Animal Parks in North Somerset: 8 places to learn and play outdoors

(Pixabay) (Image: Archant)

Puxton Park – Hewish

Puxton Park has everything you can think of to keep the whole family entertained. Why not try a round of mini golf, take a ride on the miniature railway, or feed some rabbits and guinea pigs in the petting zoo. There’s also a falconry centre with daily flying displays. If the weather takes a turn for the worse then there’s even an indoor adventure park for the older children, and a soft play area for the toddlers.

(Geof Sheppard (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons) (Image: Archant)

Court Farm – Banwell

Court Farm is a working farm, also run as a family attraction. You can see all types of farm animals including sheep, cattle, pigs and horses. In addition to the animals, there are trampolines, castles, mazes and more which are sure to keep your children active!

Feed the piglets at Court Farm, Banwell (Image: Archant)

Uphill Hill Nature Reserve – Uphill

Uphill Hill is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is part of the larger Mendip Limestone Grasslands Special Area of Conservation. It boasts a diverse range of flowers, plants and insects. The site is a popular walking and sightseeing route, and you can climb the tower at the top of the hill for a spectacular panoramic view.

(mattbuck (category) (Own work by mattbuck.) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons) (Image: Archant)

Backwell Lake Nature Reserve – Backwell

Backwell Lake, near Nailsea, is open year round and offers a scenic walking route or picnic spot. The lake is home to a number of different species including dragonflies, bats and wildfowl.

Copyright Lynne Kirton and licensed for reuse under CC BY-SA 2.0 (Image: Archant)

North Somerset Butterfly House - Congresbury

The North Somerset Butterfly House contains hundreds of different species of butterflies from around the world. As you walk around the tropical greenhouse there are many beautiful plants and flowers to look at, as well as the butterflies. Try and see how many caterpillars you can find.

(DickDaniels (http://carolinabirds.org/) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons) (Image: Archant)

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm – Wraxall If it’s big animals you want to see then come down to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm to see rhinos, giraffes, elephants, lions and tigers! There are over 100 different species, and you can also get up close in a hands-on experience, or interactive keeper experience. If that’s not enough, the park contains 12 huge indoor and outdoor play areas.North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre - Congresbury

The Bird of Prey Centre allows you to get up close to some of the most magnificent birds in the world. You can get the chance to hold them for a unique photo opportunity, or watch them fly in the display arena. There are over 50 different birds of prey including owls, hawks, falcons and eagles.

(I, Allentchang [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons) (Image: Archant)

Seaquarium – Weston Super Mare

The Seaquarium in Weston Super Mare boasts hundreds of different types of fish and marine animals in 10 different themed zones. There are piranhas, puffer fish, and even sharks! With daily presentations so you can learn more about some of the species, there’s even the opportunity for some hands-on encounters.

Do you have a favourite farm park that should have made our list? Have your say and tweet us @NSomTimes