If you’ve got a child who’s animal-obsessed like mine, you’ll know how quickly you work your way through all the local zoos, farms and wildlife parks. We’ve visited just about every animal attraction within driving distance more times than I can count. So when Arlo suddenly developed a fascination with Capybaras and Caimans, I started searching for somewhere different. That’s how we ended up at Rodbaston Animal Zone, and it turned out to be such a lovely day out that I had to share it here.
Rodbaston is located near Penkridge, in Staffordshire, and it’s part of South Staffordshire College. The animal zone itself is open to the public on selected days and is home to over 750 animals, including some you wouldn’t usually expect to see at a smaller attraction. It’s also a centre for conservation and education, with students studying subjects like animal care and zoology on site, so the entire space has a real sense of purpose.
We visited on a slightly drizzly Saturday early in the year, and I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect. We arrived just after lunch and found it was incredibly quiet. In fact, for most of our visit, we felt like we had the place to ourselves. That might not always be the case, especially in the warmer months, but even if it does get busier I can see it still having a calm and laid-back feel. There’s plenty of space to explore, and the enclosures are spread out enough that it doesn’t feel crowded.
What stood out straight away was how friendly and knowledgeable the staff were. Arlo tends to ask a lot of questions, and every member of staff we spoke to was happy to chat to him and share facts about the animals. It’s the kind of place where you feel like everyone genuinely cares, both about the animals and the people visiting. The enclosures themselves were clean and well-designed, and I noticed loads of enrichment activities, from toys and feeding puzzles to clever hide-and-seek spaces. It was obvious the animals were well looked after.
One of the highlights for Arlo was the reptile area. He was completely fascinated by all the snakes, lizards and amphibians, and spent ages looking into each tank. The viewing windows are all at child-friendly height, and many of them are designed so little ones can get really close without disturbing the animals. We had a great time trying to spot the porcupines too, which were hiding away but eventually made an appearance. A few of the animals even seemed quite interested in Arlo, which made things even more exciting. The otters in particular were very playful and followed him along the glass, and one of the monkeys came right up to say hello.
For me, the big surprise was the price. Entry for adults is £9 and children are just £6, with under-threes going free. That felt really reasonable compared to other days out, and at the time we visited there was a special offer running too. It’s always nice to find something budget-friendly that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Everything from the animal variety to the layout and the overall experience felt really thoughtfully done.
The animal talks and feeding times were another bonus. There’s a board near the entrance where you can check what’s happening throughout the day, and I’d definitely recommend planning your visit around those if you can. They’re a great way to learn more and see the animals a bit more active, especially with species like the otters and monkeys. It also helps keep kids engaged as you move around the site, knowing something exciting is coming up soon.
Facilities-wise, there’s a small café on site with snacks, drinks and a few lunch options. Prices were very reasonable and there was a relaxed atmosphere. If the weather’s on your side, there are picnic benches dotted around and a decent outdoor play area too, so it’s easy to take a break. There’s also a short walk around the back where you can see more traditional farm animals like sheep, pigs and goats, with plenty of space to run around and explore. Even though it had been raining earlier, the paths weren’t too muddy and it was all pushchair friendly.
Another thing I liked was that it felt like a work in progress in the best possible way. There were signs of new enclosures being built and ongoing improvements, which made me think it’s only going to get better. It’s lovely to visit somewhere that’s not only focused on giving visitors a good day out, but is also investing in animal welfare and education behind the scenes.
If you’re looking for a family day out that’s affordable, educational and packed with animal encounters, Rodbaston Animal Zone is a brilliant choice. It might not be as well-known as some of the bigger wildlife parks, but that actually adds to its charm. It feels personal, relaxed and genuinely engaging for kids who love animals. Whether you’re local or visiting the area, it’s well worth adding to your list.
A few tips if you’re planning a visit:
• Check the website for opening days and feeding times so you can make the most of your trip
• Dress for the weather, but don’t worry too much if it rains – there are lots of indoor barns to explore
• Bring a few snacks or a picnic if the café isn’t your thing, though we found it great for a quick treat
• Give yourself at least a couple of hours to wander, especially if your kids like to stop and observe everything
We’ll definitely be heading back, especially once those new enclosures are open. It’s the kind of place you can visit again and again, especially with younger children who enjoy a slower pace and a more hands-on animal experience. Arlo hasn’t stopped talking about the Caiman since we got home, so I think that’s a pretty good sign that it made an impression.