BEST MEERKAT EXPERIENCE DAYS GUIDE
"Meet the Meerkats" Experience Days UK County Guide
Meerkat mania has arrived in the UK, so it's no surprise that so many people are frantically on the hunt for memorable meerkat experience days for adults, kids and families alike! Luckily, your hunt ends here! We’ve created the ultimate guide so that no matter which UK county you’re in, from Cornwall to Cumbria, Somerset to Shropshire, you’re never more than a stone's throw from your unforgettable meerkat encounter!
FAQs!
What is a meerkat experience? - Across the UK, a range of zoos, farms and sanctuaries offer small groups the opportunity to get up close with meerkats in their enclosures. They provide you with the chance to observe the mobs (the collective term for meerkats) more carefully, learning all about the species' caring and cooperative nature. Some experiences will even let you feed the meerkats and have them climbing all over you!
Where can I see meerkats in the UK? - As you’ll find out later in this article, pretty much everywhere! We’ve been able to track down fun and informative meerkat experience days in 44/48 English counties, and we plan to update this article for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the very near future - So there’s always somewhere nearby!
How long do meerkat experiences last? - The meet and greets featured in this article vary in length, however 15-45 minutes is a typical average. Each venue sets its own length of experience based on what they believe their own meerkat mobs can handle, always prioritising the creatures wellbeing first.
Are meerkats friendly to humans? - Absolutely! This is why these experiences have blown up in the way they have due to their cute exterior being an accurate reflection of their personalities. So long as you’re calm and gentle with them, they will be calm and gentle with you!
How old do you have to be to take part in meerkat meets? - There is significant variation in age requirements across the experiences listed in this guide. We have handily included the age restrictions within this article to save you having to peruse the websites for them yourself.
What should I wear for meerkat experience days? - As many experience providers on this list are sensible enough to mention, despite being friendly fellows, meerkats do in fact have very sharp claws! So wearing full-covered shoes, long trousers and long sleeves is highly recommend, and is outright required by some providers so make sure to check the website before booking!
England
Bedfordshire - Woburn Safari Park, Bedford
Kicking off this ultimate guide is a two-in-one meerkat AND tortoise experience in Bedford! Enter the Desert Springs enclosure for some fun with slender-tailed friends before heading across to Chelonia Pathways to meet some of the world's largest land tortoises.
The experience includes a FREE guidebook and provides a special educational opportunity to learn lots about two fascinating species - and your ticket grants you free access to the entirety of Woburn Safari Park on the day of your visit, meaning your animal-loving day doesn’t end with just meerkats and tortoises. Perfect day out next time you’re in Bedfordshire!
Age restrictions: You must be 5+ to participate.
Berkshire - BCA Zoo, Maidenhead
This stunning Maidenhead-based venue plays host to a merry mob of meerkats, who in the spirit of togetherness also welcome their friendly porcupine roommate Denzel, all of whom you’ll have the opportunity to meet on your visit to BCA Zoo!
The experience lasts for 90 minutes, amongst the longest meet and greets in this whole article, providing you ample opportunity to forge a bond and learn loads about these fascinating creatures. Whether you’re a meerkat lover or not, after one footy match in the enclosure you certainly will be!
Age restrictions: You must be 7+ to participate.
Bristol - Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Bristol
If you’re a Marvel fan, head down to Bristol to meet the Avengers! Natalie, Peter, Steve, Tony and Wanda make up the Avon Valley meerkat mob, affectionately named after the famous superhero crew. Although these guys don’t have their own unique powers, they are all exceptionally talented at making their visitors’ hearts go warm and fuzzy!
This experience runs from March to September and can be purchased both for yourself and as the perfect gift for an animal-loving friend or family member. So whatever the occasion, this is a must-see attraction for those in the old ceremonial county of Avon.
Age restrictions: You must be 7+ to participate.
Buckinghamshire - Coming soon!
We are on the lookout for meerkat experiences in Buckinghamshire! If you know of one we don’t, feel free to get in touch with us at info@experiencedays.com!
Cambridgeshire - The Animal Experience, Stretham
Stretham’s Animal Experience certainly has plenty of meet and greets to offer to its visitors, but surely none more exciting than its “Meet the Meerkats” experience. Guests have the opportunity to watch and feed the gorgeous creatures, and the venue makes no apologies that you’ll definitely be used as a human climbing frame!
Meet the Meerkats provides plenty of photo and video opportunities and is an opportunity you’ll certainly never forget, and with spectators allowed for just a small additional fee, can be made even more special with friends and family!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
Cheshire - Zoo 2U, Holmes Chapel
Discover the captivating world of meerkats with Zoo2U's "Meet The Meerkats" Experience Day! Delve into the lives and antics of their friendly meerkat mob, all accustomed to human interaction. These inquisitive creatures might playfully leap onto you, as you learn about them and photograph them until your heart’s content!
You’ll get to uncover the distinct personalities of each meerkat and witness their harmonious group dynamics. These naturally curious creatures reveal their individual roles within the clan. Experience firsthand the captivating interactions and cooperation that define these charismatic animals. An absolute must next time you’re in or around Cheshire! What's even better, you can book this Meet the Meerkats Wildlife Experience today!
Age restrictions: You must be 7+ to participate. 7-12 year olds must be accompanied by an adult taking part in the experience. 13-17 year olds will need to be accompanied by a spectating adult.
City of London - London Zoo, London
In the heart of our capital in what is probably the country’s most famous zoo, you can enjoy the ultimate meerkat experience! Their expertly designed African-inspired set provides the perfect backdrop to see these little guys in their natural habitat.
You’ll get to give the meerkats their lunch in a truly special feeding and bonding session, whilst learning all about their loving and cooperative nature. We understand that when in London you’re never short of things to see or do, but you really are missing out if you don’t upgrade your London Zoo experience to come and see these cheeky little beasts!
Age restrictions: You must be 5+ to participate. All children must be accompanied by an adult
Cornwall - Alpaca Trekking Cornwall, Liskeard
As the name suggests, meerkats aren’t exactly the primary focus down in Liskeard, but opening in 2021 “Meerkats on the Moor” has quickly become a highly popular attraction, allowing photo-taking opportunities and the chance for meerkats to run around all over you!
Whilst the cuteness of these creatures is certainly the main factor, perhaps the attraction's growth is in part due to the generous inclusion of a traditional Cornish cream tea within the price of the ticket. You’ll have this to look forward to after the surprisingly exhausting nature of a meerkat experience - and there’s only one way to find out!
Age restrictions: You must be 12+ to participate.
Cumbria - Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Milnthorpe
Up in Milnthorpe, the zookeepers at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis are crazy about offering the public the chance to meet their favourite creatures! With daily encounters, the 11am meerkat session is just the first on the roster - guests can stick around after and get the opportunity to meet reptiles, monkeys and lemurs too!
The Oasis itself places a great deal of emphasis on conservation, with the zoo having seriously grown and developed over its 3 decades before in 2012 being taken over by a brand new charity: the Lakeland Trust for Natural Sciences. Come up and visit the meerkats in a caring and ethical environment in the mediaeval market town of Milnthorpe!
Age restrictions: You must be 5+ to participate.
Derbyshire - Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
Matlock Farm Park plays host to over 20 different species of animals for its daily visitors to come and observe, from pigs to peacocks, and donkeys to ducks! None so more exciting however than their meerkat mob led by their alpha female Martha!
If you’re lucky enough to go at the right time of day, you might even get to experience a meerkat feed at no additional cost! If you want a memorable meerkat visit without a huge expense and commitment, then Derbyshire’s Matlock Farm is the place to go!
Age restrictions: No specific age restrictions listed. Please check with supplier before booking.
Devon - Dartmoor Zoological Society, Dartmoor
Down in Dartmoor, the DZS are bringing the cutest meerkat feeding experiences to the people of Devon! From just outside the enclosure, you’ll get the opportunity to feed the mob live invertebrates and bonding with the meerkats in the process.
With the expert nature of the DZS, it's no surprise that this experience gives you plenty of chances to chat with the keeper and ask any questions relating to your meerkat musings! What’s even more exciting - you’ll get a certificate as a record of your unforgettable day and newfound knowledge; so get down to Darty today!
Age restrictions: You must be 6+ to participate.
Dorset - Vurlands Animal Farm, Dorchester
Vurlands has all the friendly beasts you could possibly want from a cute local farm, from ponies to wallabees, alpacas to tortoises! But of course, none more exciting that their adorable meerkats! Unlike most of the experiences on this list, they'll be watching you just as much as you're watching them. Why? Because they can be found on top of their lookout tower of course!
Although you can't go in the meerkat enclosure at Vurlands, they nonetheless offer plenty of exciting animal feeding opportunities. The donkeys and deer will both come to the gate and adorably eat the food straight out of your hands. Try not to flinch though!
Age restrictions: No specific age restrictions listed. Please check with supplier before booking.
Durham - Coming soon!
We are on the lookout for meerkat experiences in Durham! If you know of one we don’t, feel free to get in touch with us at info@experiencedays.com!
East Sussex - Drusillas Park, Polegate
A unique meerkat-based opportunity awaits you at your next visit to Drusillas Park in Polegate! Not only will you get to feed them, the Meet the Meerkats experience will take you behind the scenes into the Zoo Kitchen to help prepare the food itself, providing a more holistic and fulfilling experience!
Beyond your feeding & bonding time, this experience allows you entry to the rest of Drusillas’ thrilling attractions for the rest of the day, bringing you other animal experiences, rides and a whole host of shopping, food and drink opportunities. Drusillas Park is definitely the ultimate family day out.
Age restrictions: You must be 5+ to participate.
East Riding of Yorkshire - Bridlington Animal Park, Bridlington
Despite boasting a wide variety of animal attractions, undoubtedly the most popular experience at Bridlington Animal Park is their “Meet the Meerkats” experience - and we can see why! You will have 30 minutes to get up close and personal with their cheeky mob and learn from their keepers whilst you’re there!
The best part is you can book Yorkshire Meet the Meerkats right now! For those in Yorkshire it's a wonderful way to treat any animal lover in your life (or anybody who doesn’t mind travelling!). Book today!
Age restrictions: You must be 7+ to participate.
Essex - Call of the Wild Zoo, Chelmsford
It’s all glamour down in Essex with this unique VIP meerkat experience day! Unlike many of the other experiences in this article, Call of the Wild Zoo in Chelmsford provides you with the opportunity for a 1-1 experience in the meerkat enclosure.
Your individual experience will be the only one of that day, so you can feel extra special! It will last for 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to bond with your new friends and learn all about their personalities in the process. When in Chelmsford, make sure you head to Call of the Wild Zoo!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
Gloucestershire - Meerkats R US, Filton
If Toys R Us is like heaven for children, then perhaps Meerkats R Us is like heaven for the whole family! Based in Filton, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the alpha named Timone alongside the rest of the meerkat mob!
By only offering two experiences daily and both centred around feeding time, these meerkats are especially friendly due to a learned association between human company and food, which they famously go nuts for! If you want to meet some of the UKs friendliest meerkats, then look no further than Gloucestershire!
Age restrictions: No specific age restrictions listed. Please check with supplier before booking.
Greater London - Hobbledown, Hounslow
The first of two Hobbledown-based experiences on this list comes in the outskirts of our country's capital in Hounslow, Greater London! This experience loves to focus on the mischievous nature of meerkats, and promises positively chaotic scenes during the feeding frenzy!
Like plenty of experiences on this list, Hobbledown prides itself on the educational aspect on its meerkat meet and greet, and hence the keepers will be on hand and more than happy to answer your burning questions about all things mongoose!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
Greater Manchester - Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale
Sadly, we were unable to find a live meerkat experience in Greater Manchester with the last zoo in the county closing as far back as 1977! But it's not all bad news… A 2022 news article discusses the plans of local college Hopwood Hall to open its animal enclosures up to the public, including meerkat experiences.
So fear not Mancunians, your wait might soon be over! In the meantime, why not check out our experiences in Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire for your nearest meerkat encounters.
Hampshire - Marwell Zoo, Winchester
The Savannah Experience at Marwell Zoo is yet another team-up encounter on this list, with the opportunity to meet not only meerkats, but also yellow mongooses and servals too, with the chance to feed one of the 3 species!
To be sure your exciting day out doesn’t end there, you’ll receive free admission to the rest of Marwell Zoo for the rest of the day following the completion of the Savannah Experience, giving you the chance to make even more memories in Winchester!
Age restrictions: You must be 18+ to partake in the Savannah Experience.
Herefordshire - Hampton Court Castle, Hope under Dinmore
Unfortunately, Herefordshire does not appear to have a permanent meerkat experience feature anywhere in the county. But although they might not live there, it does look as though they've visited, with Trevor Hill bringing his touring exotic animal encounters (including meerkats) periodically to the famous Hampton Court Castle!
Stay on the look-out for future visits!
Hertfordshire - Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne
At Paradise Wildlife Park, you have the unique chance to observe the social dynamics of these captivating creatures. The experience will begin with a welcoming beverage at the Discovery Centre, followed by an introduction to one of the experienced keepers.
The keeper will guide you to a Meerkat enclosure, providing you with a health and safety briefing. Throughout the encounter, the keeper will share insights about the meerkats' behaviour, feeding patterns, habits, and natural habitat, and allow you to learn about their inquisitive nature! Definitely a worthwhile visit next time you’re in Hertfordshire!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate. U10s to be accompanied by somebody 16+
Isle of Wight - Tapnell Farm Park, Yarmouth
Take a ferry across to the Isle of Wight if you’d like to meet Dotto, Kolo, Zolo and Zura, Tapnell Farm Park’s mischievous meerkat mob! You’ll get to feed them their mealworm lunch and you’ll receive a certificate for your fine work!
Tapnell Farm Park is the Isle’s leading ecotourism business, with glamping sites, restaurants and even a water park! So if you choose to make the journey to meet these cute little fellows, you’ll have plenty else to entertain yourself with and you need look no further for accommodation!
Age restrictions: You must be 6+ to participate. U16s to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Kent - Wingham Wildlife Park, Canterbury
Experience the Meerkat magic at Wingham Wildlife Park. Get close to these quirky creatures during a 15-minute enclosure visit, surrounded by playful Meerkats eager for food and interaction. Learn from keepers, enjoy their antics, and create unforgettable memories. Your ticket also grants access to a diverse range of animals within the park.
Nestled near Canterbury in Kent, Wingham Wildlife Park is the area's fastest-growing destination for animal enthusiasts. As a family-owned park, it boasts the largest variety of species among all Kent wildlife parks and zoos. The perfect day out!
Age restrictions: You must be 9+ to participate.
Lancashire - Williamson Park, Lancaster
Managed by Lancashire County Council, Williamson Park is home 54 acres of stunning land, some of which host a small zoo, containing their resident meerkats, marmosets and minibeasts!
Although this venue doesn’t offer a specific meet-and-greet experience like some of the others, it is arguably the most visually stunning location in this list! Therefore if you choose to visit Williamson Park, there are plenty of attractions to see beyond your friendly meerkat friends, including none other than the famous Ashton Memorial, and what’s more, it's free!
Age restrictions: There is no age restriction at Williamson Park
Leicestershire - Twycross Zoo, Atherstone
With conservation at the heart of everything they do, Twycross Zoo loves to give back to those who support their efforts by offering a wide range of animal encounters with a variety of different beasts! Whilst offering unforgettable experiences such as snow leopards, giraffes and giant tortoises, they are all nothing compared to meerkats, right?
Your experience will involve helping the ranger prepare the food and then being responsible for feeding the animals! What’s more, your meerkat encounter will entitle you to discounted tickets for the rest of the Twycross Zoo experience, meaning your day is far from over. Maybe even try out some of the other meet and greets?
Age restrictions: You must be 6+ to participate.
Lincolnshire - Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, Boston
Visit Boston to come and see some of the most spoiled meerkats in the whole of the UK! Their enclosure includes such unique features as the Meerkat Western Town, Cleo’s Tequila Bar, General Store and even a Church! Your experience will be made extra special seeing these guys thrive in their awesome spacious enclosure!
Having been amongst the first animals relocated when the Parrot Zoo was renamed to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, they have clearly been spoiled by the lovely staff at this zoo, and you’ll reap the rewards when they’re climbing eagerly all over you during this special encounter. Definitely one you won’t forget in a hurry!
Age restrictions: You must be 5+ to participate.
Merseyside - Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot
Opened in 1971, Knowsley Safari Park is one of Merseyside’s best attractions, and whilst we may be biassed here, that could be in large part down to them having the good sense of running a “Meet Our Meerkats” experience day!
You’ll have a 30 minute session with the cheeky mongooses, playing a key role in the feeding time experience before gaining free entry to the rest of the safari experience. With only 3 guests per experience, you can feel confident that you’ll get ample time with your furry friends and a truly personal experience to remember!
Age restrictions: You must be 6+ to participate. U18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Norfolk - Banham Zoo (ZSEA), Norwich
Norwich’s very own Banham Zoo is famous for its conservation efforts and they do so under the expert management of the Zoological Society of East Anglia! Aside from this, they are also keen to offer memorable opportunities for the public, which is where their “Meet the Meerkats” activity comes in!
You’ll have 15 minutes to spend inside the enclosure itself, whilst the cute little fellows climb all over you, learning interesting facts about the species from ZSEA experts at the same time, what’s not to love, right? So head on over to Banham Zoo, winners of the best animal day out in the Eastern region for 2019 and go meet some meerkats!
Age restrictions: You must be 6+ to participate.
Northamptonshire - Wicksteed Park, Kettering
The meerkats of Wicksteed Park enjoy the luxury of not just any enclosure, but a whole Meerkat Manor! This unique space was designed and built by the staff of Wicksteed Park, and the friendly mongooses are in love with their new home and can’t wait to welcome you to it!
Although this experience is not a direct meet-and-greet inside the enclosure itself, the spacious design and glass walls allow the feeling of being up close with these guys without them jumping all over you! The perfect experience for anybody who wants to see meerkats close but isn’t too fond on the physical side! If we’ve just described you, get down to Kettering ASAP!
Age restrictions: Children under 0.9m must be accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 14
Northumberland - Northumberland Zoo, Morpeth
Calling all Northumberlanders, the ultimate all-inclusive meerkat experience awaits! Your ticket to “Meet the Meerkats” will include a feeding & meet-and-greet opportunity, free entry to the park after your visit, a small gift, a certificate of your experience and a complimentary drink!
To make the experience even more memorable and unique, you’ll get to meet the meerkats’ roommates, the cape porcupines! With the chance to learn about a fabulous species whilst being treated like royalty in the process, there’s never been a better reason to head to Morpeth!
Age restrictions: If under 18, participants must be accompanied by an adult into the animal park and this adult must be present at the Health and Safety briefing alongside the child to complete the Liability Disclaimer.
North Yorkshire - Flamingo Land Resort, Malton
The name of this place might not suggest it would be somewhere to see meerkats in action, but alas Flamingo Land Resort in North Yorkshire is one of many places jumping on the craze! You'll win over their hearts by feeding them their favourite treats under the supervision of their highly experienced keeper, and of course learn lots about them too!
Once your experience is complete, why not make a day of it and enjoy the other wonders the resort has to offer, not limited to flamingos (obviously!) and a whole theme park and water park. A truly incredible venue and well worth a visit. Why not even try an overnight stay?
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate. U12s must be accompanied by an adult.
Nottinghamshire - Willow Tree Family Farm, Mansfield
Family is everything at Willow Tree Farm, which is why their adorable meerkat experiences are offered in different packages with special rates and savings of over 50% for bookings in a group of 6! Each package also includes free entry to Willow Tree Farm after your experience, allowing you to enrich your adorable animal-centric experience further!
What’s more, this Nottinghamshire activity comes with a quintessential British cream tea included within your package - to make the day just that extra special! With over 400 animals to see throughout your day on top of your meerkat fun, you won’t run out of things to do at this thrilling Mansfield venue!
Age restrictions: You must be 4+ to participate. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Oxfordshire - Millets Wildside, Abingdon
During your Oxfordshire meerkat experience, the keeper will share insights about meerkats' eating habits, behaviour, habitat, and their social interactions. You'll have the opportunity to intimately engage with the group to provide them with food, that is, if they haven't already taken matters into their own paws, of course!
The best part about this experience is that we already offer the 30 minute meerkat experience in Oxfordshire, and makes a fantastic seasonal gift for anybody with loved ones in the Oxfordshire area. Book today!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
Rutland - Coming soon!
We are on the lookout for meerkat experiences in Rutland! If you know of one we don’t, feel free to get in touch with us at info@experiencedays.com!
Shropshire - Hoo Farm, Telford
For those who want that little bit longer to really connect with your favourite animal friends, this is your lucky day! Hoo Farm in Telford offers among the longest meerkat experiences in this whole article, giving you a full hour to feed, cuddle and learn about these fascinating animals.
Hoo Zoo itself is a fascinating attraction, with the farm itself believed to be over 200 years old! In that time it had served many functions; from a dairy farm to its current condition as Dinosaur World. Surely that's got to be worth a look, right?
Age restrictions: You must be 6+ to participate.
Somerset - Chew Valley Animal Park, Chew Magna
Chew Valley Animal Park’s merry mob of meerkats consists of Mary, Maurice, Melvin, Morty, Minky, Maya and Mindy! During your experience you’ll have the opportunity to meet each of these adorable fellows and hand-feed them too!
The venue itself is home to plenty of other wildlife and other meet and greets too! In fact here in Somerset, you’ll also have the chance to meet some capybara (possibly the only animal that's even cuter than a meerkat, there I said it!). Head down today!
Age restrictions: No minimum specified. U16s must be accompanied by an adult.
South Yorkshire - Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
Perhaps Yorkshire meerkats don’t feel the cold like others do because in Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster, their Meerkat Manor experience runs on selected days, 12 months a year! You’ll be given a special opportunity to get inside their enclosure, and feed them some of their favourite treats and enrichment!
Among the newer locations on this list, Yorkshire Wildlife Park only opened in 2009, but it's made tremendous progress in that time. It is now home to over 70 species of animals and prides itself on its conservation work. So if you fancy giving a (relatively) new gem a chance, head to South Yorkshire for a wonderful day out!
Age restrictions: You must be 5+ to participate. All children must be accompanied by somebody 16+.
Staffordshire - Peak Wildlife Park, Leek
Go behind the scenes with the meerkats at Peak Wildlife Park in Staffordshire. This experience is centred around feeding time to give you maximum exposure and bonding time with your favourite critters! This adventure is made even more unique as you receive a guided tour of the Caretaker Kitchen, to see the meals prepared for all the venue's animal residents.
The location makes this Staffordshire attraction among the most beautiful on this list, being located just on the edge of Peak District National Park. So rest assured there will be plenty more to see once your meerkat adventure comes to an end.
Age restrictions: No minimum age specified. All U15s must be accompanied by an adult.
Suffolk - Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stowmarket
Here we have another animal sanctuary whose name doesn’t exactly suggest that they specialise in meerkat experiences, but with meet and greets seven days a week, they are a hugely popular offering at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary!
Under the care of trained and experienced handlers, you’ll get up close and personal with their friendly meerkat mob. With the venue describing their mob as being great “toe nibblers” and having highly scratchy claws, closed toe shoes and long sleeves and trousers are highly encouraged! Once you’re inside the park, why not check out the owls whilst you’re there!
Age restrictions: No minimum age specified. All U16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Surrey - Hobbledown, Epsom
The second of two Hobbledown-based experiences on this list takes place in beautiful Epsom, Surrey! This experience loves to focus on the mischievous nature of meerkats, and promises positively chaotic scenes during the feeding frenzy!
Like plenty of experiences on this list, Hobbledown prides itself on the educational aspect on its meerkat meet and greet, and hence the keepers will be on hand and more than happy to answer your burning questions about all things mongoose!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
Tyne and Wear - Coming soon!
We are on the lookout for meerkat experiences in Tyne and Wear! If you know of one we don’t, feel free to get in touch with us at info@experiencedays.com!
Warwickshire - Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm, Atherstone
What’s better than a meerkat encounter? Answer; a three-in-one meerkat, alpaca and donkey experience - which is exactly what is offered at Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm in Warwickshire! This small and friendly farm run by Sarah is the perfect place for a relaxing family friendly day out, meeting three incredible species in the process!
What’s more, your combined experience will be so different with each animal. You’ll get to walk the alpacas, groom the donkey's fur before settling down to be climbed on by some cheeky meerkats. One thing’s for sure, you’ll be more than worn out at the end of this day at Lucky Tails - and you can book your alpaca, meerkat and donkey experience on our site today!
Age restrictions: All ages welcome!
West Midlands - Dudley Zoo and Castle, Dudley
Other meerkats on this list may have lived in some exciting and awesomely designed enclosures, but only in the West Midlands do they get to live at an actual castle! Okay, the meerkats don’t live there themselves, but why not enjoy your “Meet the Meerkats” experience before exploring the beautiful grounds of Dudley Zoo and Castle.
These experiences don’t tend to run on a daily basis, so all the more reason to make sure you head down and don’t miss out when the opportunity comes! All meerkat are tied into feeding times so you’ll have plenty of time with the lovely critters.
Age restrictions: All ages welcome!
West Sussex - Tilgate Nature Centre, Crawley
Tilgate Park in Crawley is another well renowned venue jumping on the meerkat bandwagon! Including such attractions as Go Ape’s Treetop Adventure, golf centre, watersports and more, the opportunities are endless. But as you know, we’re here to talk meerkats!
This is one of the few experiences in this list that takes place in a wheelchair accessible enclosure, so if you have a physical disability and are prepared to travel to West Sussex, you will be well accommodated! The meerkats at Tilgate are super friendly and will sit on your lap during the experience, with some venturing to your shoulders and head. Definitely not one to miss!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
West Yorkshire - Ponderosa Zoo, Heckmondwike
If you’re looking for an amazing gift for an animal lover in Yorkshire, take them to meet these three adorably fierce meerkats at Ponderosa Zoo - named Sarabi, Vitani and Zira. You can help feed them, learn more about them and their day-to-day lives as well as take a photo with them so you can remember this experience forever.
At Ponderosa Zoo, you can never run out of things to do. There are a range of animals to see, including amphibians, birds, reptiles, mammals and more! You can also become an official member, or adopt an animal!
Age restrictions: Couldn't find specific restriction. Check with supplier before booking.
Wiltshire - Longleat, Warminster
Sit a meerkat down in your lap and learn all about these little guys at Longleat Safari. Enjoy an adorable half an hour with these sweet and sociable animals as they welcome you into their enclosure. You’ll notice how attentive and curious they are as you enter their home- they find new humans very interesting!
At Longleat Safari, there are various animals that any and every animal-lover will enjoy meeting. Whether they are big or small, furry or scaly, friendly or shy, you’ll find something for everyone at this exciting adventure park.
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate. All U15s must be accompanied by an adult
Worcestershire - All Things Wild, Evesham
Spend half an hour creating strong bonds with these furry friends! You can help out with their feeding as well as generally give them some love and cuddles! Step foot into their enclosure and meet the whole gang, while the animal experts tell you more about them and their day-to-day lives. These small but lively critters love social interaction, and are a perfect gift for any animal lover, young or old.
You can meet these friendly meerkats at All Things Wild in Worcestershire. This scenic zoo is filled with all sorts of adorable and fascinating animals, including capybaras, monkeys, birds, reptiles and more!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
Rest of the UK
Despite our best efforts to produce a guide equally comprehensive for the rest of our United Kingdom, it would appear that meerkat mania hasn’t spread with quite the same ferocity in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland! So instead of listing them one per county, here is every meerkat we could find beyond the English border!
If you know of any zoos, farms or sanctuaries across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are home to meerkats, or even better, offer meerkat encounters, please get in touch! Email us at info@experiencedays.com and let us know!
Scotland
Our first Scottish meerkat experience day brings us a unique two-in-one-encounter at Fife Zoo as you get up close and personal with both a friendly meerkat mob as well as their roommates the porcupines! Combining two of the cheekiest species in the whole park is guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience full of laughter!
Fife Zoo itself is full of history, having started as an abandoned 10-acre facility; under new family ownership, with a lot of love and care it was brought back to life to create what is now home to over 15 species of animals! What’s more, its countryside location is both beautiful and accessible, and makes for a fabulous day out!
Age restrictions: No age restriction listed. U16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Fife (again!) - St Andrews Aquarium, St Andrews
We’re breaking our own rules here by bringing a second meerkat experience to the lucky people of Fife, but there’s nobody better to break that rule for than St Andrews Aquarium! This fantastic and popular attraction hosts meerkat feeding experiences not once but twice per day, meaning you’ve plenty of opportunities to come and meet your favourite furry friends!
Willis, Windsor, Dipper, Chip, Cumberland and Pepper await you on this special feeding experience day! Fancy pushing the boat out? Why not try their penguin feeding experience too for a truly different and unforgettable experience!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
Midlothian - Edinburgh Zoo, Corstorphine
The Scottish capital's flagship meerkat encounter has a totally unique name than any other experience on this list, with its “Magic Meerkat Moment” experience - and it certainly is magic! You’ll spend 30 minutes with the mischievous mob, before enjoying free entry to the rest of the park for the day, and an exclusive 10% discount to spend in the gift shop!
Edinburgh Zoo is over 100 years old and plays host to over 2,500 wonderful beasts, and as the home of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, conservation is at the heart of everything they do! So why not visit this popular Edinburgh attraction and enjoy an enriching meerkat experience?
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate. U16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Perthshire - Auchingarrich Wildlife and Adventure Park, Comrie
Although this guide certainly prioritises meerkat experience days, we can’t not mention how Auchingarrich Wildlife and Adventure Park has among the widest range of animal encounters in the country! From otters to emus, Pygmy goats to Parma wallabies, they really do have it all!
Their meerkat encounters, just like their others, provide an adorable 30 minute session with these adorable mongooses, and yes you’ll get to feed them too! So next time you’re in Perthshire, enjoy the best of a fabulous bunch of animal encounters as you meet the meerkats!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
Stirlingshire - Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling
Fridays are meerkat days at Blair Drummond Safari Park, as this wonderful Stirlingshire adventure park provides a weekly opportunity for its guests to make their experience even more special with a SOLO meerkat experience! You’ll have the chance for a personal encounter, allowing maximum time for bonding with your favourite critters!
Families and larger groups have the rest of the week to enjoy their meerkat experience, with larger group interactions available 6 days a week. So with a choice of TWO ways to enjoy your meerkat meet, there’s no reason not to visit next time you’re in lovely Stirlingshire!
Age restrictions: You must be 8+ to participate.
Wales
Caerphilly - The Meadows Village Farm, Caerphilly
Just 30 minutes from Cardiff in South Wales, the Meadows Village Farm is home to a cheerful mob of meerkats! Your experience will involve lots of cuddles with your 12-foot friends as well as feeding and photo opportunities aplenty. Your ticket will also afford you access to the farm for the rest of the day!
In this article we’re all about the cutest of critters, so it would be rude not to mention that this Caerphilly venue is also home to an adorable pygmy goat experience! So if you want to double up and make your Meadows Village Farm experience even more special, then why not meet these lovely littles guys too?
Age restrictions: You must be 4+ to participate. U16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Conwy - Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay
With only 2 meerkat encounters in the whole of Wales, it makes sense to see them spread out with our second encounter taking us 4 hours Northwards to Colwyn Bay! Welsh Mountain Zoo gives you an opportunity for an informative and fascinating 1-2-1 with the meerkats keeper to learn all about them, whilst giving you 20-30 minutes to spend with your furry friends!
Welsh Mountain Zoo is also widely renowned for its conservation efforts and ethical practices, especially for an establishment of its size. So if you’re somebody whose highly conscious about such matters, you can visit this excellent Conwy attraction with confidence!
Age restrictions: You must be 7+ to participate. U18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Isle of Anglesey - Pili Palas Nature World, Menai Bridge
On the beautiful Isle of Anglesey in the North West, you’ll find that rarest of beasts in Wales, a mob of meerkats! The bad news is there is no direct meerkat encounter on offer at this venue, but Pili Palas Nature World makes for a fantastic day out and deserves a place on this list nonetheless!
There’s plenty to see and enjoy inside including bird and butterfly houses, lizard land, pets corner and of course most importantly, meerkat tunnel! Meanwhile outside, you’ll enjoy the farmyard and barn, nature trail, jungle towers and more! If you’re looking to occupy some time on your peaceful trip to Anglesey, there really is nowhere better!
Age restrictions: There is no age restriction at Pili Palas Nature World.
Swansea - Plantasia Tropical Zoo, Swansea
Back in the South, you’ll find a cheerful mob of meerkats at Plantasia Tropical Zoo in Swansea! Unfortunately, once again there’s no opportunity for feeding and cuddles at this venue, which is perhaps explained by the fact that they play host to over 50 meerkats, which might be ever so slightly too many to handle!
If you’re in Swansea and still fancy that experience to make your day that little bit extra memorable, how about instead trying their crocodile feeding experience! You’ll learn all about these snappy fellows as they pop their head above water and take their feed from you! An experience you won’t want to miss!
Age restrictions: You must be 11+ to participate. U16’s must be accompanied by an adult. (Crocodile encounter)
Northern Ireland
Antrim - Belfast Zoo, Belfast
So to the best of our knowledge, Belfast Zoo is home to Northern Ireland’s ONLY meerkats! This should be considered a source of great shame for the country considering how adorable they are, with 5 whole counties full of people living exclusively meerkat-less lives! So if you become aware of any others, please do get in touch with us at info@experiencedays.com!
If you are however lucky enough to visit Belfast Zoo to see these lovely guys, then make sure to stick around for their daily 2:15pm feeding time to get the most out of your experience. Unfortunately there’s no opportunity to get up close with these particular meerkats, but I suppose you could always make the journey to the British mainland as there’s plenty over there!
Age restrictions: There is no age restriction at Belfast Zoo.
