Looking for somewhere to take the family out to these Easter holidays? We got an early look at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire’s newest attraction, and it fascinated kids
The Easter holidays are underway for many, and going to a zoo can be a great idea for a day out that the whole family can enjoy. Twycross Zoo in the East Midlands has just opened a brand new habitat that gets guests up close and personal with some of the world’s most terrifying – and endangered – creatures, and we got a first look at it.
The Leicestershire zoo has just opened its new Close Encounters – The World of Reptiles and Spiders attraction, which houses some of the world’s most endangered reptile and spider species, including the panther chameleon, the gooty ornamental tarantula (which is bright blue!) and the Chinese crocodile lizard.
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Tickets to the whole of Twycross Zoo – including the new exhibit – cost £26.95 for adults and £19.95 for children aged 3-17 when you buy online (saving 10% compared to the on-the-door price), which gets you 12 months of as many visits are you like.
Our writer Megan was one of the first people to view this new enclosure, and said it had her young daughter “enthralled”:
“Ever wanted to come face to face with a tarantula or a boa constrictor? Well, neither have we,” she admitted. “But, for the nature-loving kids out there, Leicestershire’s Twycross Zoo has officially opened Close Encounters just in time for the Easter holidays.
“Housing over 10 of the world’s most endangered species, the experience allows guests to enjoy immersive viewing areas as they spot creatures from across the globe, including the turquoise dwarf gecko, a panther chameleon, a Chinese crocodile lizard – a rare lizard that gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs – and a three-meter long boa constrictor!”
“Our little one was fascinated by the fact that the panther chameleon can move its eyes independently, meaning one can be looking right at you and the other looking at its food! The enclosure is sure to have kids enthralled this Easter, and parents alike,” she added.
Other unmissable attractions at Twycross Zoo include tigers, gorillas, giraffes and rhinos, as well as The Gruffalo Discovery Land.
For more ideals for days out this Easter, deal site Wowcher has some brilliant offers that can be used throughout April, including junior driving experiences from £16, bus tours of London from £9 per person and 77% off family tickets to Banham Zoo from just £19.
And for longer getaways, Parkdean Resorts is also offering a variety of two, three, and four-night Easter getaways in the UK, with prices starting from £149.