Eurasian Otters at at New Forest Wildlife Park
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New Forest Wildlife Park

4.5
·4k reviews·, United Kingdom

A woodland haven in the New Forest, home to native British wildlife and endangered species, with interactive keeper experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn Mornings

Vibrant colors, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Eurasian Otters at at New Forest Wildlife Park

New Forest Wildlife Park

Best Time

Autumn Mornings

Vibrant colors, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A woodland haven in the New Forest, home to native British wildlife and endangered species, with interactive keeper experiences.

4.5
(4k reviews)

"A brilliant morning out with well-cared-for animals and engaging keeper talks, offering great value."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry and skip the lines by purchasing tickets in advance via the website. :admission_tickets:

⏰ Catch Keeper Talks

Plan your day around feeding times and keeper talks for engaging animal insights. :information_desk:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Playful Otters

Playful Otters

Otter Enclosure

Witness the energetic antics of the Eurasian and Giant otters, a crowd favorite for their playful nature and feeding sessions.

InstagramReddit
Majestic Deer

Majestic Deer

Deer Enclosures

Get up close with graceful deer, with opportunities to even pet them during specific talks.

Reddit
Native UK Wildlife

Native UK Wildlife

Various Enclosures

Discover a variety of native British species, including lynx, wolves, and owls, in naturalistic habitats.

Instagram+1
Eurasian Harvest Mice

Eurasian Harvest Mice

Harvest Mouse Enclosure

Learn about the conservation efforts for the elusive Eurasian harvest mouse, a species actively reintroduced to the wild.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Save time and potentially money by booking your New Forest Wildlife Park tickets online before you visit. This helps avoid queues, especially during peak times, and ensures a smoother entry into this popular wildlife haven. Reddit

Check Keeper Talk Schedules

To get the most out of your visit, plan your day around the keeper talks and feeding times. These sessions offer fascinating insights into the animals' lives and conservation efforts, making your wildlife experience more engaging. Reddit

Best Times

When
Autumn Mornings
Why
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Quieter, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Active animals, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you haven’t been to the new forest I highly suggest you go.. 🫶🏻 (next video is the cutest new forest donkeys) #promomakanliburan #newforest #newforestpony #wildpony #england #uk #exploring #hampshire #wildlife #holiday
@ejgalx
90.9K likes • 776.9K views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry and skip the lines by purchasing tickets in advance via the website. Reddit :admission_tickets:

⏰ Catch Keeper Talks

Plan your day around feeding times and keeper talks for engaging animal insights. Reddit :information_desk:

In just one month, The New Forest will look like this again 🐴🍄🍂 October and November are my favourite months to visit The New Forest, the colours, the beautiful walks, the cosy fires, everything about the New Forest in autumn is a dream 🤍 Comment ‘GUIDE’ for a link to my New Forest blog post with where to stay, where to eat and things to do in The New Forest 🌳 📍 The New Forest, England #thenewf...
@elisetanriverdi
49.9K likes • 498.9K views
The New Forest Wildlife Park in England have recently announced a new arrival! Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) pair, Song and Soriah welcomed a very wriggly pup in November 2024 and at 6 weeks old he recieved his first health check. The pup was since named Banhhea, which means 'trouble' in Khmer! Banhhea is Song and Soriah's third pup and the otter family inspire visitors as they ...
iucn_otterspecialistgroup
889 likes • 9.8K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on woodland paths, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Moments

Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the diverse wildlife and beautiful park scenery. :camerawithflash:

Escape to the wild beauty of NEW FOREST WILDLIFE PARK! 🦬🌲🦉💚 Nestled within the enchanting New Forest National Park, this wildlife haven spans acres of natural woodland, offering a magical experience for nature and animal lovers of all ages. Discover over 30 fascinating species and more than 250 incredible creatures! Wander along winding pathways and observe animals like the mighty European bison...
hantstopdaysout
58 likes • 2.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry and skip the lines by purchasing tickets in advance via the website. Reddit :admission_tickets:

⏰ Catch Keeper Talks

Plan your day around feeding times and keeper talks for engaging animal insights. Reddit :information_desk:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on woodland paths, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Moments

Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the diverse wildlife and beautiful park scenery. :camerawithflash:

🌳 Explore the Woodland

Enjoy the natural woodland setting and winding paths that make the park feel immersive. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise New Forest Wildlife Park for its well-cared-for animals, naturalistic enclosures, and engaging keeper talks. Many highlight the joy of getting close to species like otters and deer, and appreciate the park's conservation efforts. While some visitors have occasionally missed seeing certain animals, the overall experience is described as excellent value and a highly recommended day out for families and wildlife lovers.

"A brilliant morning out. We bought our tickets in advance on the website so it was quick to get in. It was brilliant to see all of the otters and to see them being fed at 11 was a highlight as a keen otter lover. Place was quite easy to walk around and explore with no real steep inclines. Got to get close to the deer and were even able to pet one! It was disappointing to not see the wallabies not sure where they were hiding. There’s lots of things and places to keep kids entertained and overall a really good value experience."

Chloe O'Donnell

"Visited New Forest Wildlife Park and had a great time exploring the grounds. Loved seeing beautiful animals like lynx and wolves up close in natural-looking enclosures. The park is peaceful, well maintained, and set in a lovely forest environment. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable.

Perfect spot for families or anyone who enjoys wildlife and nature walks. Highly recommend for a relaxing and interesting day out!"

VIC

"An amazing wildlife park with beautiful well cared for animals and excellent knowledgeable friendly keepers.

We visit most weeks as annual member holders and throughly enjoy it just as much every time- and always see something different! The keeper talks are always informative and interesting and learn something new.

Their conversation work is amazing and it’s brilliant to see all the animals thriving. If I had to choose a favourite animal it would be the elusive Eurasian otter Chestnut but closely followed by the noisy Giant otter family- but love all of the animals.

I will continue to visit as frequently and renew when the year is up- I’m very excited to see what they have planned next. Keep up the great work."

Shaun West

What People Like

Well-cared-for animals
Engaging keeper talks
Close animal encounters

What People Dislike

Occasional animal hiding

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a train from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst. From Brockenhurst station, the park is a short taxi ride away. Some visitors also opt for bus services, but checking the latest schedules is recommended. Reddit

Yes, the park offers free parking for visitors, which is convenient if you're traveling by car. Instagram

Yes, it's possible. After arriving at Brockenhurst by train, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the park. Reddit

The park is located near the village of Ashurst, within the wider New Forest National Park. Brockenhurst is a nearby larger town. Instagram

The park features well-maintained paths that are generally accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it easier to explore. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but booking online in advance is often recommended for the best rates and to guarantee entry. Check their official website for current pricing. Reddit

Yes, tickets are usually available for purchase at the gate, but booking online is advised to avoid disappointment, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Look out for potential discounts for groups, families, or concessions. Annual membership holders also enjoy frequent visits. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official New Forest Wildlife Park website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. Instagram

Absolutely! With numerous animals, keeper talks, and play areas, many visitors find they can easily spend a full day exploring the park. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a wide array of animals, including otters, deer, lynx, wolves, owls, bison, and the endangered Eurasian harvest mouse. Instagram+4

Yes, the park offers regular keeper talks and animal feeding sessions throughout the day, providing educational and entertaining experiences. Reddit

The park has adventure playgrounds and interactive areas that are great for keeping children entertained during their visit. Instagram+1

Yes, the enclosures are designed to allow visitors to get quite close to many animals, and in some cases, like with the deer, you can even pet them. Reddit

The New Forest Wildlife Park is actively involved in conservation, including breeding programs for native species like the Eurasian harvest mouse. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering a selection of food and drinks. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in designated areas. Instagram

The cafe typically offers a range of options, including light meals, snacks, and beverages suitable for families. Instagram

Picnics are welcome, and there are areas where you can sit and enjoy your own packed lunch. Instagram

While specific menus can change, most park cafes offer a variety of options, so it's worth checking their current offerings. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy the local pubs and cafes in nearby villages like Burley or Ashurst for a wider dining experience. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

The natural woodland setting provides beautiful backdrops. Areas with otters, deer, and birds of prey often offer great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally encouraged for personal use, allowing you to capture memories of your visit. Instagram

While personal photography is fine, professional or commercial photography may require prior permission. Always check park guidelines. Instagram

The playful otters, graceful deer, and majestic owls are often highlights for photographers. Instagram+1

Be patient, use a zoom lens if possible, and try to capture animals in natural poses. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

New Forest Wildlife Park is a fantastic destination for families. The adventure playgrounds are a big hit with children, providing plenty of space to run and play. Instagram+1 The opportunity to see and even pet the deer is a memorable experience for younger visitors, and the playful otters are always a source of entertainment. InstagramReddit

Many families find the keeper talks to be engaging and educational for children, helping them learn about different animals and conservation. The park's layout is generally accessible for pushchairs, making it easier to navigate with little ones. Reddit Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas, which can be a budget-friendly option for families. Instagram

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers

For those who love nature and wildlife photography, New Forest Wildlife Park offers a rich environment. The naturalistic enclosures provide excellent opportunities to capture animals in settings that mimic their native habitats. Reddit Look out for the lynx, wolves, and various owl species for striking photographic subjects. Instagram+1 The otters are particularly photogenic with their energetic movements. InstagramReddit

The park's location within the New Forest National Park itself adds to the appeal, offering beautiful woodland scenery as a backdrop. Instagram+1 Early morning or late afternoon visits can provide softer light for photography. Remember to bring a camera with a good zoom lens to get close-up shots of the wildlife. Instagram

❤️ Couples & Day-Trippers

A visit to New Forest Wildlife Park makes for a wonderfully relaxing and engaging day out for couples. Strolling through the peaceful woodland paths and observing the diverse wildlife offers a tranquil escape. Instagram+1 The opportunity to get close to animals like the deer and witness the otters' antics provides shared moments of wonder. InstagramReddit

Consider timing your visit to coincide with a keeper talk for a shared learning experience. Reddit Afterwards, you can enjoy a meal at the park's cafe or explore nearby charming villages like Burley for a complete day trip experience. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The New Forest's Wild Residents

New Forest Wildlife Park is dedicated to showcasing and conserving native British wildlife. Visitors can encounter a diverse range of species, from the charismatic Eurasian otters and their playful antics to the majestic deer that roam freely in certain areas. The park also houses impressive predators like lynx and wolves, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these powerful animals. Instagram+3

Beyond the larger mammals, the park is a haven for birds of prey, including various species of owls, and plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Eurasian harvest mouse. This tiny rodent is part of reintroduction programs aimed at boosting its wild population, highlighting the park's commitment to biodiversity. Instagram+1

Many of the enclosures are designed to mimic the animals' natural habitats, providing a more authentic and enriching experience for both the animals and the visitors. This focus on naturalistic environments allows for better observation and appreciation of the wildlife. Reddit

Conservation and Education at the Park

A core mission of New Forest Wildlife Park is conservation. They actively participate in breeding programs for endangered and native species, contributing to their survival and reintroduction into the wild. The park's involvement with the Eurasian harvest mouse is a prime example of this dedication. Instagram+1

Education is also paramount. Through informative keeper talks, feeding demonstrations, and interactive displays, the park aims to educate visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and the challenges facing many species. These sessions are not only informative but also an engaging way to connect with the animals and learn about their unique behaviors and ecological roles. Reddit

Visitors often praise the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are passionate about the animals and their conservation stories. This commitment creates a more meaningful and impactful visit, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community

Travelers often recommend booking tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons. Reddit Planning your day around the keeper talks and feeding schedules is also a popular tip, as these sessions offer fascinating insights and close-up views of the animals. Reddit TikTok and Instagram content frequently showcases the playful otters and the opportunity to get close to deer, suggesting these are must-see highlights. TikTokInstagramReddit

Comfort is key, so wearing comfortable shoes is frequently advised due to the park's woodland setting and walking paths. Instagram Many visitors suggest bringing a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and the diverse wildlife. Instagram The park's natural woodland environment is a significant draw, offering a peaceful and immersive experience for all visitors. Instagram+1

For those looking for a more in-depth experience, the possibility of keeper experiences is mentioned, indicating opportunities for more hands-on engagement with the animals. Reddit The park is generally considered good value for money, with many visitors expressing a desire to return. Reddit

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