Description
Finding the best things to do with kids in Fairseat brings families straight to the Hemsley Conservation Centre, an intimate independent zoo and conservation sanctuary located in Kent. This popular family visitor attraction allows children to discover rare and endangered animals from around the world through educational talks and walk-through habitats.
Standard online adult admission tickets start from £16.77, while child tickets for visitors aged 2 to 14 start from £12.05. Babies and toddlers aged 2 and under enter completely free of charge. Visitors can spend hours exploring the compact grounds, meeting unique mammals, and discovering species dedicated to global conservation.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines close-up animal encounters with wildlife education, this Kent zoo offers exceptional value. Its engaging keeper talks, fascinating small mammal exhibits, and friendly atmosphere make it a top choice for a memorable family weekend trip.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Trosley Country Park: Expansive nearby woodland reserve featuring nature trails and panoramic North Downs views.
- Brands Hatch Circuit: Famous motor racing venue located a short drive away.
- Ightham Mote: Historic National Trust moated medieval manor house situated nearby.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently highlight the friendly, uncrowded atmosphere that makes visiting with young children stress-free.
- Children love the close-up proximity to animals during walkthrough enclosures and keeper talks.
- The knowledgeable staff receive high praise for answering kids' questions enthusiastically during feeding times.
- Visitors appreciate the manageable size of the zoo, which prevents tired legs for younger toddlers.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some reviewers note that the car park can fill up quickly during peak weekend periods.
- Catering queues can lengthen during peak lunch hours in the main tearoom.
- Public transport requires catching a connecting bus from nearby regional train stations.
- The physical footprint is compact, meaning it requires less time than large national safari parks.
Park Attractions and Exhibits:
- Meerkat Enclosure: Open-air habitat for the resident mob.
- Squirrel Monkey Walkthrough: Immersive primate zone.
- Otter Aquatic Habitat: Multi-level water pool area for Asian short-clawed otters.
- Tapir and Capybara Paddock: Shared wetland enclosure.
- Maned Wolf Habitat: Specialized grassland enclosure for maned wolves.
- Ocelot Woodland Zone: Secure habitat for spotted wild cats.
- Binturong Exhibit: Tree-top enclosure for bear-cats.
- Porcupine Quarters: Dedicated rocky habitat for African crested porcupines.
- Rainforest Tearooms: On-site family eatery and gift counter.
- Visitor Picnic Lawns: Outdoor tables for family lunch breaks.
New for 2026:
- Upgraded Rainforest Tearooms Menu: Expanded hot food choices and kid-friendly lunch options.
- Enhanced Step-Free Trail Loops: Resurfaced pathways connecting the main entrance directly to primate and otter enclosures.
- Interactive Digital Keeper Boards: Modern touch-free display pods providing updated conservation facts along the visitor route.
11.10 miles
