Skip to content

CATEGORY · FRESH AIR INCLUDED

Zoos & Wildlife Parks in Reading

There's no zoo actually in Reading, so this list is about what's worth the drive. Chessington World of Adventures out in Chessington mixes rides with animals and has its own parking, tickets from £32. A longer trip out to Winchester gets you Marwell Zoo, with big animals and free parking, from £25, or the free mile-long boardwalk at Winnall Moors where you might spot deer and kingfishers. Andover has the Hawk Conservancy Trust, with flying displays and a tractor ride round the grounds, from £17.65. For free days out, Golders Hill Park in London has a small zoo and a proper playground with no booking needed, and St James's Park nearby lets kids watch pelicans and the soldiers marching down The Mall. If you want a full day rather than a quick stop, Chessington or the Hawk Conservancy suit better than the free options. Toddlers will do best at Golders Hill or Winnall Moors, where there's space to wander without queuing for rides.

11 places 1 upcoming event 5 free to visit

What's on: zoos & wildlife parks

Places for zoos & wildlife parks

Rolling green hillside with expansive countryside views of patchwork fields, woodlands and distant hills under overcast sky.Free

Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve

Exton

Free chalk downland walking with a viewpoint at the top and the South Downs Way running right through it.

An adult and children in Halloween costumes celebrating outdoors among autumn decorations and pumpkins.from £32

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Chessington

Surrey theme park and zoo with rides, animals and on-site parking.

ParkingToiletsAccessible toiletFood on site+6 more

Spacious park with rolling green lawns, mature trees, and visitors gathered near facilities on a sunny day.Free

Golders Hill Park

London

Free small zoo, a walled garden and a proper playground, all with no entry charge and no need to book.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingCafé+3 more

A great grey owl with distinctive yellow eyes looks directly at the camera, with blurred visitors visible in the background.from £17.65

Hawk Conservancy Trust Bird of Prey Centre

Andover

Flying displays, a vulture trail and a tractor ride round the grounds make this a full day rather than a quick stop.

Accessible toiletBirthday partiesBlue badge parkingCafé+8 more

Marwell Zoofrom £25

Marwell Zoo

Winchester

Zoo near Winchester - big animals for Southampton day-trips. Soft Play N.

Allergy awareBike parkingBirthday partiesBooking required+18 more

Three people jogging through a park past white flowering plants and bare trees in spring sunshine.Free

St James's Park

London

Free park by the lake where kids can spot pelicans and watch soldiers march down The Mall.

Surrey Hills Falconry

Surrey Hills Falconry

Dorking · ages 7+

Fly hawks, owls, falcons and even a vulture on your own arm, guided by trained falconers at Gatton Manor.

CaféParkingToilets

Collection of decorative figurines depicting small mammals in natural poses against a dark background.from £13.50

Tiggywinkles Visitor Centre

Haddenham

See rescued hedgehogs, owls, foxes and deer up close, plus talks and a nursery peek at this wildlife hospital's visitor centre near Haddenham.

Free parkingGroup bookingsFood on siteOutdoor play+1 more

Person riding a quad bike along a tree-lined autumn woodland path.Free

Warburg Nature Reserve, BBOWT

Henley-on-Thames

Free woodland reserve where kids follow a backpack trail spotting rare butterflies, orchids and birds from the hides.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingPicnic area+1 more

A falconer holds a tawny owl on her gloved hand whilst addressing a group of visitors during an outdoor educational demonstration.

Wild About Britain

Cranleigh

British wildlife animals come to you, with guided encounters rather than a walk-round zoo visit.

Winnall Moors Nature ReserveFree

Winnall Moors Nature Reserve

Winchester

A free, mile-long boardwalk trail through wet meadows where you might spot deer and kingfishers.

Pushchair friendlyWheelchair accessible

Good to know: zoos & wildlife parks in Reading

Are any of them free?

Yes, Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve, Golders Hill Park, St James's Park, Warburg Nature Reserve, BBOWT and 1 more are free to visit.

What does a paid visit cost?

Paid entry starts from £13.50 at Tiggywinkles Visitor Centre. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.

Whereabouts are they?

You'll find zoos & wildlife parks in Exton, Chessington, London, Andover, Winchester and 4 more. Every place we list is in or around Reading, and each listing has the full address and directions.

More ways to plan a day out

KEEP EXPLORING

Not a zoos & wildlife parks day? Try another lane

THE WEEKENDER

Next weekend, sorted. Every Thursday, free.

The best family things happening around Reading, one hidden gem, and a rainy-day backup plan, from a dad who's been there with a bored seven-year-old.

Free forever. One brilliant email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.