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Zoos & Wildlife Parks in Leicester

Proper zoo trips mean a drive out from Leicester, and Twycross Zoo in Atherstone is the big one, with animals alongside soft play, a splash park and a Gruffalo corner for children aged 0 to 16 (from £21.55). Closer to home, Tropical Birdland at Desford has parrots and flamingos wandering the woodland trails, with free parking and a cafe, from £9.45 for a child. For something without an entry gate, Outwoods near Loughborough is free all year, with a natural play area and a bird feeding station tucked into ancient woodland. If you want free and outdoor, Market Bosworth Country Park in Nuneaton has a play area and wildflower meadows to walk through, though the parking charge creeps up over a longer visit. For proper wellies-on wildlife watching, Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve out near Coventry has nine bird hides and a mud kitchen from £3.25, and Rutland Water Nature Reserve is a longer trip out to Oakham but worth it for the ospreys, from £7.50. Twycross is the one to save for a full day; the reserves suit older children happy to sit quietly and watch.

✓ 6 places★ 11 upcoming events✦ 2 free to visit