New Forest Wildlife Park

New Forest Wildlife Park offers a peaceful and immersive wildlife experience set within 25 acres of natural woodland in the heart of the New Forest. Designed around a scenic woodland trail, the park allows visitors to explore at their own pace while discovering native and European wildlife in a calm and natural setting.

The park is home to a range of fascinating species, including Asian short-clawed otters, European bison, red deer, lynx, and free-roaming wallabies. Throughout the day, knowledgeable keepers provide engaging talks and feeding sessions, giving visitors the chance to learn more about the animals and their habitats.

Families will find plenty to enjoy, with the ‘Go Wild’ and ‘Mini Go Wild’ adventure playgrounds offering a mix of slides, climbing frames, sandpits, diggers, and swings. These play areas provide a great balance of exploration and fun, making the park suitable for both younger children and older visitors.

From an accessibility perspective, New Forest Wildlife Park offers a welcoming environment for visitors with a range of needs, although its natural woodland setting does present some challenges. The park is accessible to wheelchair users, mobility scooter users, and pushchairs, but many of the pathways are made from pea shingle, which can be difficult to navigate, particularly in sections where the surface is deeper.

There are also large walkthrough enclosure doors throughout the park, which may be harder to manage independently, especially for visitors using mobility aids. Visitors may wish to plan for assistance in these areas where needed.

To support visitors with additional needs, the park provides a sensory map highlighting areas with louder noises, strong smells, darker environments, and spaces where animals roam freely. A downloadable social script is also available, helping visitors understand what to expect before arrival and reducing anxiety for those who benefit from structured planning.

Discounted entry is available for visitors with disabilities, along with free or reduced entry for one accompanying carer, subject to appropriate documentation such as a Blue Badge, Access Card, or DWP letter.

Accessible toilet facilities are located at the entrance and midway through the park, with baby changing facilities available near the entrance.

Registered assistance dogs are permitted, provided they are clearly identified and kept under control. However, access is restricted in certain areas, including Wallaby Wood, to protect both the animals and visitors.

New Forest Wildlife Park offers a more natural and relaxed wildlife experience, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor environments and woodland settings. With sensory support tools, accessible facilities, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it is a great option for visitors seeking a mobility friendly day out in Hampshire, with some consideration required for the terrain.