Name: Shepreth Wildlife Park
Rating: 5.0

Shepreth Wildlife Park

Shepreth Wildlife Park, Station Road, Shepreth, Royston, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Shepreth Wildlife Park is a family-run conservation charity and zoo that has been a favorite for local families for over 40 years. Located near Royston, the park offers an intimate setting where you can get close to a diverse collection of animals, ranging from majestic Sumatran tigers to tiny, fascinating leaf-cutter ants. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in South Cambridgeshire for an active and educational outdoor adventure.

Prices start from £13.95 for children when booked as standard day admission. The park offers excellent value with a "Train Ticket Discount" that reduces entry to just £12.00 for those arriving by rail, supporting their commitment to sustainability. Under-2s are welcomed for free, making it an affordable choice for families with toddlers.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that balances fun play areas with meaningful wildlife education, Shepreth Wildlife Park is a top-tier choice. Unlike larger zoos, its manageable size means you can explore every corner without exhausting little legs. The park’s dedication to rescue and rehabilitation also provides a great talking point for children to learn about nature conservation.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Sensory Play: The Ringo’s PlayBarn features an interactive iSandBOX where children can use their hands to sculpt landscapes and watch virtual water and wildlife react to their touch.
Interactive Exhibits: The Nocturnal House allows kids to walk through a darkened habitat to spot fruit bats and other creatures that come out after the sun goes down.
Educational Day Out: Daily keeper talks provide professional insights into the lives of the resident tigers, red pandas, and otters, explaining their conservation status and habits.
Animal Encounters: Families can book VIP experiences, such as the "Mini Keeper" session, to get a hands-on look at what it takes to care for exotic animals.

Highlights for Families

The Bat Cave: A walk-through enclosure within the Nocturnal House where you can observe fruit bats hanging and flying just overhead.
Sumatran Tigers: Visit the impressive tiger enclosure to see one of the world's most endangered big cats; the keeper talks here are highly recommended for older children.
African Sands: This sunny area is home to the park's tortoises and turacos, offering a bright and warm contrast to the woodland trails.
Red Panda Habitat: One of the most popular residents, the red pandas can often be seen climbing through the trees or napping in their high-up houses.
Tropical House: Step into a humid environment filled with colorful birds, reptiles, and insects, including the intricate world of the leaf-cutter ants.

Detailed Inventory

Resident Animals: Sumatran Tigers, Red Pandas, Asian Short-clawed Otters, Meerkats, and Ruffed Lemurs.
Reptile & Bug House: Features tarantulas, white spot assassin bugs, and various snakes and lizards.
Bird Collection: Includes Birds of Prey displays and residents like the Great Grey Owl.
Play Zones: Ringo’s PlayBarn (Indoor Soft Play) and the outdoor climbing frames and slides.
Beyond the Main Attraction: The park is located right in Shepreth village, which features the nearby Teacake tearoom for a traditional snack after your visit.
New for 2026: Please be aware of GCP roadworks in the village throughout 2026; visitors are encouraged to use the train for the easiest access.

Facilities

Lockers & Storage: Limited storage for smaller items is available at the gift shop.
Buggy Parking: Designated areas are available outside the main indoor exhibits and play areas.
Food & Drink: Ringo’s Cafeteria is open daily (10:30 am – 4:00 pm), serving hot meals, snacks, and "boxed lunches" for kids.
Toilets: Located in four convenient spots around the park, including the main entrance and the PlayBarn.

What to see

What Visitors Love

Friendly Atmosphere: Parents frequently highlight that the staff are approachable and happy to share their knowledge during animal feedings.
Manageable Size: Many families appreciate that the park is large enough to be interesting but small enough to navigate with toddlers in a few hours.
Clean Facilities: The indoor play area and cafeteria are noted for being well-maintained and clean.
Value for Money: Especially when using the train discount, visitors feel the entry price is fair for the variety of animals and play areas available.

What Visitors Don't Like

Limited Parking: On-site car parking is restricted and can fill up very quickly on weekends and school holidays.
Café Crowds: The cafeteria can get very busy during peak lunch hours (12:00 pm – 1:30 pm), leading to shorter wait times for food.
Train Interruptions: While the station is next door, any rail strikes or weekend maintenance can make the park much harder to reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers?: Yes, it is highly recommended for toddlers because under-2s enter for free and the park's compact layout is perfect for little ones who are just starting to walk. The Splash Pad (seasonal) and the dedicated toddler section in the soft play area provide safe spaces for them to burn off energy.
How long does a visit take?: A typical family visit takes between 2 and 4 hours, which is enough time to walk the animal trails, attend a keeper talk, and enjoy the play areas. If you choose to have lunch at Ringo’s Cafeteria, you may want to allow for the full 4 hours.
Where is the best place to park?: The best place to park is the on-site car park at the entrance, but as spaces are limited, it is wise to arrive exactly at 10:00 AM. In 2026, due to village roadworks, the park strongly advises visitors to use the train instead for a smoother journey.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Cambridge?: For families looking for budget-friendly options, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences and the Museum of Zoology in central Cambridge both offer free entry. Combining a morning at Shepreth with a free museum visit is a great way to enjoy a full day of "cheap indoor activities in Cambridge".

Get closer to nature today! Book your tickets here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (16+): £15.95
Child (2–15 years): £13.95
Concession (65+ or Student): £14.95
Under 2s: Free

Pricing URL: https://visitsouthcambs.co.uk/activities/shepreth-wildlife-park/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The park offers three main packages: the Wildlife Party, the Mini-Keeper Party, and the Mini-Keeper Deluxe Party.

Wildlife Party: Includes a lunch box, private party room, and admission for £100 for up to 5 children, then £14 per additional child.
Mini-Keeper Party: Includes a guided tour and animal feeding for £115 for up to 5 children, then £15 per additional child.
Mini-Keeper Deluxe: Features a pizza-making experience and deluxe party bags for £150 for up to 5 children, then £20 per additional child.

Direct Link for Birthday Parties: Party Packages Information.

Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:00 PM)
Note: Ringo's Cafeteria closes at 4:00 PM.

Address: Shepreth Wildlife Park, Station Road, Shepreth, Royston, UK

Post Code: SG8 6PZ

Council: South Cambridgeshire

County: Cambridgeshire

By Train: Take the Great Northern line from London King's Cross or Cambridge. The station is a 2-minute walk from the park entrance.
By Car: Use SG8 6PZ. From the A10, follow signs for Shepreth. Limited free parking is available on-site.