There are a huge number of zoos, wildlife and safari parks all over the UK and most are well worth a visit and provide a really exciting and unique day out.  The broad difference between them is that Zoos tend to keep animals with their own species in smaller enclosures for a real up-close encounter, whereas a visit to a Safari Park usually involves driving around much larger enclosures to see groups of animals - maybe rhino, giraffe and gazelle all in one setting.  Some are self-drive (for a monkey snapping off your wing mirror type affair) or in others you are guided round in a truck, spotting lions and elephants from afar - similar to an African safari, just without the plus-size sunset, hot weather and flamboyant tribespeople (although lets not get too picky about this; most UK safari parks are just a couple of hours from home and do not involve remortgaging the house to go). Many zoos and parks now are great conservation pioneers and animal rescue centres, so by visiting, you are often contributing to real global issues, supporting endangered species or deforestation or other genuine threats to wildlife.  The parks usually have lots of information about these causes and it can be a great way to get the kids to learn about the world we live in, the animals from different continents and the dangers they face.

Zoos, Wildlife Parks and Safari Parks

The small town of Lyndhurst is situated in the heart of the New Forest and is the perfect base to explore this idyllic area.  A must for anyone visiting the Forest (especially for the first time) is a trip to the New Forest Visitors Centre in the town; it gives a great insight into the Forests heritage and history and also has a museum, visitor information centre and a gift shop. Hiring bikes and just getting out and exploring are the best way to see the surrounding areas.  Horses, cows and donkeys roam freely and the latter regularly wander up to pub doors in the hope of a crisp or two.  It is a magical place and has a real feeling of stepping back in time. If you need a bit more structure than roaming freely around the forest paths, then there is lots to do nearby.  Why not visit the New Forest Reptile centre or the New Forest wildlife centre, both within a few miles of Lyndhurst.  Also under 10 minutes drive are the gorgeous Furzey gardens for the nature lovers in the family. If this is your first visit to Lyndhurst in this stunning National Park, then it won't be your last!

Lyndhurst, Hampshire, South East England, UK

Portsmouth, Hampshire, South East England, UK

Southampton, Hampshire, South East England, UK

Hampshire is a beautiful county with the perfect composition of cities, country and coast. On the south coast of England, Hampshire is home to two national parks, head to the New Forest for wonderful scenery, wild ponies, and plenty of museums and attractions to enjoy (including Peppa Pig World!). If you prefer walking and hiking, head to the South Downs way for amazing trails.  Enjoy the buzz of the city in either Southhampton or Portsmouth, with many Naval and Maritime attractions to visit, as well as shopping, food and drink.  So why not visit Hampshire on your next holiday?   

Hampshire, South East England, UK

Berkshire, South East England, UK

Brighton and Hove, East Sussex

Buckinghamshire, South East England, UK

East Sussex, South East England, UK

Isle of Wight, South East England, UK

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Oxfordshire, South East England, UK

Surrey, South East England, UK

West Sussex, South East England, UK

South East England is home to some of the most beautiful counties including Oxfordshire, Hampshire, East and West Sussex and Berkshire to name a few,  Encompassing glorious coastlines, stunning heathlands, breathtaking forests and National Parks, South East England is a superb place for a holiday at any time of year.

South East England, UK

East Midlands

East of England, UK

London, UK

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North West England

South West England, UK

West Midlands, UK

Yorkshire and the Humber, UK

England is a totally unique travel destination, well known for its history, natural beauty, vast range of attractions and beautiful countryside landscapes and coastlines. 

England, UK

Northern Ireland

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England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make up the extraordinary United Kingdom; home to mountains, caves, rivers, dramatic coastlines, medieval villages and vibrant cities.

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portsmouth

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Things to do in lyndhurst

Zoos, Wildlife Parks and Safari Parks

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