Axe Valley Wildlife Park
During half term we spent a couple of days in East Devon, staying at Andrewshayes Holiday Park and visiting my Dad who lives in Axminster.
My Dad and his wife suggested that we visit Axe Valley Wildlife Park, a natural, rustic, small, family friendly park set on the outskirts of Axminster, just off the A35, which is home to a plethora of animals for the kids to see and parks where they can run off and burn off all their energy.
We arrived at lunchtime on a glorious day and enjoyed a spot of lunch in their cafe before heading out to see the animals, having heard a kookaburra laughing whilst we were eating.
I have heard wonderful things about their animal encounter sessions which run throughout the day in school holidays, but sadly with us being there on a teacher training day rather than the holidays, it was not on. We did, however, get to see the Lemurs being fed and spotted a gorgeous baby clung onto its mothers back.
Although small, the park has a variety of animals to spot including: Zebra, antelopes, wallabies, flamingos, owls, otters, small cats, guinea pigs, lemurs, porcupines, armadillo, snakes, spiders, bearded dragons and plenty of creepy crawlies!
There are also plenty of play areas for them, although it was the musical instruments which we could not tear them away from as they loved belting out some tunes.
The park is aimed perfectly at the under 12’s with little information plaques explaining what each animal is called and where they originate from.
It was lovely and quiet during our visit and apart from a couple of families with toddlers, we had the place to ourselves.
Many of the birds and smaller animals are in large cages close to the entrance……
…..but the bigger ones are housed in large green fields with stunning views of the Devon countryside to admire.
Despite having animals such as the capy bara, zebra and wallabies, it was all about the goats for Sebby and Eliza as they play a game on the iPad called Goat Simulator.
We spent a good two and a half hours exploring the park and if the workshops had been running I am sure we could have stayed all day.
The park is well equipped for families with plenty of accessible toilets, baby changing areas, picnic areas and refreshment points.
We will definitely be back in the summer holidays when we visit my Dad and take part in the animal encounter sessions. I have heard lots of great things about meeting their resident Armadillo, but I think I will leave meeting the creepy crawlies to the kids!
Tickets cost a very reasonable £9.95 for adults and £7.00 for children with under 3’s free.
Astrid
Definitely sounds like the kids had lots of fun. I love goats too. Wallabies are also cool.
Ray
This looks like such a wonderful wildlife park! We will have to see if we can visit it next time we’re down that way. We often go to Cornwall, so it would be a nice little detour on the way.
Rhian Westbury
That’s a shame that you didn’t get the full animal encounters but that’s a good variety to see for a smaller wildlife Park x
Rachel George, Ordinary Hopes
Looks like a great place for families with entry costs being quite reasonable too.
Nayna Kanabar
What a lovely place to spend with your family. I have been to Axminster but not been to this park.
Helen
Axe Valley Wildlife Park looks a great day out. I can’t believe how cheap the entrance fee is too! Even though Ellie is older we still love going to places like this and watching the animals.
Kate | Veggie Desserts
It sounds like such a great day out! It’s nice to find family spots that aren’t expensive but are loads of fun for everyone.
Rachel Neal
As a family these are our favourite types of family days. I love that they are housed in large open fields and not cage that are too small. Hopefully you will have a fab time next time with the animal encounters.
Sarah | Digital Motherhood
Looks like a great family day out. Glad to know my daughter isn’t the only kid obsessed with the goat simulator game!
Mummy Times Two
This looks like such a great place to visit, will add it to the To Do list for next time we are in the area!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
Oh wow I’ve never seen a baby lemur before how cute. It looks like fun there. It’s a shame there wasn’t an animal encounter session when you went.
Sophie's Nursery
Aw looks lovely – would love to have an encounter with an armadillo lol! xx
Samantha Bye
I remember going to something similar when I was a kid, such good fun! Great pics of the animals you’ve got here, too!
Becca Talbot
That lemur baby is tiny! And I love the white peacock x
Charlotte
This looks like a fab visit and definitely one that my little guy would enjoy! He loves looking at all the animals, looks like you had some good weather too!
Laura
Oh wow what a fantastic place to take kids for the day to get up close and personal with animals and to have a lot of fun – looks ace
Laura x
Helena
It’s great to see the animals up close. A pity that the sessions weren’t on but a reason to go back. #CountryKids
Yaya
We are far from Devon, but this park looks so beautiful that if we ever make our way there it would be a great place for a family day out.
mudpie fridays
Thats a lot of animals for a very reasonable price! There also sounds like there are lots of things to keep the little ones entertained and I love having places to ourselves. #CountryKids
Anne
What a fabulous place to visit, I love nature centres like this especially when there are not many other people there. It looks like you had a great day.
#countrykids
Coombe Mill
What a great place to explore with the kids, I bet they loved seeing all the unusual animals they had there. I’m impressed at how much there was to see and do there, it really kept the three of them busy exploring, that musical play area looks fab. The kids must be looking forward to a return visit in the summer to meet the smaller animals they have there.
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
Natasha | Meldrums On The Move
This looks like so much fun. I have a little guy and he would love it there, especially the play park!
Musings of a tired mummy...zzz...
Looks like a great place for families, glad it has good facilities and so much to do!