Animal Attractions In Hampshire: A Wild Day Out For All Ages

Looking for one of the best animal attractions in Hampshire? Nestled between the ancient woodland of the New Forest and the coast near Southampton, New Forest Wildlife Park is a family-run haven for animal lovers. With native British species, endangered wildlife from around the world, and plenty of outdoor fun, it’s a day out that brings you closer to nature in the most magical way.

Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a school trip, or a peaceful stroll surrounded by wildlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The park’s focus on conservation, education and care makes every visit meaningful, as your day out helps support the protection of animals both here and abroad.

Meet The Animals

The park is home to an incredible mix of species, from small and secretive forest dwellers to large and powerful predators. Visitors can meet wolves, lynx, wild boar, and European bison, alongside favourites such as otters, polecats, and red deer.

Each enclosure is designed to reflect the animals’ natural habitats, giving you a glimpse into the wild world they come from. You can see playful otters splashing, majestic owls perched in the woodland, and inquisitive foxes exploring their surroundings.

Head to our Animals page to discover more about the species you’ll meet. It’s a great way to plan your route and make sure you don’t miss any of your favourites. Don’t forget to stop by the newly reo-opened Butterfly House, where hundreds of tropical butterflies flutter freely in a kaleidoscope of colour.

Enjoy Keeper Talks And Feeding Times

One of the highlights of any visit to New Forest Wildlife Park is hearing directly from the people who know our animals best. Our friendly team runs regular Keeper Talks and feeding sessions throughout the day.

These interactive talks offer fascinating insights into the personalities, diets, and conservation stories of the park’s residents. You’ll learn about how the keepers care for everything from the smallest ferret to the largest deer and hear heart-warming stories about rescues and reintroductions.

Keeper talks are always popular, so check the schedule when you arrive to make sure you catch your favourites. They’re also included in your admission ticket, making them a brilliant extra for families looking for fun, educational things to do in Hampshire.

Get Closer With A Keeper Experience

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a zookeeper’s shoes, our Keeper Experiences are just the thing. These behind-the-scenes adventures let you join our expert team for a day, helping feed and care for the animals while learning how a wildlife park runs.

It’s a hands-on, unforgettable way to connect with nature and understand what goes into caring for some of the world’s most fascinating species. Keeper experiences are perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or a memorable family treat.

Each experience directly supports the park’s ongoing conservation work, helping protect endangered species for future generations. Gift vouchers are also available, making them a thoughtful idea for animal lovers looking for something more unique than another toy or trinket.

Play, Picnic And Explore

New Forest Wildlife Park offers more than just animals, it’s a full day of outdoor exploration. The park’s spacious layout includes woodland trails, picnic areas and adventure playgrounds designed for all ages.

Younger visitors will love the Adventure Playgrounds, and once they’ve burned off some energy you can enjoy lunch in one of the peaceful picnic spots or stop by the Forest Kitchen Cafe for locally sourced snacks and treats.

Before you set off, download our Map to plan your route. The park is mostly flat and easy to navigate, making it accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There’s also free parking on site, and friendly staff are always happy to help answer questions or share their top tips for spotting elusive animals.

A Great Day Out In The New Forest

As one of the most popular animal attractions in Hampshire, New Forest Wildlife Park combines the excitement of meeting animals with the calm of nature. Surrounded by ancient woodland and open space, it’s an ideal spot to reconnect with the outdoors, whether you’re coming from Southampton, Bournemouth, or further afield.

Every visit helps support conservation projects, both locally and globally. The park works with breeding and rehabilitation programmes to help endangered species thrive once more in the wild.

If you’re planning a family day out in Hampshire, there’s no better way to spend it than surrounded by wildlife. The park’s relaxed atmosphere, caring team and beautiful location make it the perfect escape for all ages.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to meet the animals? Visit our Plan Your Visit page to find everything you need to know, including opening times and ticket prices, accessibility information and directions.

Whether you’re coming for the keeper talks, booking a special experience, or simply exploring the woodland paths, you’re guaranteed a day full of discovery and joy.

Come and find out why New Forest Wildlife Park is one of the top-rated animal attractions in Hampshire and make memories that will last long after you leave the forest.