Although you can't actually ride them, these lovely pack animals will willingly carry your rucksack, whilst you enjoy the beautiful scenery. What better way to get away from it all than by leading a gentle llama along bridleways, farm tracks and country lanes.
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 farm park with a difference, featuring an enchanted walk, adventure playground and our collection of farm and exotic animals. Everything is designed with disabled children in mind, but Fairytale Farm can be enjoyed by everybody.
BHS approved all weather facility specialising in riding opportunities for the disabled, plus RDA and able bodied lessons.
Neptune Sailing has been part of Suffolk Water Sports Association and is a Recognised Training Centre for the RYA. It has been working with Neptune Youth Group and those keen to learn to sail in the local community for many years. The Centre has been divested from SWSA to Neptune Sailing Management Committee. It has been awarded charitable status.
The highest point in Dorset with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea
Standing at 915 feet (279 metres) Lewesdon Hill, along with nearby Pilsdon Pen, dominates the surrounding landscape. It's certainly an alluring hill fort, although being enclosed by woodland the views aren't uninterrupted, but the glimpses of the surrounding landscape you do get through the trees are worth the climb to the top.
Chalk ridge landmark with far-reaching views and rich natural heritage
Commanding the high point on the chalk ridge south-east of Salisbury, Pepperbox Hill is topped by an early example of a brick folly. Thought to have been built by Giles Eyre of Brickworth House, it may have served as a viewpoint for ladies following the hunt, a haunt for highwaymen and a lookout post for the home guard.
Ape Rescue Centre
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre is home to over 240 rescued and endangered primates. We have 8 species of monkeys and prosimians at the park: capuchin monkeys, common marmosets, cotton-top tamarins, ring-tailed lemurs, ruffed lemur, squirrel monkeys (pictured), stump-tailed macaques and woolly monkeys.
An ancient semi-natural woodland just north of Kenilworth, once part of the Forest of Arden. The wood is managed traditionally as high forest with a coppice understorey, providing tall trees of oak, birch and sweet chestnut with a lower shrub layer of hazel and holly.
Visit in May for fantastic displays of bluebells.
Species and habitats
Habitats
A magical place to experience animals, birds and all sorts of owls from all over the world. During winter months and in very wet weather the animals are displayed undercover.
Come along and enjoy flying displays, pig racing, tropical butterflies, snakes, reptiles, trout fishing and much more. Indoor and outdoor play areas for the children and barn style tea rooms for grown ups to relax.
If you're looking to plan a full day out, look no further. Woburn Safari Park offers amazing value for money, with many great activities all included in your ticket price.
Head to the leisure area and Foot Safari and park for free; you'll be amazed how many exciting activities are included in your ticket price.
54 acres of beautiful parkland with enchanting woodland walks and play areas and breathtaking views to the Fylde Coast, Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.
Welcome to Wildwood, where you can come nose-to-nose with British Wildlife past and present. We have over 200 native animals set in 40 acres of beautiful ancient woodland, see Wolves, Bison, Deer, Owls, Foxes, Red Squirrels, Wild Boar, Lynx, Wild Horses, Badgers, Beavers and more as you make your way around the park.
Conservation, Procreation, Liberation — Small steps for Big Cats
We have a range of experiences to enjoy along with a variety of ways to contribute to WHF:
Walk with Butterflies, the world’s most beautiful and delicate creatures as they fly around you.
A chance to walk with wolves and see them close up as you learn about these beautiful creatures.
There are also a number of Experience days available, including some that are specially tailored for kids. Many take place during the school holidays and more are added throughout the year.
Tropiquaria is pleased to be able to admit large, pre-booked, groups at discounted rates, whether the visit is educational, entirely for fun, or for a mixture of the two. Education can be FUN!
Both directors take the welfare of disabled and disadvantaged groups very seriously and with notice can arrange to make the visits of such groups more rewarding.
Tropical World has fast become a firm favourite with the people of Donegal, visitors from all over Ireland and even further afield.
Described by our patrons as Donegal’s hidden gem and the one place you must visit in Donegal, Tropical World has built on its popularity by annually growing its ever-increasing collection and improving the customer experience.
Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of the most well-loved family attractions in Leeds and only three miles from the city centre. At Tropical World you can take a trek through the rainforest; stopping off briefly in the outback of Australia before a quick excursion through the desert, and all in the same morning!
With lots of farm animals and cuddly pets to meet, including alpacas, sheep, goats, pigs, ponies, donkeys, rabbits and chipmunks, plus activities include owl displays, pig racing and animal handling sessions.
Looking for a Fun and Educational School Trip?
Well look no Further. We offer schools an Exclusive Package:-
Encounter an exotic world of butterflies and birds, mammals and minibeasts, reptiles and rodents, all brought up-close by our team of inspiring, knowledgeable guides.
Give your school group an unforgettable learning experience. You will find our curriculum-based Education Programme is flexible, interactive and lots of fun!
Everyone loves our resident seals and there are always plenty to been seen during their rehabilitation process. Loads more too: Penguins, Aquarium (find Nemo and friends), Tropical House (creepy crawlies), Tropical Butterflies (April to Oct), Crocodiles and Pets Corner too.
School Trips at Skegness Natureland
The UK's Number 1 Walkthrough Wildlife Adventure
We are a unique zoo with a wide range of animals which you can see on a unique walking safari;
Lion's Lair
Lion Country is unique in the UK as visitors enjoy an on foot safari in safety along its 800m of pathway into the reserves. It is home to the lions rescued from Oradea Zoo in Romania
Tiger Country
The UK's Biggest Zoo!
With so many different species housed at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, the UK's biggest zoo, your trip will be full of excitement.
Located in the stunning Tilgate Park, Tilgate Nature Centre houses over 100 different species of animals, from endangered to farmyard favourites. It also maintains rare breeds of native livestock including white park cattle, Boreray sheep and Bagot goats, as well as new arrivals: meerkats and otters.
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Featured Provider
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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