Meet the beasties: animal days out in Somerset
Somerset is brimming with delightful animal encounters that are perfect for families! Whether you’re a fan of fuzzy farm animals or majestic birds of prey, there’s no shortage of furry, feathered, and scaly friends to meet in the countryside.
From lambing events and baby piglets to big zoo animals, conservation-led activities and up-close experiences with owls and alpacas, this guide highlights the best wildlife, bird experiences and animal days out in Somerset.
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Animal farms in Somerset
Chew Valley Animal Park
In the heart of rural Somerset countryside, Chew Valley Animal Park call itself a family-run ‘zoo’. It’s a joy to visit with young animal lovers, especially in spring when newborn lambs and tiny piglets steal the show.
Visitors can pet rabbits, stroke guinea pigs, have a mouse scoot up their arm or watch a rat snooze on their lap during 30-minute animal handling slots (first-come, first-served). Weekday sessions run at 11.30am and 1.30pm; weekends and school holidays add slots at 11am and 12.30pm.
Farm-goers can also enjoy daily talks and activities like pig feeding, tortoise bathing, meet-and-greets with other park residents, plus an outdoor play area and beautiful views over Chew Valley lake.
Adult animal-lovers should look out their Pygmy goat, Prosecco and Pizza nights! Cuddle goats, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice and rats from 5.30pm-8.15pm, before heading to the restaurant to tuck into stone-baked pizza or burger, a glass of fizz or soft drink.
Bath City Farm
Perched on a hill, with sweeping views of Bath, this lively, community-focused farm and local charity is all about providing green spaces for people and nature to thrive. Spread across 37 acres of fields, woodland and ponds, onsite you’ll find a lovely cafe, farm shop, adorable farm animals, wooden adventure playground and nature trails.
Entry is free making it a fantastic budget-friendly destination for families (donations are appreciated as all profits are reinvested in the Farm’s charitable projects and help sustain this incredible space). Visitors can meet pigs, pygmy goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, and Shetland ponies, feed selected animals (£1 feed bags are available to purchase) or embark on a fun nature trail (£1) through the farmland, habitat to over 1,000 species of flora and fauna.
Feeling peckish? The farm café serves up tasty meals with locally-sourced ingredients, including produce grown on-site. With indoor seating for 40 and two outdoor terraces offering breathtaking views of Bath, it’s an ideal pit stop. The café also doubles as a training hub for the Roots to Work programme, which helps individuals with mental health concerns, and additional learning needs build skills and confidence.
Bath City Farm is also a hive of activity, with workshops, projects, and after-school clubs for youngsters and adults of all ages. These range from toddler groups to mindful crafting, farm clubs, youth volunteering and lots more. Keep an eye out for special events hosted throughout the year.
City farms near Somerset
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly city farms with a community conscience, Bristol has fantastic options too! St Werburgh’s City Farm (which you might recognise as a TV filming location), Windmill Hill City Farm, Lawrence Weston Community Farm, Grimsbury Farm and Hartcliffe Community Park Farm offer similar vibes and are a great way to connect with nature without leaving the city.
Court Farm Country Park, Weston-super-Mare
North Somerset’s Court Farm Park is a family-run, 108-acre working farm. Home to a pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle and Texel sheep, the farm offers an authentic countryside experience.
Visitors can see the animals up-close, especially in winter when they are housed indoors. Committed to conservation, the farm is part of the Environmental Stewardship scheme, with wildlife ponds and trees enhancing the landscape.
Look out for lambing time cuteness around February time.
Doniford Farm Park
Looking for a fun, family-friendly day out featuring animals by the coast? Doniford Farm Park is the perfect spot! Free to enter, you can wander around, meet the animals, and even feed them (feed available for a small fee at the farm shop). Donations are always welcome to help care for their furry and feathered friends.
Little ones will love the play barn and soft play area (small entry fee applies), while grown-ups can hit up some caffeine in the coffee shop with delicious home-baked treats. Plus, the farm shop is packed with gifts and local goodies. Open daily—go and say hello!
Somerset big animal attractions
Puxton Park
Puxton Park, set in 40 acres of Somerset countryside, is a family-run adventure and wildlife park offering a fun-filled day for all ages. Outdoor attractions include tractor rides, trampolines, a giant bouncing pillow, crazy golf, pedal karts, bumper boats, and a high ropes course. A great all-weather attraction, inside, visitors can enjoy one of the South West’s largest soft play areas, complete with slides, tunnels, toddler section and cafe with visibility of the play area so grown-ups can keep an eye on young adventurers.
Animal lovers can get hands-on at the Discovery Barn and meet furry friends. With two restaurants, a farm shop, and plenty of activities, it’s great for a family day out. Don’t miss their seasonal (e.g pumpkin picking) and school holiday events.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Set in 100 acres of North Somerset countryside, just six miles from Bristol, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm looks after big zoo animals like tigers, rhinos, elephants, and giraffes alongside farmyard favorites, some of which can be fed or cuddled.
Daily talks and displays from expert keepers reveal fascinating insights into the lives of the animals and activities for kids include a gigantic indoor soft play, ride-on tractors, an elephant play zone with iconic slide and accessible play, 3.4km-worth of Great British Wildlife Maze, Wallaby hill – a huge outdoor wooden adventure playground, trampolines, sand pit and a welly splash pool.
Avon Valley Wildlife and Adventure Park
Set in a stunning riverside park, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park is the perfect spot for a family day out in Somerset! With a mix of animals, fun rides (think tractors, spinning chairs, jeeps, boats, and a mini train), a giant jumping pillow, playgrounds, and indoor soft play, there’s something for everyone.
During school holidays, the park hosts fab themed events, enchanted trails (we’ve even met a ‘unicorn’ – well, a pony with a rainbow mane, but still pretty magical!), lambing live in February half-term, meet-and-greets with favourite characters, and a festive Christmas extravaganza. It’s always a blast!
Animal Sanctuaries in Somerset
Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Set in 72 acres of beautiful Somerset countryside near Chard, Ferne Animal Sanctuary is home to over 300 free-roaming, rescued animals that have had a tough time or are unable to be looked after by their owners.
Spot the likes of chickens, pigs, goats, horses, chinchillas, rabbits, tortoises and guinea pigs. You’ll also find a playground and cafe onsite, plus regular events such as the upcoming Easter Sunday Spring Festival (April 20, 2025)!
Kids will love the egg hunt and the chance to meet the Easter Bunny. Dive into crafts and shop at stalls offering tasty treats and unique gifts. Tickets are £5 for adults and £1 for kids.
*More cracking Easter events in Somerset 2025*
Animal experiences in Somerset
Somerset Sheep Trekking, near Taunton
Somerset Sheep Trekking offers a rural countryside adventure where visitors can walk friendly sheep through scenic fields on a working farm. Each sheep has its own personality, making for a fun and interactive experience.
The farm also offers hands-on lambing experiences during lambing season. Visitors can step into the lambing shed, meet adorable newborn lambs, learn about the lambing process, and help with farm chores. Lambing experiences cost £27 per person or £90 for a family of four.
Little animal lovers should keep an eye out for their ‘Mini Farmers’ toddler group, and the chance to adopt a sheep. Please note this is not an open farm and booking is essential.
Willow Vale
Set in 10 acres of serene countryside in Maperton, South Somerset, Willow Vale offers personalised, up-close encounters with a number of friendly animals. Visitors can groom donkeys, meet sheep, enjoy guided walks with alpacas, hand-feed and lead the playful goats through an obstacle course.
Sessions are tailored for one-to-one or small-groups to ensure a relaxing visit for both guests and animals, and can be particularly beneficial for mental health and wellbeing.
After your animal adventure, unwind with a picnic by the stream, explore the natural pond, or take in the breathtaking valley views. Please note, experiences are not suitable for children under five.
Fairfield Animal Centre
Head to Fairfield Animal Centre set in 15-acres of Southwick Country Park, near Trowbridge, for a fun day out! Meet, donkeys, emus, sheep, wallabies, pigs, plus a rabbit and guinea pig village.
For something extra special, take an alpaca or goat for a walk around the animal park (£15 per participant for 30 mins, includes park entry).
There are also play areas for the kids to enjoy. Perfect for a family-friendly adventure!
Adult Day Ticket: £6, Family Day Ticket (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children): £18.00, Senior Day Ticket: £4.00, Adults with a Disability: £4.00, Free Carer Ticket: Free (1 carer per paying guest with accessibility needs, valid documentation required).
Willow Tree Farm Somerset
With the arrival of some adorable baby Highland cows – Mistletoe, Rudy, and Nelly – Willow Tree Farm Somerset are now offering a one-of-a-kind experience. Get up close (from a safe spot across the fence) to their fluffy herd, feed them, and even groom the ones who love a good brush. You can also join the farmer for a stroll with Dewie the bull, Holly, Ivy, and their three little ones.
Fancy making it extra special? Add a ‘fizzy tea’ with sandwiches, scones, and a glass of Prosecco (or Nosecco). All served on vintage china.
Willow Tree Farm also offer dog-friendly holiday homes, and you can even bring your horses!
Somerset Reindeer Ranch, Yeovil
Somerset Reindeer Ranch offers magical animal experiences all year round:
Meet & Feed the Reindeer – Spend 40 minutes with the animals, feeding them special moss while learning about their lives. Includes a hot chocolate (a great Christmas activity too!)
Fox Fascination Experience – Get up close with foxes, feed them by hand, take photos, and explore the ranch’s other animals, from emus to snow dogs.
Baby Animal Cuddles – Meet adorable baby goats, piglets, puppies, and reindeer in a warm, friendly environment. Includes a hot chocolate treat.
Stay & Glamp at the Ranch – Enjoy camping in a peaceful setting, watch reindeer, emus, and horses grazing nearby. Unique nighttime experiences, including reindeer feeding and unicorn encounters, are available.
Feathered friends: bird experiences in Somerset
Bird of Prey Project, Newton St Loe
The Bird of Prey Project, a visitor attraction and conservation charity near Bath, is home to over 20 species of birds, including hawks, owls, falcons, and kestrels. An unforgettable highlight for day visitors is the twice-daily flying displays held Wednesday to Sunday from March to October. During these captivating shows, you’ll witness raptors demonstrating their natural behaviors—owls swooping overhead, hawks soaring, falcons diving, and kestrels hovering.
For a more personal experience, book a Hawk Walk or Owl Encounter, available year-round, where you can get face-to-wing with these magnificent, trained birds. Prices are £65 for one participant, with additional participants at £40 each (maximum of eight people aged six and over). In these hour-long encounters, you’ll have the chance to fly the birds to your gloved arm and ask any burning questions to an experienced bird handler. Perfect for those who love a feathered friend, or as a special occasion activity.
Visitors can enjoy full-day access to the centre with flexible re-entry, making it easy to explore at your own pace-just keep your ticket confirmation to show at the door. Facilities include an accessible site (with some uneven terrain), friendly staff, and a no-dogs policy to ensure the birds’ safety.
The Bird of Prey Project is not just an award-winning visitor attraction; it’s a conservation powerhouse! Raptors are crucial for understanding the health of our ecosystems, and studying these birds in action helps protect broader habitats and promotes sustainability. Your ticket supports their vital conservation work, so not only will you have a thrilling day out, you’ll be helping wildlife everywhere thrive. It’s a win-win!
Afterwards, Newton Farm Shop is conveniently next door and has a cafe, pigs and childrens’ play area outside.
Click here for more info on Bird of Prey Project
Pitcombe Rock Falconry
Pitcombe Rock Falconry, located in the village of Pitcombe near Bruton, is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating the public about birds of prey. A not-for-profit organisation, the team works passionately and professionally, volunteering their time.
The centre houses around 20–30 rescue birds at any given time, many of which are undergoing rehabilitation or looking for new homes. In addition, they have hand-reared birds used for educational purposes. Visitors can support the cause by purchasing unique falconry experiences or by donating. The centre offers a great way to connect with these majestic creatures and support their care. Look out for them at events such as Dowding’s Cider Somerset Day.
Somerset wildlife safari
Red Stag Safari, Exmoor
Discover Exmoor’s stunning landscapes, rugged coastline, heathered moors and wildlife with Red Stag Safari. Travel in comfort in a Land Rover Discovery, guided by Exmoor local Andrew Turner, who shares his deep knowledge of the area. Spot wild Red Deer, Exmoor Ponies, birds of prey, foxes, herons, hares and more while exploring ancient Bronze age sites and medieval villages (plus exclusive access to private land).
Offering year-round safaris that last 3.5-4 hours, including bespoke, specialist photography safaris and autumn deer rut experiences (2.5 hours), this is an unforgettable adventure into Exmoor’s natural beauty. Fully licensed and insured for up to 6 passengers.
Where to see animals near Somerset
Longleat Safari Park
Longleat is renowned for its self-drive safari, animals experiences, Christmas lantern trail, as well as the magnificent manor house at the heart of the park.
There is tons of wildlife to see and plenty of exotic creature experiences to be had – our favourites were giving the lorikeets a drink and feeding sea lions from a boat in the lake!
There are also fairground rides, a giant maze, a gigantic playground (with splash park), farm animals and the only koalas you can see in England.
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon
If it rains for longer than 30 minutes during your visit to Pennywell Farm, you can return for free! You almost want it to as there is so much to see and do.
The farm is a total delight for little ones, you can cuddle everything from mice, rabbits, pigs and guineas, groom donkeys and mini ponies and feed goats, deer and the like.
A miniature train skirts around a small track, a look out tower gazes over stunning views, there’s a great toddler play area, complete with a miniature classic Devonian house, tons of tractors, a bouncy castle area, tractor rides, pig racing, adventure play ateas and more.
Wildwood Escot, Ottery St Mary
Set in 40 acres of gardens and woodland, Wildwood Devon is a great place to discover British wildlife with little ones. Spot bears, wolves, arctic foxes, and red squirrels as you wander through the trees, explore nature trails, and even step back in time at the Saxon Village!
Kids will love the huge play areas, complete with a drop slide, zip line, and shipwreck. Get a bite to eat at the Coach House Café and don’t miss the beech hedge maze.
Bristol Zoo Project
For a wild day out near Somerset, Bristol Zoo Project is a must! This brilliant conservation park has brought back four once-extinct British species—bears, lynx, wolves, and wolverines—letting you see them up close from a treetop walkway and 180-degree glass viewing areas.
Beyond that, you’ll find giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs roaming an African-style reserve and lemurs leaping around a Madagascan village (go into the enclosure for an up-close look!)
Kids will love the Barefoot Trail, racing across different natural textures (bring a towel to wash/dry feet if it’s muddy!), plus epic play areas, a Fun Fort, and the Leap of Faith—a thrilling 25ft swing!
*Discover more days out in Bristol*
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