With the kids in Bristol: Wild Place Project

Just a stone’s throw from The Mall Cribbs Causeway is Wild Place Project, home to some of Bristol’s best animal attractions. The outdoor site, set partly in woodland, is home to giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, baboons and even wolves.

Now being January, I knew it was going to be cold, but I really didn’t appreciate how cold. I’d managed to wrap up my son pretty well with several layers, but as usual I hadn’t paid as much attention to myself. Lesson learned: wellies don’t keep your feet warm no matter how good your socks are. Almost all of Wild Place is outdoors and exposed to the elements, so bear the weather in mind for your visit.

Unlike other times of the year when the place gets very busy, January seemed a particularly good time to visit as there was hardly anyone else there (although they were probably inside keeping warm).

Our first stop in our explorations was the Edge of Africa. I wasn’t quite sure whether the animals would be about as they’re used to a more warmer climate, but our luck was in. The giraffes and zebras decided to come and say hello, and we were amazed at how close you can get to the animals. My son, Louka, was loving it, although his attention was easily distracted by the safari jeep.

I eventually managed to persuade him that we should move on, with some gentle bribery, to see some monkeys, and, as luck would have it, they were sat right next to the viewing window. Apparently not close enough for Louka as he kept saying to me, “Where’s the monkeys?” With that, we were off to Webbs Brake to see some birds.

As we entered the hide I was imaging all sorts of tantrums and arguing from the kids over who could look through the telescope but to my surprise all they were demonstrating perfect behaviour and sharing. What can I say? Perhaps it’s being out in nature that brings out the best in them.

By this point, we were not only cold but also hungry, so we decided to stop for a light lunch. The Guest Village was perfect and had plenty of options for either grabbing a snack from the café or, if you’re more prepared, using one of the adjoining rooms to eat your pack lunch. This time we went for the easy option by grabbing a snack bag.

Tummies now full, we headed off to see the cheetahs. The cold hadn’t dampened their spirits and they seemed to be enjoying the attention. In the lemur walk through, it was strictly no food allowed so I had to persuade my son to put his snack bag away, which was not easy. Unfortunately the lemurs weren’t about, but that didn’t stop us from having a little explore.

If it wasn’t so cold we would then have done the barefoot walk – something we’ll definitely try when we go back in summer, along with seeing the meerkats and the walled garden. The barefoot walk is exactly what it says, with a route through the woods on different raised areas that you do in bare feet. The children love it because it can get a little messy.

It was at this point that big black clouds started to form and I could see that we were in danger of getting very wet, so I strategically led Louka past the play areas including the fun fort, congo bongo and the central play area. As we rushed past the okapi, I could feel the droplets of rain starting to fall so my only option to persuade my son to move more quickly was to buy him a souvenir when we made it back to the shelter of the gift shop. As we headed back to the car park, I had one happy but tired little boy, and it was a lovely end to a busy day.

Prices for the Wild Place Project are £8.75 for adults, £7.25 for children and under 2’s go free. Visit www.wildplace.org.uk and book online for a 10 per cent discount.