Liberty's Raptor and Reptile Centre - Days out in Hampshire
Liberty's Raptor and Reptile centre is situated near Ringwood. It is ten miles from Bournemouth and is very close to the A31 road that runs through the New Forest. Liberty's is also a rescue centre for many wild injured Birds of Prey. They fund medical treatment and rehabilitation of these birds and ensure their safe release back to the wild. The attraction offers Dog Kennels for visitors and has baby changing facilities.
If you travelled to the attraction by car is adequate parking provided by the attraction?
Plenty of free parking. Not near any railway stations.
What was the cost for you and your family to enter the attraction?
An adult ticket is £6.50, child ticket is £4.95. Family tickets are £19.95 for 2 adults and 2 children.
Please briefly describe the nature of the attraction (zoo, farm etc)
The attraction is mainly home to a large number of Birds of Prey with a fairly small reptile centre.
How "buggy friendly" is the attraction?
Very. You are however required to go onto a field for the bird flying display.
Is the attraction mainly outdoor or indoor? If outdoor, what indoor activities (if any) are available during bad weather?
90% outdoor with exception of restaurant and reptile centre.
Can the attraction be enjoyed by all ages of children? If not, why not and what age is it best suited for?
I would recommend this attraction is better for children over 6 or 7.
Can food be purchased at this attraction?
Yes - a small cafe with plenty of tables.
Did the attraction cater for differing tastes i.e. Vegetarian, healthy food option?
Not that I noticed, cafe was geared towards cake and tea and burgers.
Are there facilities for people wishing to bring a picnic to the attraction?
There are quite a few "pub" bench tables dotted around the attraction with some being undercover.
Did you find the toilet facilities clean?
Adequate.
Do you feel it is possible to see the whole attraction in one day?
Yes. I would suggest you could see the attraction in 2 hours including a 30 minute flying display.
Are there other attractions or activities to pay for in addition to the entrance fee (other than food and drinks)?
No.
What was the highlight of the day?
At the flying display we saw an African Eagle in flight, an African vulture and a Brown Owl. The flying was spectacular and the talk given with the display was very educational. You get to be very close to the birds.
From your experience, what advice would you offer to other visitors of the attraction?
Take a picnic. Ring in advance to find the times of the flying displays as this is the best bit. Tel. 01425 476487. Take a camera as you get amazingly close to some beautiful birds of prey.
What areas would you suggest visitors make sure they experience, and why?
The Flying display.
What improvements could be made to make the attraction better, if any?
More reptiles.
Overall what are your feelings about the attraction?
The bird keepers were very knowledgable about the birds and seemed passionate about their job, the attraction looks old and is not very big. I would recommend a visit if you like birds of prey but I would not visit for the reptiles.
Please rate this attraction out of 5 stars. (1 is poor and 5 is excellent). Please consider if you are rating a Zoo/Farm type attraction, take into account the apparent care of the animals as this would and should be a primary concern for the running of the attraction. For example the standard of the facilities for visitors at one of these attractions would probably not be the same as in a theme park.
4 stars
Finally, do you have any other information about the attraction that may be of interest to future visitors?
The attraction runs Flying experience days that can be booked in advance. These run from September to May for ages 16 and over.Liberty's Centre
What do you think?
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