Owned and run by Bristol Zoo, the Wild Place Project sits close to Cribbs Causeway shopping centre in South Gloucestershire but feels a whole world away. Visitors to Wild Place can encounter animals from around the globe, whether the grey wolves of Europe or cheetah of Central Africa. Thrill seekers can also take the ‘Leap of Faith’ if they are hankering for an adrenaline rush.
Feel yourself transported to the wilds of Cameroon with a visit to Benoue National Park. Enjoy sightings of cheetah, giraffe and red river hog as they roam the grassland. There are plenty of viewing spots and even a hide with a telescope for close-up views of the watering hole. Visit HQ to discover how the Wild Place Project is working to save animals from extinction, before you wander through the authentic Cameroonian inspired Market Village.
Head onto Madagascar, which is the only country in the world where lemurs can be found in the wild. At Wild Place, the Madagascar area is home to cute pygmy goats and a variety of adorable lemurs including mongoose and white-belted ruffed lemurs.
Down in Bear Wood live four species that used to wander British woodland thousands of years ago. Hop back in time to 8000BC and emerge among the trees for a wildlife-spotting adventure – keep your eyes peeled for European brown bear, grey wolves, Eurasian lynx and wolverine. This is the only exhibit of its kind in the UK.
Meet six gelada baboons in their outdoor paddock at Gelada Rocks. While in the Secret Congo, you’ll get the chance to spot the elusive okapi. Did you know their tongues are long enough to lick their own eyelids?
If you feel like an adrenaline rush, Leap of Faith is an outdoor climbing adventure experience for the whole family. It includes 11 different climbing challenges, the ‘Leap of Faith’ jump and a 25ft giant swing.
Although most visitors come to Wild Place to see the animals, you will also be able to enjoy a number of beautiful gardens including an award-winning RHS Chelsea show-garden. There are plenty of play areas to keep kids happy too. The undercover Fun Fort is the perfect place to burn off some energy, while the barefoot trail encourages all ages to feel an array of textures underfoot.
After all that activity, The Courtyard Café offers sandwiches, cakes and soup; all made with ethical and sustainable local ingredients. During peak season, there is also an ice cream parlour and stone-baked pizzeria.
The Wild Place Project opens most of the year. Check their website for opening times and admission charges. Tickets can be booked online in advance.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Gloucestershire here.
Images copyright Wild Place Project
