a relaxed setting.

One of the highlights is the opportunity to see animals that you may not encounter at smaller local attractions, including tigers, cheetahs, bears and wombats. Hamerton also has dedicated areas such as Bear Meadow, Cheetah Country and Land of the Tiger, giving visitors different habitats and species to explore as they make their way around the park.

There is plenty to keep children entertained alongside the animals. The K-T Express train takes visitors around the dinosaur exhibit, while two separate play areas cater for toddlers and older children. There are also picnic areas and gardens, including a picnic spot overlooking the cheetah paddock, making it easy to take a break during a longer visit.

For visitors wanting something more interactive, Hamerton offers a selection of animal encounters, including experiences with meerkats, lemurs, donkeys, cheetahs, bears and tigers. These provide the opportunity to learn more about the animals and meet them at close quarters under the supervision of experienced keepers.

The zoo also has a strong conservation and education focus, with educational programmes designed to help children learn about animals, their habitats and the importance of conservation. Its species-support and adoption schemes also give visitors a way to contribute towards the care of the animals at the park.

For families travelling from Bedford, Hamerton Zoo Park makes a worthwhile day out beyond Bedfordshire. It is close enough to make a straightforward trip while offering enough animals, activities and outdoor space to keep a family occupied for several hours. The zoo itself recommends allowing at least three hours, with longer visits possible if you want to take breaks or have younger children with you.

If you are looking for a family day out that combines wildlife, outdoor space, play areas and the chance to see some genuinely unusual animals, Hamerton Zoo Park is well worth considering.