Description
Finding the best things to do with kids in Hampshire brings families straight to Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre, a specialized wildlife attraction located on the edge of the New Forest in Ringwood. This dedicated sanctuary allows children and adults to experience close-up encounters, handling sessions, and daily flying demonstrations featuring an impressive collection of birds of prey, owls, and reptiles.
Standard general admission prices without Gift Aid start from £10.00 for children aged 3 to 15 and £13.95 for seniors, while adult tickets are priced at £15.95. Family tickets for two adults and two children are available from £47.90 without Gift Aid, and children under the age of 3 enter completely free of charge. Visitors can purchase admission tickets directly at the entrance gate or choose to support local conservation through gift-aided options.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines educational animal talks with an engaging outdoor setting, this New Forest venue offers a brilliant experience. Its daily flying shows, outdoor play area, and fascinating reptile house make it a top choice for young wildlife enthusiasts and families.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- The New Forest National Park: Expansive protected crown land offering endless walking trails, wild ponies, and scenic cycling routes.
- Ringwood Brewery Visitor Centre: Historic town centre attraction celebrating local traditional brewing heritage.
- Moors Valley Country Park: Major family outdoor destination featuring adventure play, miniature railways, and treetop trails just a short drive away.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently highlight the friendly and knowledgeable staff who take the time to answer children's questions about the birds of prey.
- The daily flying demonstrations receive high praise for letting visitors see powerful raptors soar at close quarters.
- The relaxed, unhurried atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a calm family afternoon without overwhelming crowds.
- Children thoroughly enjoy the outdoor play area and sandpit located conveniently next to the cafe seating.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some visitors note that the facility is relatively compact compared to massive commercial zoos, meaning it requires a shorter overall visit duration.
- Catering options at the on-site cafe are straightforward rather than extensive, so bringing extra snacks for hungry kids can be helpful.
- Parking areas can get busy during peak summer holiday weekends.
Attractions and Experiences:
- Alaskan Bald Eagle Enclosure: Specialized housing for North America's iconic national bird.
- Golden Eagle Habitat: Large open-air mews displaying majestic mountain eagles.
- Barn Owl Aviaries: Quiet zones housing delicate and ghostly white nocturnal barn owls.
- Vulture and Caracara Compounds: Dedicated spaces for scavenging birds including Palm-nut Vultures and Crested Caracaras.
- Reptile Vivarium Hall: Temperature-controlled indoor room featuring a diverse range of snakes and lizards.
- Daily Outdoor Flying Shows: Regular arena demonstrations scheduled at 10:15 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM.
- Children's Play Area: Play zone featuring a sandpit, wooden fort, and balance trails.
- The Chilkat Café Seating Area: Relaxed open-air picnic and refreshment space.
- Souvenir Gift Shop: On-site shop selling books, toys, and locally made honey.
- On-Site Dog Kennels: Temporary holding kennels provided for visitors arriving with family dogs.
New for 2026:
- Updated Seasonal Timings: Refined 2026 calendar schedules providing clearer daily opening windows for visitors.
- Enhanced Aviary Signage: Newly installed educational boards detailing the natural behaviors and conservation statuses of resident birds.
- Upgraded Path Networks: Improved accessibility routes ensuring smoother pushchair and wheelchair movement across the grounds.
9.15 miles
