Here's a roundup of wildlife parks and nature attractions to explore in North Yorkshire and the North East.
Wildlife parks and nature attractions to discover
Washington Wetland Centre
Location: WWT Washington, Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE38 8LE
Watch the flamingos as they strut their stuff or meet Asian short-clawed otters Mimi, Musa and their son Buster.
You could even take a stroll through the woodlands as Spring arrives at the wetlands.
Hall Hill Farm
Location: Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0TA
Ride a tractor, hold a baby chick or let a rabbit sit on your lap – you can even visit the farm to adopt an animal.
There are cows, pigs, goats, sheep, deer and alpacas to name a few who all love to be fed food from your hand.
Whitehouse Farm Centre
Location: Whitehouse Farm Centre, Morpeth, NE61 6AW
From minibeasts and reptiles to birds of prey and exotic animals (including parma wallabies and coatimundi), the farm centre has it all.
With so many animals to see, you might fancy a change of activity, so catch a lift with a tractor or stop off at The Hungry Pig Café for something to eat.
Tynemouth Aquarium
Location: Tynemouth Aquarium, Grand Parade, Tynemouth, NE30 4JF
Tynemouth Aquarium is located on Long Sands beachfront in Tynemouth and is just a 20-minute drive from Newcastle Upon Tyne city centre.
Visit the underwater oasis and see charming sea creatures swim by.
The aquarium has sea life from the local shores and tropical seas, as well as the river shallows and the deep depths of the ocean.
Northumberland Zoo
Location: Eshottheugh Farm, Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9QH
The zoo currently has 17 acres for visitors to explore with a wide range of animals to see from hissing cockroaches to fluffy snow leopards.
Grab a map on arrival and take a look at the likes of Wallaby Walkabout and Lemur Woods.
Their mission is to provide local people and visitors to the North East with the opportunity to connect with wildlife, and be educated about the environment and sustainability – all whilst helping to support conservation projects at home and abroad.
Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park
Location: Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 3FR
Animal lovers can visit Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park to see all sorts of curious creatures.
There are a few different ways to explore the park and learn about its residents – pick up a themed trail sheet, learn about the animals from the students and staff who care for them and even book an animal experience.
The park is set in a historic arboretum with woodlands to explore as well as a small play park.
Talon Falconry
Location: Lightwater Valley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT, England
See how the birds are trained and learn interesting facts about their lives.
You will get to see them in action when you watch the dramatic flying demonstrations - if you are brave enough, you can pull on a gauntlet and allow one of the trained raptors to land on your arm.
The ‘Ssssssnake Pit’ contains a growing number of reptiles and snakes from around the world. You may have the chance to handle one of these too.
There are several Rheas running around in their enclosure, plus inquisitive ferrets and fluffy rabbits to meet too.
Other places you may want to check out are the Wild Birds area with lots of feeders and bird tables, and the bird boxes with webcams so you can see what's happening inside.
