Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
One of our favourite days out is to a zoo or farm park. Yorkshire is packed full of great attractions where you can see and even meet animals. In this post, I will cover all the main places you can see animals across the East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.
There are plenty of ideas to keep you busy. Some of the ideas below aren’t just for farm parks, wildlife parks and zoos. Some may just have a few animals with other main things to do. I will cover all the information you need.
Please note that not all of the park’s animals will be listed below. The lists are there to give you an idea of what to expect. There is an admission cost to all places listed below.
East Riding of Yorkshire – Places to Visit With Animals
Bridlington Animal Park
Address: Covert Lane, Carnaby, Bridlington YO15 3QF
What animals do they have? Wallabies, zebra, racoons, birds of prey, meerkats, goats, rheas, sheep and macaws.
What else is there to do? You can purchase food to feed some of their four-legged animals, you can even help feed the wallabies. They have a bird of prey display or owl handling sessions, reptile handling and a small wooden play area for the kids. * Animal experiences are available including meet the meerkats, owl experience and small carnivore experience. Find Out More
Bugtopia Hornsea Freeport
Address: Hornsea Freeport, Rolston Rd, Hornsea HU18 1UT
What animals do they have? Butterflies, macaws, reptiles, spiders
What else is there to do? Bugtopia is an indoor tropical rainforest which you can walk around, there is usually a trail for kids to take part in. You can also book on one of their experiences. These include a macaw experience, a photography experience and a zoo-keeping experience. * You can also book a 30-minute experience for up to 6 people to meet lots of different reptiles and also a tarantula. Experiences are at an additional cost. Find Out More
Burnby Hall Gardens
Address: 33 The Balk, Pocklington, York YO42 2QF
What animals do they have? Fish and doves
What else is there to do? That doesn’t sound particularly exciting but we love to visit Burnby for a couple of hours. A must for your visit is to purchase some fish food. There are literally hundreds of hungry fish to feed, I’ve never been anywhere quite like it.
They also have some doves which are super tame and like to come up next to your feet to pinch the fish food. There are some beautiful gardens with lilies and a children’s playground. There is also a small museum. Find Out More
East Park Hull
Address: Holderness Rd, Hull HU8 8JU
What animals do they have? Alpacas, deer, wallabies, sheep and a walk-through aviary.
What else is there to do? This is a large park with a playground, a boating and fishing lake, a seasonal splash pad, a Wickstead boat ride, crazy golf in the summer and more. Find Out More
Honeysuckle Farm
Address: Bewholme Ln, Hornsea HU18 1BY
What animals do they have? Horses, cows, sheep, pigs, donkeys, goats, small animals
What else is there to do? They have daily horse and cart rides. a straw barn play area, outdoor play areas with play forts, den building. They have fish you can feed and you can also feed their animals. There is also a maze you can get lost in and nature walks. Find Out More
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Address: Cliff Ln, Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1JF
What animals do they have? Wild birds
What else is there to do? At Bempton cliffs you can walk along the top of the cliffs. There are various platforms along the way that offer you spectacular views of the cliffs and the birds that nest on the side of the cliffs. The best time to visit is between April and July. At its peak the sound of the nesting seabirds is like nothing else, you may even spot a puffin. There is a visitor centre. Find Out More
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Address: Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1ED
What animals do they have? Penguins, lemurs, birds, pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas and racoon dogs.
What else is there to do? The animal area is relatively small but always lovely to look around. They have a playground, a house you can explore and some beautiful gardens plus a woodland walk. Find Out More
Sledmere House and Gardens
Address: Sledmere, Driffield YO25 3XG
What animals do they have? Horses, pigs, sheep and chickens
What else is there to do? Although the animal area is relatively small at Sledmere there is other things to do. There is a playground and gardens. The house is open in peak season and you can walk around the estate which has a deer park. Find Out More
The Deep
Address: Tower St, Hull HU1 4DP
What animals do they have? Huge aquarium with over 3000 creatures, including sharks, penguins, jellyfish, tropical fish, loggerhead turtles, pufferfish and sawfish.
What else is there to do? The aquarium is all indoors. There is a small soft play area for toddlers. There are plenty of informative signs around the aquarium and there is an ice wall you can touch. Find Out More
North Yorkshire – Places to Visit With Animals
Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park
Address: Askham Bryan, York YO23 3FR
What animals do they have? Meerkats, racoons, reptiles, otters, birds, tortoises and wallabies.
What else is there to do? There are animals outdoors and reptiles indoors. They have a playground * plus you can book an animal experience for children aged 8 and over. Find Out More
Beacon Alpacas
Address: Suncliffe Beacon Farm, Malton St, Husthwaite, York YO61 4PD
What animals do they have? Alpacas
What else is there to do? At this attraction, you can book to walk alpacas. Children from the age of 8 can take part and must help an adult to walk their alpacas. Find Out More
Beetle Bank Open Farm
Address: Moor Ln, Murton, York YO19 5XD
What animals do they have? Goats, rheas, birds, small animals and sheep.
What else is there to do? They have petting sessions where you can cuddle their smaller animals. There is an outdoor play area, bouncy castle, ride-ons and sand pit. Find Out More
Betton Farm Visitor Centre
Address: Racecourse Rd, East Ayton, Scarborough YO13 9HT
What animals do they have? Sheep, pigs, chickens, goats, guinea pigs and rabbits.
What else is there to do? What started life as a tearoom and restaurant is now somewhere that is great for all the family to visit. You can meet their animals plus there is a play park with climbing frames, slides and ride-ons.
Big Sheep Little Cow
Address: Aiskew Watermill, Bedale DL8 1AW
What animals do they have? Chinchillas, goats, pigs, llamas, donkeys, tortoises, rabbits and Shetland pony
What else is there to do? Outdoors there is a fun tractor ride where kids are pulled around in barrels plus go-karts. Indoors is The Woolly Jumpers Play Barn. There are exciting slides, rope swings, tunnels to crawl through and platforms to climb up as well as a separate ball pool and soft play area for the under 3s. During term time they run toddler and baby sessions with plenty of interactive, hands-on, creative and fun activities designed with them in mind. Find Out More
Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park
Address: Scarborough Rd, Filey YO14 9PG
What animals do they have? Birds, meerkats, alpacas, pigs, goats, rabbits, racoon dogs and donkeys.
What else is there to do? The park is small compared to other farm/animal parks but there is usually a trail for the kids and there is a relatively new adventure play area. The park has some pretty gardens with wildlife areas. Find Out More
Flamingo Land
Address: Kirby Misperton, Malton YO17 6UX
What animals do they have? Zebra, giraffe, red panda, birds, lemurs, rhino, kangaroo, tiger and hippos.
What else is there to do? Primarily a theme park with lots of rides for young and old Flamingo Land also has its own zoo. There are thrill rides, family rides and daily shows. They also have themed play areas, a train, a cable car and a splash pad. Find Out More
Hesketh Farm Park
Address: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HA
What animals do they have? Sheep, cows, chickens, ponies, donkeys, tortoises, pigs and guinea pigs.
What else is there to do? They have daily animal activities including egg collecting, lamb feeding (seasonal, calf feeding, pony brushing and donkey feeding. Indoors there is a giant sandpit, pedal tractors, a straw maze and a fun play tractor. Outdoors there is a pedal go-kart track, spider’s net climbing frame, wooden agility course and tractor rides. Find Out More
Monk Park Farm
Address: Green Ln, Thirsk YO7 2AG
What animals do they have? Goats, pigs, birds, guinea pigs, alpacas, sheep and deer.
What else is there to do? There is a playground with a large obstacle course and a few other things plus peddle go-karts. The main highlight is feeding their huge number of friendly animals. We can never buy enough bags. You can take a barrel ride around the farm allowing you to get up close to lots of our animals including the Alpacas, Wallabies, Goats and more. Find Out More
National centre for birds of prey
Address: Duncombe Park, Helmsley, York YO62 5EB
What animals do they have? Birds of prey including owls, eagles, hawks and many more.
What else is there to do? They have daily flying displays. Kids will love the ink stamp trail included with your tickets. There are also 300 acres of woodland and parkland to walk in, a playground * and they offer birds of prey experiences. Find Out More
Newham Grange Farm
Address: Wykeham Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough TS8 0TG
What animals do they have? Goats, guinea pigs, rabbits, miniature horses, sheep, cows and donkeys.
What else is there to do? The farm park has a large adventure play zone. There is plenty for kids to play on including a sandpit, ride-ons, go-karts and more. You can have a go at crazy golf and run around the mysterious willow maze.
There is also an outdoor toddler play area perfect for children under 7 with a climbing tractor, play frame, slide, swings and more. Plus there is an indoor soft play area. Older kids will enjoy the mega play zone with a giant Viking wing, 380 swing, wooden step trail course and more. You can also follow the path from here to the magical woodland walk. Find Out More
Nidderdale Llamas
Address: Kiln Farm, Wilsill, Harrogate HG3 5EE
What animals do they have? Llamas and alpacas.
What else is there to do? There is a range of experiences including both their llamas and alpacas. Some activities children age 7 and over can take part in although most are for slightly older children. Find Out More
Piglets Adventure Farm
Address: Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST
What animals do they have? Pigs, cows, goats, alpacas, guinea pigs, ponies, donkeys and chickens.
What else is there to do? There are outdoor play areas, a beach play sand pit, crazy golf, indoor play area, go-karts, trails and more. Find Out More
Playdale Farm Park
Address: Carr Ln, Cayton, Scarborough YO11 3TL
What animals do they have? Pigs, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, guinea pigs and birds.
What else is there to do? You can hand-feed the animals at this farm park plus they have guinea pig handling sessions. There is an indoor soft play area, a hay play barn, two outdoor playgrounds, a toboggan ride, frisbee golf, go-karts and a zip wire. Find Out More
Sea Life Scarborough
Address: Scalby Mills Rd, Scarborough YO12 6RP
What animals do they have? Penguins, otters, sharks, octopuses, seals, rays and fish.
What else is there to do? There is an outdoor crazy golf course. There is a small outdoor playground and they also offer seal experiences. Find Out More
The Web Adventure Park
Address: Clifton Gate Business Park, Wigginton Rd, York YO32 2RH
What animals do they have? Goats, rabbits, sheep, pigs and ponies.
What else is there to do? The animal area is small but there are plenty of other things to do. Outdoors there is a large play area with sand and water play. Plus things to climb on and more. They often have outdoor fairground rides and indoors there is Creepy Crawlies which is a large soft play area. Find Out More
Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre
Address: Sion Hill Hall, Thirsk YO7 4EU
What animals do they have? Birds of prey including over 70 birds with 30 species including eagles, falcons, hawks, kites, vultures and owls.
What else is there to do? The centre has daily bird displays. They have a range of experiences you can book on at an additional cost. Experiences range from half-day to one-hour walks or flying encounters. Children from 8 can take part in the one-hour flying encounter, those under 10 can take part in the hawk walk so long as they are accompanied by an adult hawk walk follower. Find Out More
Thornton Hall Farm Country Park
Address: Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton BD23 3TS
What animals do they have? Llamas, goats, alpacas, ponies, pigs, birds, calves and birds.
What else is there to do? They have animal petting sessions, egg collecting, farmyard tours, lamb and calf feeding (seasonal), paddock walks, pony grooming and pig brushing. There are also some fun rides at the farm (an additional cost), plus play areas indoors and outdoors. Find Out More
Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Wildlife Park
Address: Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale DL8 2PS
What animals do they have? Birds, wallabies and meerkats
What else is there to do? Although the animal area is small there are lots of aviaries and there is usually a daily bird demonstration. There is a playground and plenty of opportunities to walk around their gardens and woodland. Find Out More
Yorkshire Museum Farming Murton Park
Address: Murton Ln, York YO19 5UF
What animals do they have? Pigs, goats, ponies, a variety of sheep, poultry and ducks.
What else is there to do? There aren’t many animals at Murton Park but there is plenty to see and do. They have reconstructed villages including Vikings and the Wild West. There is a play area, an indoor museum with a toddler soft play area and short steam train rides on Sundays. Find Out More
South Yorkshire – Places to Visit With Animals
Aston Springs Farm
Address: Aston, Sheffield S26 2HB
What animals do they have? Alpacas, rabbits, sheep, birds, pigs, deer, goats and reptiles.
What else is there to do? There is a nature trail walk to see the animals, you can feed the animals. There are two small outdoor play areas and an indoor play barn. Animal experiences are available including alpaca walking, a VIP tour and two others. Most are suitable for children from a young age. Find Out More
Boston Park Farm
Address: Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Hatfield, Doncaster DN7 6DS
What animals do they have? Pigs, chickens, goats and smaller animals.
What else is there to do? This is a small farm park although we can spend a few hours there. There is an indoor soft play more suited to younger children, two outdoor play areas plus a maize maze in the summer. You can feed their animals. Find Out More
Cannon Hall Farm
Address: Bark House Ln, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AT
What animals do they have? Alpacas, pigs (there are loads of pigs), sheep, cows, goats and meerkats
What else is there to do? There are daily tractor rides, a wonderful reptile house and some huge play areas. The play equipment is very impressive and there’s even a massive area, especially for older children.
The Hungry Llama is one of the biggest indoor soft play areas in the region. It has nine slides and is also home to one of the on-site cafes. There is also a fun tube maze which is very much like a rabbit warren. Find Out More
Heeley City Farm
Address: Richards Rd, Heeley, Sheffield S2 3DT
What animals do they have? Birds, goats, pigs, sheep, horses and small animals.
What else is there to do? Aside from the animals, it is unclear as to whether there is anything else to do.
Mayfield Alpacas Animal Farm
Address: Quicksaw Farm, Fulwood Ln, Sheffield S10 4LH
What animals do they have? Meet more than 170 amazing animals including alpacas, llamas, dwarf mongooses, skunks, meerkats, reindeer and exotic birds.
What else is there to do? Aside from the animals, it is unclear as to whether there is anything else to do. Find Out More
Tropical Butterfly House
Address: Woodsetts Rd, North Anston, Sheffield S25 4EQ
What animals do they have? Tropical house with butterflies, lorikeets you can feed, reptiles and more. Plus goats, birds, lemurs, meerkats, otters, wallabies and small animals.
What else is there to do? You can feed most of the animals. There is a large sand and water play area, outdoor play areas, daily displays and talks, a dinosaur trail and other magical things to find. Animal experiences are available including exotic animals, meerkats and lemurs. Experiences are for children ages 8 and over. Find Out More
Wentworth Garden Centre
Address: Hague Ln, Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TF
What animals do they have? On the family farm animals include llamas, alpacas, pigs, ponies, sheep, goats, foxes, meerkats, peacocks and various aviary birds.
What else is there to do? There is a sand and water play area, a race track and an outdoor play area. The farm is on the site of the Wentworth garden centre where there are some pretty gardens to look around, an adventure playground and places to eat. Find Out More
Wigfield Farm
Address: Haverlands Ln, Worsbrough, Barnsley S70 5NQ
What animals do they have? Meerkats, cows, goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, sheep, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits and much more. There is also a rodent room and an aquatics room.
What else is there to do? It is unclear if there is anything else to do other than see their animals. *VIP animal experiences are available including reptile experience, rabbit and guinea pig plus young keeper (there are different age restrictions for these experiences). Find Out More
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Address: Hurst Ln, Auckley, Doncaster DN9 3HQ
What animals do they have? This is the largest place to see animals in Yorkshire. Animals include lions, zebra, giraffes, lemurs, wallabies, polar bears, tigers and camels.
What else is there to do? Please note Yorkshire Wildlife Park now has a completely new entrance. Please visit their website for further information. There are a couple of outdoor adventure playgrounds plus a large indoor soft play area. *VIP experiences are available with age restrictions. Experiences include giraffe, giant otter, behind-the-scenes family tour, Polar bear and more. Find Out More
West Yorkshire – Places to Visit With Animals
Hope Pastures Donkey Rescue
Address: Weetwood Ln, Weetwood, Leeds LS16 5PH
What animals do they have? Donkeys and ponies
What else is there to do? They also offer activities throughout the year, with Pony Days and Pony Pampering sessions in the school holidays.
Lotherton Hall
Address: Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB
What animals do they have? Penguins, flamingos, other birds, pigs, tortoises, porcupines and maras.
What else is there to do? Wildlife World isn’t a large animal space but it is always nice to walk around. There is a house you can explore plus playgrounds, gardens and parkland. Find Out More
Manor Heath Park and Jungle Experience
Address: Manor Heath Rd, Halifax HX3 0EB
What animals do they have? Tropical botanic gardens in glasshouses housing exotic butterflies, plants, fish & small animals.
What else is there to do? The Jungle Experience is situated in a park with play areas, a walled garden, a woodland walk, a water play area and gardens.
Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
Address: Sugar Well Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS7 2QG
What animals do they have? Cows, sheep, goats, alpacas, chickens, donkeys, pigs and turtles.
What else is there to do? There are gardens, a playground and nature areas. Find Out More
Ponderosa Zoo
Address: Off Smithies Lane Liversedge, Heckmondwike WF16 0PN
What animals do they have? Lemurs, cows, birds, reptiles, meerkats, wallabies, porcupines, goats, reindeer and alpacas.
What else is there to do? There are outdoor adventure play areas. Find Out More
Posey Pacas
Address: Home farm, Tong, Bradford BD4 0RR
What animals do they have? Alpacas
What else is there to do? They have alpaca walking experiences, children under the age of 12 can accompany one adult leading the alpaca. Find Out More
Swithens Farm
Address: Swithen’s Ln, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0BT
What animals do they have? Cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, emus, meerkats, turtles, rabbits and guinea pigs.
What else is there to do? There is an indoor soft play barn. Find Out More
Temple Newsam
Address: Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE
What animals do they have? Pigs, cows, goats, chickens and sheep including a variety of rare breeds.
What else is there to do? Home Farm is a relatively small animal area on the grounds of Temple Newsam. This is a vast parkland great for walks with a walled garden, woods and a playground. You can also explore the hall. Find Out More
The Wonkey Donkey
Address: Little Oakes Farm, Cobcroft Ln, Knottingley WF11 0AZ
What animals do they have? Donkeys, ponies and goats.
What else is there to do? They offer tours of their sanctuary. Find Out More
Treeside Alpacas
Address: Moss Carr Farm, Newmarket Lane, Oulton, Leeds, Leeds LS26 9DW
What animals do they have? Alpacas
What else is there to do? Alpaca walking experiences are available. Any child of any age will be allowed to trek but children under the age of 16 will need an adult present who will be responsible for their welfare throughout the trek. Any child under 7 years old can only share an Alpaca with an adult.
Tropical World Roundhay Park
Address: Princes Ave, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER
What animals do they have? Indoor tropical house with fish, reptiles, meerkats, birds, bats and turtles.
What else is there to do? Tropical World is located over the road from the vast Roundhay Park. Here you can enjoy a walk, a ride on their land train, feed the ducks and swans plus there is a folly and two playgrounds. Find Out More
Windle House Farm
Address: Lee Ln, Oxenhope, Keighley BD22 9RB
What animals do they have? Ponies, alpacas, cows, sheep, donkeys, goats, rabbits and birds.
What else is there to do? It is a family-run petting farm, a small outdoor playfield, a sandpit and a bouncy castle. They also offer alpaca walking,
