Hertfordshire Zoo (Paradise Wildlife Park)

White Stubbs Farm, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7QA, UK
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Planning the best things to do with kids in Broxbourne leads straight to Hertfordshire Zoo, a premier wildlife attraction set within the beautiful surroundings of Broxbourne Woods. Home to a wide range of exotic and endangered animals, this family-favourite zoo combines conservation projects with interactive play areas and immersive walkthrough zones. 

Prices start from around £26.49 for children and £55.98 for adults when booking standard tickets online in advance, while under-twos enjoy free entry. Booking online saves money compared to gate prices. Families can spend days watching big cats, meeting farm animals, and exploring dedicated adventure zones.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines education with wildlife exploration, this zoo offers fantastic value. Its mix of hands-on exhibits, outdoor adventure playgrounds, and peaceful countryside location makes it a top choice for a fun-filled family day out.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • World of Animals: An extensive collection of habitats housing majestic big cats, primates, and reptiles designed for educational viewing and conservation breeding.
  • Land of the Dinosaurs: An interactive walk-through zone featuring life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, thrilling young dinosaur enthusiasts.
  • Animal Adventure Playground: A large outdoor play space combining climbing frames, slides, and sensory play areas for children of all ages.
  • Safari Adventure Ride: A fun-themed vehicular attraction taking families on a scenic tour around parts of the park grounds.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Big Cat Territory: An impressive enclosure featuring lions, tigers, and leopards, offering raised viewing platforms so children can see these magnificent predators up close.
  • The World of Dinosaurs Trail: A winding woodland path populated by roaring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, letting kids step back in time among realistic prehistoric scenery.
  • Farmyard and Domestic Animals: A friendly interactive zone where younger children can meet, feed, and pet traditional farmyard animals in a safe, hands-on environment.
  • Reptile House and Tropical Exhibits: A warm indoor walkthrough area housing fascinating snakes, lizards, and exotic invertebrates from across the globe.
  • Monkey and Ape Walkways: Lush, open-air habitats where curious monkeys swing through the trees directly above visitor pathways.

Facilities

  • Luggage Storage: Limited storage options are available near the main entrance for visitors carrying bulky bags.
  • Toilets & Changing Facilities: Clean, accessible family restrooms and baby changing stations located across multiple points within the grounds.
  • Food Options: On-site cafes, kiosks, and outdoor picnic areas serving hot meals, children's lunch boxes, and snacks.
  • Buggy Parking: Designated pushchair parking zones are available outside major walkthrough exhibits and indoor play areas.

Pro-Tips:

  • Timing Your Visit: Arriving right when gates open helps secure close parking and beat the queues at popular animal feeds.
  • Ticket Booking: Booking tickets online in advance secures a discount compared to purchasing them on the day.
  • Weather Preparedness: Bringing comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing ensures comfort across outdoor woodland trails.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, Hertfordshire Zoo is fantastic for toddlers because children under two enter completely free and can enjoy interactive farmyard areas, soft play, and gentle walking trails alongside dinosaurs.
  • How long does a visit take? A typical visit to Hertfordshire Zoo takes around four to five hours, giving families plenty of time to explore the animal habitats, walk the dinosaur trail, and enjoy the playgrounds.
  • Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is within the zoo's own dedicated on-site car parking area, which is situated directly outside the main entrance for easy visitor access.
  • What are the best free sights to see? Visitors can enjoy free access to open animal walkthroughs, daily keeper talks, and general woodland park trails that are fully included with standard general admission tickets.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

  • Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve: Expansive woodland trails surrounding the zoo, ideal for family walks.
  • River Lee Country Park: A nearby scenic park featuring walking paths, wetlands, and water sports facilities.
  • Hoddesdon Town Centre: A historic local market town offering traditional shops and independent cafes.

What Visitors Love:

  • Families frequently praise the wide variety of animals and the engaging dinosaur trail that keeps children thoroughly entertained.
  • The friendly staff, interactive feeding opportunities, and manageable park size receive top marks for younger kids.
  • The clean play areas and well-maintained outdoor walking paths make navigating the zoo straightforward with pushchairs.
  • The balance between educational wildlife talks and fun play spaces provides excellent entertainment value for a full day out.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • Some reviews note that catering and gift shop prices can be high during peak school holiday periods.
  • Popular paths and the main entrance car park can get quite busy and crowded on sunny weekend afternoons.
  • Certain visitors feel that queue times for food outlets stretch too long during peak lunch hours.
  • A few guests mention that the nearest train station requires a short taxi or bus ride to reach the zoo entrance.

New for 2026:

  • Advanced Zoo App Navigation: Visitors can use the newly updated interactive map app to track live feeding schedules and locate nearby family facilities instantly.
  • Enhanced Sustainable Picnic Zones: Newly landscaped outdoor rest areas feature solar-powered phone charging stations and eco-friendly seating made from recycled materials.
  • Streamlined Fast-Track Entry Gates: Upgraded digital barcode scanners at the main entrance allow families with pre-booked tickets to breeze through security much faster.

Zoo Exhibits and Daily Activities:

  • World of Animals: Big cats, wolves, and primates.
  • Land of the Dinosaurs: Animatronic prehistoric trail.
  • Safari Adventure Ride: Family-friendly train or car ride.
  • Animal Adventure Playground: Multi-zone children's play area.
  • Farmyard Corner: Petting and feeding area for younger kids.
  • Reptile House: Snakes, lizards, and tortoises.
  • Indoor Soft Play: Weatherproof play space for toddlers.
  • Birds of Prey Displays: Scheduled flying demonstrations.
  • Keeper Talks: Educational talks held throughout the day.
  • Sensory Trail: Interactive pathways designed for younger visitors.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Day Ticket

  • Adult(16+): £55.98
  • Child(2+ years): £26.49

Pricing URL: https://bookings.hertfordshirezoo.com/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Information: The zoo offers bespoke packages for private children's birthday parties and group celebrations, featuring exclusive party hosting spaces and guided animal tours.
  • Inquiries: For private party availability and pricing, contact the venue events team directly via email at [email protected].

The Zoo opens at 9:30am throughout the year and closes at 5:30pm (April to September) & 4:30pm (October to March).

Address: White Stubbs Farm, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7QA, UK

Post Code: EN10 7QA

Council: Broxbourne Borough

County: Hertfordshire

 

  • By Train: Broxbourne Railway Station is the nearest stop on the main line from London Liverpool Street, followed by a short local taxi or bus ride to the zoo.
  • By Bus: Local bus services operate routes connecting nearby towns to the Broxbourne area.
  • By Car: Easily reached via the A10 and M25 motorways, following brown tourist signs to Broxbourne Woods.
  • Car Parking: Dedicated on-site car parking is provided directly at the venue for arriving visitors.

 

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