
The Living Rainforest
Step into a humid, tropical world filled with lush plants and fascinating creatures, including free-roaming birds and a resident sloth.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal sightings

The Living Rainforest
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal sightings

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a humid, tropical world filled with lush plants and fascinating creatures, including free-roaming birds and a resident sloth.
"A truly interesting visit with so much to see, from birds at your feet to a sloth in the heights!"

🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and preferred time slot by booking in advance on their website.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and standing, so comfy footwear is a must.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Free-Roaming Birds
Throughout the glasshouses
Marvel at colorful birds flitting around your head and perching on branches, adding a dynamic element to the rainforest experience.

Cinnamon the Sloth
Open spaces
Keep an eye out for Cinnamon, the resident sloth, as she slowly makes her way through the exhibit – a truly special sighting!

Tiny Frogs
Various terrariums
Listen for the charming chirps and search for the incredibly small, cute frogs hidden amongst the lush vegetation.

Impressive Plant Collection
Glasshouses
Immerse yourself in a humid, tropical environment surrounded by a diverse and impressive array of lush rainforest plants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and preferred time slot by booking in advance on their website.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and standing, so comfy footwear is a must.
👀 Look Up and Down!
Animals are everywhere! Keep an eye on the floor, trees, and higher branches for hidden creatures.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Plenty of photo opportunities with unique plants and animals.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and preferred time slot by booking in advance on their website.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and standing, so comfy footwear is a must.
👀 Look Up and Down!
Animals are everywhere! Keep an eye on the floor, trees, and higher branches for hidden creatures.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Plenty of photo opportunities with unique plants and animals.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush; give yourself at least an hour to explore each exhibit thoroughly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Living Rainforest for its immersive atmosphere and the unique experience of seeing animals like free-roaming birds and sloths up close. The impressive plant collection and the engaging nature of the exhibits make it a worthwhile visit for all ages. Some note it's a smaller venue, best enjoyed with ample time to appreciate the details.
"Great place. Not too crowded. Well managed. Advance tickets on website. Come with ample time. Each exhibit warrants a halt. Birds on forest floor and sloth wandering about in the open make it an interesting experience. Decent gift shop and cafe. Interesting for all ages."
Amarinder Singh Brar
"We visited again today after a long time (I used to bring the kids when they were young and my middle son wanted to return years later being an animal lover!). It's always an interesting visit here and so much to see. You have to keep an eye out for the birds around your feet or amongst the trees on the floor and all around (some funny sounds they make!) The little frogs that are chirping are just so cute but you need to look out for them! The sloth was sleeping in the heights quite happily, we could just see where he was. The tortoises were entertaining as they chased each other. Always enjoy a visit here as different every time. Kids love it, with the interactive educational section and small gift shop also. A definite visit if you want something different!"
Jessica Nod
"Haven't been here for a very long time. It is a very small place but enough for a hour. Impressive plants here and a few animals. Didn't see any of the free roaming birds today but did see the sloth although not fully. Recommend especially with kids."
Mikey C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Living Rainforest is located in Thatcham. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might involve local bus routes or train to Thatcham station, followed by a taxi or a longer walk. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is parking available at The Living Rainforest, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While primarily accessible by car, visitors can reach Thatcham by train. From the station, you would likely need to arrange a taxi or consider a significant walk to get to The Living Rainforest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance through The Living Rainforest's website. This helps secure your entry and preferred time slot, especially during busy periods.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check The Living Rainforest's official website for the most current information on opening times and any potential closures.
Ticket prices can be found on The Living Rainforest's official website. Booking in advance is often advised.
Information on potential discounts, such as for children, seniors, or group bookings, is typically available on The Living Rainforest's official website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including free-roaming birds, tiny frogs, tortoises, and if you're lucky, Cinnamon the sloth! The focus is on creating an immersive rainforest environment.
Absolutely! Children love spotting the animals and exploring the lush plant life. There's also an interactive educational section that's great for younger visitors.
Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient for a good exploration, but you can easily spend longer if you want to take your time and observe everything closely.
The pathways within The Living Rainforest are generally well-maintained, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, it's always a good idea to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a great place to capture unique shots of the plants and animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Living Rainforest has a cafe that offers refreshments and snacks. It's a decent spot to grab a bite after your exploration.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to check with The Living Rainforest directly regarding their policy on bringing outside food. Often, designated picnic areas are available if permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
Weekday mornings often offer softer lighting and fewer people, which can be ideal for photography. However, the indoor nature means lighting is consistent, so any time can be good for capturing the vibrant greenery and animals.
Generally, personal photography is welcomed. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. Check their website for any specific guidelines.
Expect to capture vibrant close-ups of tropical plants, colorful birds, tiny frogs, and potentially the sloth. The humid environment and lush foliage provide a rich backdrop for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there's plenty to see, and encourage your children to be observant – the animals are often cleverly hidden! The cafe provides a convenient spot for a break and refreshments, making it easy to spend a good portion of the day here. Booking tickets in advance is a smart move to avoid queues and ensure a smooth family outing.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
The chance to see Cinnamon the sloth in a naturalistic setting is a unique draw. While animal photography requires patience, the controlled environment offers good opportunities. Consider visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings, for the best light and fewer distractions. The educational aspect also appeals to those keen to learn more about rainforest ecosystems and conservation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Discovering the Wildlife
One of the most anticipated sightings is Cinnamon the sloth. While sloths are known for their slow movements, spotting Cinnamon as she navigates the exhibit is a truly memorable experience. Patience is key, and looking up into the canopy or across open spaces might reward you with a glimpse of her. The tortoises also provide entertainment, sometimes engaging in playful chases.
Beyond the animals, the impressive plant collection is a star in itself. The humid, tropical environment is meticulously maintained, allowing you to feel truly immersed in a rainforest ecosystem. From towering ferns to exotic flowers, the botanical diversity is captivating and offers fantastic opportunities for nature photography.
Planning Your Visit
When you arrive, remember that the exhibits are designed to be explored at a leisurely pace. Allow ample time – at least an hour – to truly appreciate the details of each section. This means looking closely for the camouflaged frogs, waiting for the sloth to make an appearance, and admiring the intricate details of the plants. Comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll be on your feet for the duration of your visit.
For those with families, The Living Rainforest is a fantastic option. The interactive educational section is particularly engaging for children, making learning about rainforests fun and accessible. The presence of free-roaming animals also adds an element of wonder and excitement for younger visitors. Don't forget your camera, as there are countless photo opportunities to capture the vibrant life within the glasshouses.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit