Discover the natural world at some of Dorset and Hampshire’s fantastic animal and wildlife attractions. From a visit to Brownsea Island where you can spot rare red squirrels to Monkey World which has many different species of monkeys and apes. There’s plenty of options to choose from when staying at our camping and caravan site.

Brownsea Island

Take a ferry from Poole Quay and head off for an adventure over to Brownsea Island. It’s a great location to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. The island offers fantastic birdwatching opportunities, stunning views of the surrounding coastline and has many walking trails. It is also one of the few places in the UK where you can find red squirrels. Notable bird species which inhabit on the island include avocet, black-tailed godwit, European spoonbill, common tern and kingfishers.

There is also picnic spots, a gift shop and  a visitor’s centre; everything you need to make the most of your visit to the island.

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Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo is a great day out for any wildlife enthusiast. The zoo is set over 140 acres and is home to some fascinating and unusual species. You can see over 100 different animals such as rhinos, cheetahs, snow leopards, giraffes, tigers, penguins, flamingos, meerkats and tortoises.

Getting around the zoo is made easy with the map you can pick up upon arrival. When you’re ready to have a sit down and bite to eat, there is a wide range of options including Cafe Graze, seasonal BBQs, Coffee Corner and Bushtucker Bites. If you take your own food, there are plenty spots around the zoo which are perfect for a picnic.

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Monkey World

Monkey World is home to a wide range of monkeys, apes and prosimians, with each having their own story to tell. There are over 240 in total at the park, which are comprised of 11 species. These include capuchin monkeys, common marmosets, ring-tailed lemurs, white-faced saki monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and woolly monkeys.

Many of the animals here have been rescued and rehabilitated. You can help by enrolling their adopting a monkey programme. In return, you will receive an adoption pack which includes entry to the park for a year, a photo of your chosen primate, adoption certificate and opportunity to take part in exclusive events.

When you fancy a break, there’s a giant play area and plenty of seating so the kids can burn off some energy. There are also of picnic spots and food kiosks for when you get peckish.

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Farmer Palmers

Just a five minute drive from our park and you can be enjoying a fun family day out at Farmer Palmers. The friendly animals who live here are a great opportunity for the kids to get close to ones they might only see in a far away field or on the TV. There’s also a great number of farmyard activities to participate in too. These include pony rides, cuddling guinea pigs and feeding the ducks at the duck pond. There’s also a bouncy castle, bumpy tractor trailer rides, maize maze, pedal go-karts and the sand playground. Perfect for a farmyard adventure and a day the children won’t forget.

Eating here is no problem as the farm has a restaurant, picnic tables and snack kiosks. There’s even a licensed bar in the restaurant, something the parents can enjoy.

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We have some gorgeous #newarrivals down on the farm! Beautiful #Valais #lambs, one girl one boy. Come and see them! They’re baaaarilliant! #farmerpalmers #newborn #cute #babyanimals #kidsdaysout #placestogo #daysout #dorset #poole #family

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RSPB Arne

A 30 minute drive from our park is RSPB Arne. Here you can spot some of the best wildlife this area has to offer such as the rare Spoonbill water bird, Dartford Warbler, Nightjar and Sika deer. All within their natural environment. It also is one of only a few places in the UK where all six native reptiles can be found in the same location. These include the adder, grass snake, smooth snake, common lizard, sand lizard and slow worm.

We hope this list helps to highlight some of the great opportunities our local area has when it comes to animal and wildlife days out. With a wide range of family friendly places to choose from you’re bound to find something that gets you back to nature.