Offers a large pets corner, waterfowl area, pigmy goats, baby calves incubator hatching, two bouncy castles, miniature tractors, outdoor play area, undercover sand pit and go-carts! Largely under cover.
Animal Encounters
Animal Encounters
What is it?
Interactions with animals can vary immensely; they can range from big establishments with no animal contact such as zoos, small animals at a farm park.
What does it involve?
The basis of all encounters with animals is to interact with them! Sometimes it may be from a distance to ensure safety on both sides, but you can often get up close; you can train and even ride some animals.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Spending time with animals has been proven to be beneficial in many aspects of life and development - it can teach things such as compassion, responsibility, and discipline for both yourself and others.
What equipment do we need?
Depending on what sort of animal encounter it is, the equipment involved will vary. For example, riding a horse requires a lot more specialist equipment than stroking a cat! Make sure to check with your destination to see if you need to bring anything.
Who is it suitable for?
Animal encounters are suitable for pretty much anyone - always be careful with smaller children though, as they may not understand how to handle them properly.
Costs?
Can vary from free to reasonably expensive. Grounds that are open to the public and free to enter can often have wildlife roaming around to admire, but more extravagant establishments such as zoos with many more animals will undoubtedly cost more!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Be aware of allergies when it comes to animal encounters; although mild allergies are much more common, the risk of a student having a severe reaction means you should exercise caution if there is going to be physical contact with an animal.
How do we include?
It will depend entirely on the type of animal encounter, but in general these kinds of activities will be great to include all students in, as everyone can interact with an animal in some manner.
Doing it abroad?
The variety of animals abroad will often vary greatly from our own, and encountering them can be a once in a lifetime opportunity! Foreign nature and safari parks can be great places to visit, so make sure to check out your destination thoroughly to see if there's one you can take a trip to.
Main website:
Check out individual websites for specific information on what's available for you to do!
Venues with this Activity
A pretty reserve set within a secluded river valley, with flower rich grassland and ancient woodland. Plenty of nature for the kids to enjoy, from butterflies and bees, to bare ground and boggy bits!
Stroll along a magical stream and listen to the soothing sound of water as you look out for the many birds and wildflowers that can be found here.
In the Roald Dahl children's gallery you can boggle your eyes and baffle your brain and let your imagination run wild!
Join in with on this totally kid friendly working family farm.
Oak Farm Animal Park is a traditional organic working farm, home to a variety of animals, many of which are rescued for a second chance in life.
South Park occupies 50 acres of open space, with magnificent views overlooking Oxford.
What can I do there?
A classic series of collections housed in stunning architecture. Among its most famous features are the Oxfordshire dinosaurs, the dodo, and the swifts in the tower.
Supporting a rich diversity of wildlife with over 200 species of birds, 27 species of butterflies and 300 species of moths recorded on site, Foremark is a interesting place to visit. The many footpaths and trails are a great starting point to explore the reservoir and surrounding woodland.
An educational trip into the sad necessity to rescue animals, with plenty of happy, loved and rehabilitated furry guests to visit with.
HULA Animal Rescue has saved over 31,000 animals since it was founded, and offers an educational trip into the sad necessity to rescue animals, with plenty of happy, loved and rehabilitated furry guests to visit with.
A magical day out in the Forest of Dean
At Puzzlewood you can explore a mile of pathways winding through deep gulley’s of moss covered rocks, over wooden bridges and through fantastic tree and rock formations; all set in 14 acres of ancient woodland.
Welcome to Dick Whittington Farm Park
My farm is full of interesting animals, fascinating wildlife and exciting activities! Visit the pets corner and help my farm hands feed the animals or, if you like running around, check out the indoor or outdoor play areas. Kids will have hours of fun in our very large heated Play Barn.
Feed the farm animals, see the miniature Shetland ponies, picnic area and welly walks, zip wire and adventure play fort and dressing up in the manor house. Indoor soft play, cafe and farm shop. Family fun at Oxfordshire Cotswolds historic Witney farmstead.
A sanctuary caring for over 30 donkeys, plus 2 zeedonks, horses, and shetland ponies. There are also ducks and chickens to meet. Free to visit. Carrots available to feed to the animals.
Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary is a lovely place to take the kids to meet a load of donkeys, each with their own unique personalities and stories.
The National Forest Adventure Farm offers exciting indoor fun, outdoor adventure and farm animal experiences.
And in 2014 we became World Record Breakers - by making over 3,300 scarecrows!
Join us for a great family day out in the stunning surroundings of Loch Creran. Visit the Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary, home to a spectacular aquarium as well as Scotland's leading Seal Hospital.
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, CLAS, situated 2 miles outside Antrim town, is the only horse welfare charity based in N.Ireland. A unique range of horse riding lessons and experiences, including equine massage is on offer.
All day adventures - play in the pedal tractor yard, giant bale climb, indoor play areas and adventure playground.
The largest outdoor activity centre in Nottingham, offering Junior Archery, Assault course, Laser Tag, Sumo, and Jungle Challenge. Woodland Quad Trek, Indoor and Outdoor Karting for older kids. Children’s parties available, plus special activities during school holidays.
Fun and excitement, without the telly!
Something for everyone...
Enjoy a great day out at Trentham. Visit the award-winning Trentham Gardens, for shopping and eating out, peace and quiet, fun and action!
A riding school offering lots of horse riding opportunities. On pony days you spend the day learning to look after our ponies and have fun with your riding. You can also celebrate your birthday here at our cafe with a riding party for all of your friends.
Spend the day exploring Brocks Hill Country Park. The children will love playing in sandpits, climbing castles and whizzing down the the large 'wiggly' slide! Take a walk around the park and stop off and enjoy a picnic.
Environment Centre
Over 720 species including some of the world’s most impressive and inspiring animals.
As visitors walk around the Zoo’s 36 acre site, they are brought closer to nature with walk through sections to explore.
Nestled on the beach in an old smuggler’s cove, Boggle Hole is the perfect location for a school trip. Our programmes here will explore rock pools, look for dinosaur remains and learn about the smugglers who once called this area home. You may even get a chance to spot the ever-elusive Boggle from which this fantastic property gets its name…
A secluded, unspolit beach at Ayrmer
Located next to the beautiful village of Ringmore, Ayrmer Cove is an amazing site with stunning open cliff faces and rock formations with views out to secluded coves.
Beautiful and breathtaking views on the Gower peninsula
Breathtaking Rhossili bay, with its three mile long sandy beach, is overlooked by the Old Rectory, the most popular National Trust holiday cottage. Visible on the beach at low tide are the remains of the Helvetia, a ship wrecked in 1887.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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