Family day: Marwell Zoo

As a family we love going out and spending as much time as we can together. We especially love to visit and explore new places. We love going to zoos, farms and aquariums because we all love animals and we actually all have a membership card to Twycross zoo. With our membership card we get to visit other zoos for free, and one of those zoos is Marwell. We visit family in Portsmouth, the zoo is only an half an hour drive away, and have been saying for years about going and on our latest visit we finally decided it was time. Being honest, we've read a bunch of mixed reviews on the zoo and so was interested in our own experience and so this post will highlight our day and the zoo and final thoughts.

We drove to the zoo, and it was sign posted well (even though I may rely on my satnav far too much) from Portsmouth and no worries about parking as there was ample spaces. There were members of staff directing us which way and booth to enter through and it was quick to get into the zoo. The zoo has a wide range of animals, with over 135 species and 1200 animals. There was a great variety, which kept it exciting for Casper. The zoo is based on 140 acres, with large enclosures for the bigger animals.

Casper did amazing walking around the zoo, as it was definitely spaced out but between the excitement of the next animal and next playground he kept going. There was five different "playgrounds" in the zoo, which included traditional slides, sand pit area, climbing frames and swings and also areas with animal statues to climb on and have photo opportunities. The only downside to say with the playgrounds was that the majority were for older children age ranged 6-10, and so Casper at almost 4 struggled to do a lot of them alone - he did manage with daddy's help. The only play areas designed for ages 0-2 and 2 and up was the one with the statues to climb and the one with the sandpit. Unfortunately, the play area with the sand pit was quite busy and so we didn't spend too much time on it.
In addition to the play areas there was a train ride and a tractor which was pulling carriages around the zoo. We didn't go on these, as we was trying for a budget day out, but did take note that they were £2.50 per person and under 3 went free.

Whenever we go out we try to take our own packed lunch - joys of having fussy children (Casper) - and so we were pleased to see that there was plenty of outdoor picnic benches spread across the zoo and two indoor picnic lodges. It was so cold so we enjoyed our dinner inside and out of the weather and was happy to find that even at dinner time we managed to snag a table and highchair for Tabitha. If you are not a picnic fan there was several cafes and food booths situated about the zoo, with a variety of choices.

We went on quite a cold day and I definitely want to point out that the majority of the animals are in outside spaces, with little having indoor viewing. There were a few indoor exhibitions, including tropical house, reptile house and through the treetops, however other than those I'd say to expect to be outside and if you can then go on a warmer day, if not be sure to wrap up warm. We were lucky that the rain kept away, but on the map it did show quite a few areas that you could stand out of the rain. Toilets were ample, with baby changing facilities available in both the male and female toilets.
The gift shop had a good range of items for all ages and I liked that it was placed out of the way, so you didn't have to walk through it to exit the zoo and be pressurised to buy before you go - though I'd love to meet a child who doesn't expect a toy at the end of the visit.

We had a really good day at the zoo and seeing all the animals and was lucky enough to see almost all of them out and about, the only animal we couldn't spot was the cheetahs. We was there for about 5 hours in total and that was a perfect amount of time for us as Casper was getting tired but I definitely think you'd be able to make it last all day if you wanted to spend the full day.

Overall, it was a great experience and something we'd love to do again, though I'd definitely want to aim for a warmer day next time. It's definitely a day out for people of all ages and there was lots additional activities to get involved in. I would like to note though, that if you are going as a family and pay the entrance fee and then do the extras inside the zoo, you will be looking at quite an expensive day out.

Thank you for reading :)
Natalie x