Beale Wildlife Park

Beale Wildlife Park is a wonderful family friendly attraction in Berkshire with zoo, play areas, gardens and a miniature steam railway. Despite living just a few miles away I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t visited for several years. I took Baby Bear there for his last birthday and we had a great day. We went during a school day and the park was lovely and quiet. I also took all 3 kids after school on a Friday when we took advantage of their Fiver Friday offer (£5 each after 3pm on Fridays during term time).

Beale Wildlife Park has a growing variety of animals. They seem to be adding more and more on a regular basis. You can expect to see various birds including large birds of prey, parrots, ibis and more in large aviaries. There are peacocks roaming freely around the park.

The farmyard colllection includes donkeys, Shetland ponies, goats, pigs. You will also find otters, zebra, lynx, alpaca, lemurs, tortoises, reptiles, squirrel monkeys and more! It doesn’t feel like a huge place and yet when you look at just how many animal species are there it’s a great mix!

As well as the animals a highlight for the kids are the play areas. There’s a rope climbing play area aimed at older kids, huge bouncing pillow, Little Tikes village for under 5s and a large play area for all ages. My kids would happily spend all day in the play parks if I let them. In fact I tend to try and steer them to the animals first because once we hit the play area it’s almost impossible to drag them away!

The Little Tikes village is really cute for little ones to drive their Cozy Coupe cars around the roads and explore the little Wendy houses. Baby Bear loves it and as it’s enclosed it feels a lovely safe space for little ones to play freely.

Another highlight of Beale Wildlife Park is the lovely train ride (1 free ticket each included in your entrance fee). The ride takes about 10 minutes or so and takes you around most of the park. You can spot lots of the animals along the way. We love it!

Beale Wildlife Park is set in beautiful grounds with a lovely big pond in the middle. There are statues around the place as well and it’s lovely to wander round. They have swan boats on the pond in the warmer months which you can hire for an additional fee.

I think Beale Wildlife Park is a great day out for families, especially with kids up to the age of 10, although I’ve been with teenagers who have also enjoyed it. I’ve read a few comments about it being expensive but personally I think there’s a lot there and you can easily spend all day there. When you look at the price of many farm parks its not much difference. I guess it just depends on your budget. If you are local you could take advantage of the Fiver Friday deal for entry 3pm onwards on Fridays during term time. Under 2s get in free.

I do find the food is a little expensive but many attractions are the same. There’s loads of picnic benches so take your own with you if you want to save some pennies.

During the summer holidays the paddling pool is open and they regularly have special events during school holidays. It’s worth checking what’s on before you book so you can really make the most of your visit.

Facilities Checklist

Toilets / Disabled Toilet Yes
Pushchair / Wheelchair Friendly Yes
Disabled Access One carer admitted free, 2 wheelchairs available to borrow, disabled parking, service dogs allowed.
Dog Friendly No, service dogs only
Refreshments available Yes, 2 cafes
Car Park Yes plenty of free parking
Gift Shop Yes
Baby facilities Yes high chairs and under 5s play area.