As we come out of another lockdown, England’s rules are changing to allow us to go and do outdoor activities, including places like zoos, theme parks and botanic gardens. So we’ve made a comprehensive guide of the best outdoor activities to visit across England.
Leeds
Tropical World
In Roundhay, you can visit Tropical World for £7.40 each. Within the park, they have a Waterfall area, aquarium, desert, rainforest canopy, creature corner, nocturnal and butterfly area available for guests to view.
York Gate Perennial Garden
York Gate is a Perennial Garden in Leeds, which is open from the 14th of April. It is a one-acre garden created by the Spencer family. It is a Grade II national heritage site with a cafe and 14 different garden rooms, all with their own character, separated by formal yew and beech hedging.
Go Ape
In Temple Newsam, you can go and visit Go Ape. Not quite a theme park, this adventure park has all sorts of activities for thrill-seekers. If you want to experience adrenaline at its best, then take a trip to Go Ape for only £30.
Leicester
Gorse Hill City Farm
In Leicester, you can visit Gorse Hill City Farm from April 12th, where you can visit the fish, ducks, chickens, lambs, piglets, shetlands, and rabbits. Or, if you’re looking for something more exotic, why not visit Tropical Birdland, where they focus on education and conservation of beautiful tropical birds.
Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum
The University of Leicester has started a Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum, focusing on the necessity of global biodiversity. They’re opening a little later, on the 4th of May, and once there you can visit the herbarium amongst other things!
Twin Lakes Park
A short trip out of Leicester is Twin Lakes Park, where you can find a water park, roller coasters, a small zoo and plenty to keep you and your friends busy all day long.
Liverpool
Wavertree Botanic Gardens
If you’re living in Liverpool, be sure to take a trip to Wavertree Botanic Gardens. It is a 19th-century public park with a walled garden and Grade II listed building. It once played a huge role in the recreation and culture of Victorian Liverpool.
Manchester
Longford Park Pet’s Corner
Not quite a zoo, but Manchester’s Longford Park Pets’ Corner is opening from April. There, you can see and sponsor goats, rabbits, ducks and chickens!
Treetop Trek
For any adventurous people, Tree Top Trek provides opportunities for sky-high treetop adventures, whether you fancy a full trek or a mini trek, or even just a bounce around on the treetop nets.
Friends of Platt Fields
Friends of Platt Fields will be opening in April, and you can go there to see the Lakeside Centre, the Shakespearean Garden, Eco Garden, Nico Ditch and Rose Garden. There’s even a BMX track.
Newcastle
Northumbria County Zoo
Just out of Newcastle is the Northumberland Country Zoo. They work on animals’ conservation and are home to arctic foxes, otters, lynx, capybara, lemurs, Scottish wildcats, snow leopards and even skunks.
Turbo Ventures
Those looking for adrenaline can find it on a quad bike in Newcastle with Turbo Venture. OR you can try tank driving, clay pigeon shooting, or pretty much anything else wacky and adventurous!
Sheffield
Mayfield Alpacas Animal Farm
It isn’t a zoo, but it does have alpacas, and really, what more could you want. From April 12th, Mayfield Alpacas Animal Farm will be able to open its gates to people once again. There you can meet alpacas, llamas, goats, ponies, reindeer and birds.
Tropical Butterfly House
This wildlife centre’s outdoor areas are open in line with government guidelines, meaning you can wander around and visit some of their lovely animals.
Sheffield Botanical Garden
Sheffield Botanical Gardens are near the city centre and were opened way back in 1836. They cover 19 acres of land and are covered in plants from exotic locations and local regions.
Oxford
Oxford Botanical Garden
You have to pre-book to visit the Oxford Botanical Garden, and at the moment, the glasshouses are still shut. Whilst there you can explore the walled garden, lower garden, and enjoy the sights.
Southampton
New Forest Wildlife Park
Southampton is home to New Forest Wildlife Park, which is opening from Monday 12th. They will be running their keeper experiences and takeaway cafe services, but you will need to prebook. Once at the park, you can meet otters, bison, deer, ferrets, mice, lynx, hedgehogs and owls.
Alpine Snowsports
You can try your hand at donutting, snowboarding, and other extreme sports when you visit Alpine Snowsports. To have a go, book online through their website and get ready for excitement!
Go Ape
Thrill-seekers will be overjoyed with all the adventures available at Go Ape Southampton. They have treetop challenges, adventures, and plenty to explore!
Last Updated on September 2, 2022
Published on October 16, 2021
