Best collection to visit in the Lake District area?

JamesB

JamesB

Well-Known Member
15+ year member
Hey everyone, haven't posted for a long, long time here!

We are planning to visit the Lake District and then Scotland in the summer. The plan is to go to Edinburgh Zoo while we are in Scotland but its possible we will go to a zoo in the Lake District, we are staying with relatives in Kendal just so you know a rough location. Which collection would you guys recommend? South Lakes interests me but I've heard a lot of mixed reviews on it. Is Trotters worth a visit? I just want a few recommendations on what you guys prefer.

Edit... anyone been to Galloway Wildlife Park? We will be staying very close to it and wondered if that also is worth a visit?
 
Trotters is a very small collection and more aimed at young families. South Lakes has a good collection with giant otters, sumatran tigers, giraffes, spectacled bears, rhinos and lots more but some people are not overly impressed with the enclosures. If you go in the summer they are likely to be more densely vegetated and look ok.

I have been to the park in Galloway and enjoyed it although it is a small collection with more unusual species.

If you are looking for a full day out at the zoo in the Lake District them South Lakes is the best bet.
 
Also if you wanted to Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is also in the Lake district, they have two Snow leopards I believe. They are the park's 'main attraction'.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Yes I did have a look at Lakeland but wasn't too impressed by the photos of it. I think South Lakes is possible, it does seem quite unique.
 
Very surprised that nobody has mentioned The Lakes Aquarium,which to me is well worth a visit as its alot more than just an aquarium.Also you have The World Owl Trust at Muncaster,which as the name suggests has a Owl collection which I doubt can be matched any where else in the world,and Maryport Aquariumn isn't a bad place to kill a couple hours.
As for the ones that people have mentioned before Lakeland Wildlife Oasis as far as I'm concerned isn't as bad as the pictures may look on here,Trotters is more than worth a visit and has a pretty reasonable collection,although it does have one of the worst looking Reptile Houses in the country.Finally South Lakes I can best describe the place as interesting and not always for the right reasons,but then I'm a firm beliver in that people should visit a place for themselves and not judge it from what others say about a place,because one persons great collection is another persons idea of hell!!
 
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Thanks for all the suggestions! I think I will try to see the aquarium and then possible another collection, possibly South Lakes. Also very looking forward to Edinburgh Zoo, will make sure I book tickets for the Pandas!
 
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is worth a visit, it's a small collection housing animals mainly within its scope, so everything has acceptable enclosures. That said, I think the snow leopard enclosure leaves something to be desired, but is currently being extended.

As previously mentioned they have some unusual species such as fossa, and also a number of exhibition areas that might appeal.

Nearby (within a couple of miles) is Leighton Moss RSPB reserve, and the two can fill a day.
 
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