After a couple of recommendations of Thorp Perrow we decided to head up for a sunny Sunday day out.
We arrived around one-ish and we were guided into a parking place. The car park looked pretty busy. Half shocked because we’d never seen a single car there when driving past and half not because the sun had decided to come out after a week of rainy and miserable weather.
Parking was free and entry cost us £10.95 each. Lily was free as are all under 4’s.
The lady at the desk was lovely and explained where everything was and gave us our map. She pointed out the toilets, the times for the Bird of Prey displays and where to go for the Takeaway Tea Room and off we went exploring.
Food and Drink at Thorp Perrow
Our first stop was to grab some lunch, due to covid it was takeaway only. Thankfully the sun was shining and there were plenty of picnic benches and grass to sit on. We both grabbed a sandwich; a little bit on the pricey side at £3.95 each but also kind of inline with a garden centre cafe style cutesy tearoom. There was also plenty of hot food and also some delicious looking cakes for sale.
We took our sandwiches and headed off to find a picnic bench, lucky for us there were quite a few free ones. For the price the sandwiches were infact really good. I went for a tuna and cucumber and Chris got a cheese and pickle, both very happy with our choices haha!
If I’m honest though, we should have brought a picnic. We were surrounded by families on picnic blankets eating and drinking food they’d brought from home.
Some places we’ve visited in the past, although picnics are welcomed it can almost feel like you’re doing something wrong. Thorp Perrow seemed to welcome them which is always nice to know!
The Animals in the Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre
After walking around for a while we stumbled across the Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre. Thorp Perrow should shout about this!
The lady at reception had told us there were bird flying display at 1pm and 3.30pm so we were heading that way anyway but didnt expect to come across free roaming chickens, ducks and then find goats, meerkats and even a wallaby walkthrough! (Sadly due to covid the wallaby walkway was closed but we could still see them)
Just around the corner from the mammals are Thorp Perrows Birds of Prey. And plenty of them!
We walked around twice, because of course Lily was asleep the first time around. They have lots of different breeds of Owls, Falcons, Hawks and they even have some laughing Kookaburra who even did their dawn chorus for us which was so cool to hear!
What else is there to do at Thorp Perrow?
Thorp Perrow is classed as an Arboretum. I had to google this (lollll) but it basically means lots and lots of trees. And lots of trees there were!
We walked for miles, got lost a couple of times and found our way back. Theres different walkways and routes you can follow. Equally you can just free roam like we did. Plenty of space to run around for the little ones and a big wooden play park which is a nice touch.
Big ponds to wander around and we even got to see some adorable ducklings!
Dogs are also welcome, although can’t go into the Bird of Prey or Mammal Centre understandably.
Thorp Perrows Accessibility
Although there are lots of grassy areas, Thorp Perrow is completely set up for pushchairs and wheelchairs alike.
Walkways are finely gravelled and there are no steps to contend with.
Without a doubt we will be returning to Thorp Perrow.
A really relaxing day and even better in the sun!
