What's on in the area

Marwell Zoo

Daily

Cost: £14.25; 3-16 yrs £10.25; seniors £12.25; family ticket £46

Hours: 10am-6pm (4pm in winter)

Marwell Zoo is located just six miles from the centre of Winchester in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. Visitors can see everything from meerkats, penguins, zebras and tigers to rhinos and tropical birds.

The zoo is divided into different regions or areas: Aridlands, which has animals that thrive in the desert; Into Africa, with a range of animals from this huge continent; Encounter Village, with some of the more familiar creatures you can find on a farm; World of Lemurs; Tropical World, with birds, frogs, beatles and bugs you'd find in a tropical rainforest; and Roof of the World, with animals that live in high altitudes. There's also Discovery World, which is all about interactive learning, the Treetops Restaurant, where you can get some energy for the rest of your visit, and the Ark Gift Shop, where you can buy souvenirs to take home.

As with many zoos these days, the main focus here is on conservation. The zoo is a charity and entrance fees go towards its maintenance and goals. Every penny counts towards the zoo's scientific and educational work. If that's not enough, you can adopt a gibbon or one of a list of other animals.

Take your time walking round the animal enclosures, and if it all gets too much, there is a railway system within the park and another round the outside.

Marwell Zoological Park