Petting zoos are often expensive places to visit. Some of them also make you wonder how well they actually care for their animals. Here in Suffolk, though, we have one that’s different. Tostock Animal Parks, just outside Bury St Edmunds, is a great spot for a family day out – and here’s why.
There’s a great range of animals
Alpacas, sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, goats, ducks, geese – even free-range peacocks and peahens strutting around the farm! Tostock Animal Parks has a variety of animals to get to know, and they’re all very approachable, too. Depending on when you visit, there may be babies to coo over. We loved seeing the tiny piglets when we visited!
A hands-on, interactive visit
We bought two 50p bags of animal food when we arrived, to feed all sorts of different animals by hand. A member of the team gave our son carrots for the guinea pigs and rabbits, and cucumber sticks for the young goats.
He was able to stroke lots of different animals, all of which seemed happy to have that human interaction. And don’t worry – there are handwashing stations around to keep things hygienic!
The animals seem happy
Now, I’m no animal behaviour expert. The residents of Tostock Animal Parks, though, seemed pretty happy and healthy when we visited. Those in enclosures had plenty of space, and there were others – like the chickens and peacocks – happily strutting around the farm free-range.
As I mentioned before, all the animals seemed to enjoy interacting with us, whether we were stroking, talking to or feeding them. There’s nothing worse than visiting a farm or zoo where the animals seem stressed, have no space or look to be in poor condition – it’s quite the opposite here.
It’s not over-commercialised
Family days out can be expensive – not here. At Tostock Animal Parks, ticket prices are £7 for adults and £5 for children aged 2-16. Animal food, as I’ve said, is 50p a bag.
There’s no gift shop. There’s no (human) food or drink on sale. In fact, it’s so basic that, aside from the handwashing facilities, you’ll find just a single portaloo.
There is, however, a play and picnic area – we brought our own picnic and drinks to enjoy while we were there. Our son enjoyed burning off steam on the play equipment – where else can you bounce on a trampoline set into the ground while being watched by curious sheep?!
It’s a place of learning
The team at Tostock Animal Parks are fantastic. They gave us an intro to the farm when we arrived, and were happy to answer all the questions the seven-year-old had about the animals.
What’s more, it’s a place that supports volunteer roles and educational placements. Tostock Animal Parks partners with veterinary medicine students, local colleges and those with learning challenges, making it a truly inclusive community hub.
With such hands-on interaction, a great informal feel, accessible pricing, its community-driven ethos and a lovely bunch of animals, Tostock Animal Parks is a great place to while away a few hours with the kids. Find out more on their website.