Description
Finding the best things to do with kids in Bristol brings families straight to Old Down Country Park, a sprawling 66-acre historic estate and wildlife park located in Tockington. This scenic outdoor sanctuary allows children and adults to meet farm animals, explore woodland trails, and enjoy extensive adventure play areas.
Standard general admission prices start from £9.95 for adults and £10.50 for children aged 2 to 15. Family tickets for two adults and two children are available for £39.00, and children under the age of 2 enter completely free of charge. Visitors can purchase admission tickets online or at the entrance gate to start their family day out.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines open countryside views with fantastic play facilities, this South Gloucestershire venue offers a brilliant experience. Its daily animal encounters, giant jumping pillow, and Victorian walled garden make it a top choice for families.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Severn Estuary Viewpoints: Scenic walking trails across the 66-acre estate offering sweeping views across the countryside.
- Thornbury Castle: Historic Tudor castle and luxury hotel located just a short drive away in the neighbouring market town.
- The Mall Cribbs Causeway: Major retail and leisure destination situated within easy driving distance for family shopping trips.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently praise the relaxed, open atmosphere of the park, noting that it never feels overly overcrowded compared to larger commercial theme parks.
- Children love the freedom of the adventure playground, especially the giant jumping pillow and the zip wire.
- The venue is widely celebrated for being exceptionally dog-friendly, allowing families to bring their family pets along for the walk.
- Staff members are frequently commended for being warm, welcoming, and great with children during daily animal handling sessions.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Because much of the park is set across open countryside fields and grassy terrain, paths can become muddy during wet winter months.
- The on-site car park can fill up quickly during peak sunshine weekends and school holidays.
- Standard entry tickets purchased online are non-refundable if unexpected weather changes your plans.
Attractions and Experiences:
- Main Adventure Playground: Features a zip wire, climbing frames, and a giant jumping pillow.
- Toddler Play Area: Includes a sandpit, small slides, see-saws, and a wooden tractor.
- Animal Barn: Houses farm animals including pigs, sheep, cows, and small pets like guinea pigs.
- Paddock Fields: Home to free-roaming or fenced outdoor animals like highland cows, alpacas, donkeys, and Shetland ponies.
- Daily Animal Encounters: Scheduled keeper-led sessions held at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- Victorian Walled Garden: Enclosed historic garden featuring a kitchen garden and pergola walkway.
- Taxus Baccata Maze: Permanent evergreen maze open year-round for family exploration.
- Dog Exercise Area: A dedicated off-lead trial space featuring a mini agility course for visiting family dogs.
- The Barn Café: On-site eatery serving breakfast, lunch, and homemade cakes.
- Estate Farm Shop: Retail spot stocking local independent produce and seasonal estate goods.
New for 2026:
- Expanded Animal Habitats: Newly updated enclosures within the animal barn designed to support improved species welfare and visitor viewing.
- Enhanced Estate Walking Trails: Refreshed pathway markers across the 66-acre grounds for smoother pushchair access.
- Updated Seasonal Events Calendar: Expanded schedules featuring community events such as spring fairs and low-noise autumn fireworks.
6.94 miles
