In Attractions, countryside, nature, animals, summer, outdoor, parks, walks

David Attenborough grew up surrounded by the nature of Leicestershire and he famously caught the bug (no pun intended) for naturalism in the woods and hills of our Charnwood district. Generations of Leicestershire kids have followed in his example by enjoying our green spaces and places to experience nature.

One of the most magical experiences you can have is a close encounter with an animal. It’s a privilege to get up close and personal, or to simply see one of these beautiful creatures in the wild. Whether you’re looking for a zoo, a farm, or simply a place where you can sit and watch in natural surroundings, we’ve got some great suggestions for you.

Animal attractions

Not only a zoo, but a centre for conservation, Twycross Zoo is the only place in the UK where you can see all four species of great ape – Orang Outans, Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Bonobos. But the animal fun doesn’t stop there as you can also see Snow Leopards, Tigers, Meerkats, rhinos, giraffes and loads of monkeys! It’s kinda their speciality. And for the little ones, you can take the Gruffalo Trail and meet characters from the famous children’s books.

Close encounters of a different kind at Charnwood Alpacas, where you can get up close and personal with not only the eponymous South American mammal, but also take them on walks, meet their babies, go horse riding, meet the piggies and even head into the petting zoo with the kids. There are pony rides for the little ones too!

One of our hidden treasures is Tropical Birdland in Desford, a fantastic (and wallet friendly) day out where you can meet al kinds of exotic and tropical birds, including a walk through aviary, bags of feed so that you can get up close with the birdies, and the fantastic Parrot Path section at the end where you can hold and feed Macaws, Cockatoos and Amazon parrots!

Sticking with the avian theme, how about a thrilling falconry  experience day where you can get up close and personal with beautiful owls, falcons, hawks, buzzards, and eagles. At Bird on the Hand Falconry near Market Harborough their experts will talk you through seeing, handling, feeding, and flying several species of raptors in full day, half day or one to one sessions!

It’s not a pure animal attraction, but Twinlakes is perfect for the kiddies, with loads of great rides and an animal extravaganza at their Red Rooster farm and Phoenix bird of prey centre. Meet all the animals of the farm and then head to one of the regular bird of prey shows and you might be lucky enough to get to hold one of them too!

Farms and farmparks

A trip to the farm is the perfect summer activity, and there are loads around Leicestershire to explore.

Stonehurst Farm is a working farm in Mountsorrel and as everything you’d expect. Cows, horses, sheep, there’s a petting corner where you can hold bunnies and guinea pigs, a tractor ride, classic motor museum, hay barn and café and farm shop selling local produce. It’s also the base for and supplier of Leicestershire’s only Michelin starred restaurant, John’s House.

On the edge of Oadby, just south east of Leicester is Stoughton Grange Farm Park. One of the newest additions to the county’s offer, this is a lovely little farm park, with all the animals you’d expect, barrel rides plus regular events for the whole family. And you can pop into the farm shop or Cow and Plough pub for a bit of lunch when you’re done.

Right in the heart of south Leicestershire, Windmill Farm Park has it all… Get up close and interact with 30 rare & native animal breeds, take part in seasonal animal activities such as guinea pig fishing and egg collecting, climb, crawl, and run wild in the award-winning indoor play area, burn off energy on our bouncing pillows & ride on tractors, or get creative and explore the magic hidden within Brian’s Wood.

Loved by generations of Leicester kids, Gorse Hill City Farm has more than 100 animals on its city site, just outside the centre, and is a Rare Breed Survival Trust approved City Farm’ – the only one in the East Midlands. They are home to Manx Loaghtan, Shetland cattle, Middle White pigs, Aylesbury ducks and Golden Guernsey goats, all rare or native breeds.

Manor Farm Park and Woodlands near Loughborough has a whole heap of fun activities, where on top of the usual farm animals, you can hold owls and other birds of prey, go on a dinosaur walk through the woods, go on the indoor and outdoor play areas, explore the maize maze and meet their reptiles. There are events throughout the summer too!

Paradise Found Educational Farmpark in Sapcote is a great place for a day out. With a huge variety of more than 200 animals including ponies, chickens, reindeer, pigs and cows, barn owls, giant tortoise and the world’s smallest breed of sheep! There’s also an air conditioned play barn and petting corner.

See real animals in the wild

Bradgate Park and Swithland Woods are a National Nature Reserve, recognised by Natural England and a site of special scientific interest. The area is home to some of the oldest rocks in England and this is where David Attenborough spent many happy days as a child. See wild deer roaming freely, birds of all kinds from blue tits to buzzards, and all the flora and fauna. The park is also home to more ancient oak trees that the whole of Germany!

Not too far from Bradgate Park is Beacon Hill, another natural wonder featuring 500 million year old volcanic rocks. Explore the woodlands and see free roaming Highland cows plus a whole range of birds and other woodland animals.

Abbey Park is right on the edge of Leicester City Centre and features a large boating lake that is home to a variety of Ducks, Geese and Swans. The park also includes an animal corner with goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and all kinds of birds.

Cossington Meadows is a wetland haven which is well worth visiting all year around. This one however comes alive in the winter, when ducks including wigeon and teal gather on the lakes, and short-eared owls hunt over the meadows.

Aylestone Meadows is just a short walk down the river Soar and allows you to explore riverside areas and wetlands alongside Leicestershire’s main river. Horses in the fields, birds and animals in the woods, and if you look carefully, fish and crayfish around everyone’s favourite paddle spot “pebble beach”.

Watermead Park is just to the north of the city and features lakes and wetlands around the River Soar. See the water birds congregate for feeding times and watch them swoop down onto the lake (perfect at sunset) and then head to the birdwatching areas for a glimpse of rare and beautiful birds.

Sence Valley Country Park is a transformed former coal mine where more than 100,000 trees were planted to create a haven for wildlife. Around 150 bird species have been recorded in the area so make sure to take some binoculars and see what you can spot.

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