Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Filby: Hours, Address, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
17 within 3 miles
Filby Bridge Restaurant at Filby Broad
339
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • British • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Kings Arms Fleggburgh
1,017
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • British • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Boathouse
1,000
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Kings Head
20
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
The Waterside
558
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • British • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
Broadland Nurseries
12
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
The Ferry Inn
697
2.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Planet Spice
446
2.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Balti
The Jolly Farmers
231
2.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Ormesby Traditional Fish & Chips
52
2.5 mi$ • Fast Food • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
71 within 6 miles
Caister Castle Motor Museum
391
2.6 miSpeciality Museums
Time and Tide Museum
1,024
Speciality Museums
Winterton Dunes
129
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
Caister-on-Sea Beach
377
Beaches
Hemsby Beach
432
Beaches
Caister Lifeboat Station
163
Speciality Museums
Yarmouth Stadium
586
Dog Tracks • Auto Racing Tracks
Joyland
1,226
Amusement & Theme Parks
Burgh Castle
171
Castles
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
555
Gardens
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,112 reviews
Excellent
681
Very good
306
Average
76
Poor
29
Terrible
20
Jenson
2 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Lovely little place to visit.
lots to see and nice play area for children
Food was fine.
Toilets clean
lots to see and nice play area for children
Food was fine.
Toilets clean
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sheila M
6 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Been visiting this zoo for past 12years while on holiday in Hemsby. Not too big & once saw the crocodile being fed with a chicken on a pole. All the animals look good. Gibbons are noisy at times calling. The pink bird is chatty in aviary. Cafe is reasonable. I will be back in June for a nice day out
Written May 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ryan T
London, UK15 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We visited for the first time ever on Good Friday and expected a standard zoo however it turned into a great unique experience. The zoo was very small so you will be finished in a couple of hours but there was so many great things, we particularly loved the walkthroughs in the gardens with the birds and the indoor avery section. The best part was the Alligator and crocodile walkthrough which you wont find any better in the UK!
The Tigers were under veterinary treatment so were not very active but we managed to see one of them up close as the housing was right by the paths.
The gift shop also had plenty of different things for sale so there was something for everyone.
All in all we had a great morning here and have recommended it to anyone traveling towards Great Yarmouth in future.
The Tigers were under veterinary treatment so were not very active but we managed to see one of them up close as the housing was right by the paths.
The gift shop also had plenty of different things for sale so there was something for everyone.
All in all we had a great morning here and have recommended it to anyone traveling towards Great Yarmouth in future.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Matt R
Carshalton, UK37 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
I love this place! You can get very close to the animals and there's plenty to see. The red pandas are a real treat. If you like big cats you'll also be pleased and their swamp house full of gators and crocs is fantastic. Definitely worth a visit....the only negative is that there needs to be more of it to see!!
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hannah L
1 contribution
Apr 2022
My husband and I have been to Thrigby a few times now. First in 2019, then 2021 for the first time as a family, and now 2022. It has steadily gone downhill in this time.
2019 was great, happy animals in clean enclosures.
In 2021 we were disappointed because the reptile house wasn't open, fine, still in a pandemic (mostly) but this information should have been made clear at the point of ticket purchase or at the gates. Still, a fair amount to see and the animals still seemed well kept.
This year was horrid. The reptile house, while recently renovated, was grubby at best and down right dirty in some enclosures. The crocs/alligators seemed well cared for at least, but the same couldn't be said for the turtles. There are a couple of pools where in 2019 turtles had been homed. I'm hoping they don't live there now, but there were a few fish I couldn't help but feel sorry for.
In the rainforest walk through, there is a snake (Mangrove sanke?) which seemed to be having a bad shed, fine, as a former snake owner I know this can happen, but this poor snake didn't look well. Decent sized enclosure for him though, but not a lot of water. Can assume from the name that they live in mangroves... which have quite a bit of water. Daughter liked the Tokay Gecko. Not a lot else on exhibit here, can probably assume the animals have passed.
Couldnt see any otters and the enclosure's water looked foul.
The red pandas were very active and lovely to see.
The warty pigs seemed happy enough.
The tigers were confined to one half of their enclosure while it is being updated. Gotta be done.
In the smaller cat area, there's no longer a golden cat and half of the enclosures were empty (but clean so that's something)
Can't speak for the Aviary or wild walkway area as we cut our time short.
I'm so disappointed. Thrigby used to be a lovely place to bring little ones and it was a good starter zoo if you have a toddler who wants to walk everywhere. Now it's just depressing, and I say this as someone who loves zoos and thinks that (generally) the work they do is amazing. I don't feel that a (private collection) zoo that seems to struggle to care for its own animals can be helping with conservation.
Save your money and go to Banham Zoo or Africa Alive. I wish we had.
2019 was great, happy animals in clean enclosures.
In 2021 we were disappointed because the reptile house wasn't open, fine, still in a pandemic (mostly) but this information should have been made clear at the point of ticket purchase or at the gates. Still, a fair amount to see and the animals still seemed well kept.
This year was horrid. The reptile house, while recently renovated, was grubby at best and down right dirty in some enclosures. The crocs/alligators seemed well cared for at least, but the same couldn't be said for the turtles. There are a couple of pools where in 2019 turtles had been homed. I'm hoping they don't live there now, but there were a few fish I couldn't help but feel sorry for.
In the rainforest walk through, there is a snake (Mangrove sanke?) which seemed to be having a bad shed, fine, as a former snake owner I know this can happen, but this poor snake didn't look well. Decent sized enclosure for him though, but not a lot of water. Can assume from the name that they live in mangroves... which have quite a bit of water. Daughter liked the Tokay Gecko. Not a lot else on exhibit here, can probably assume the animals have passed.
Couldnt see any otters and the enclosure's water looked foul.
The red pandas were very active and lovely to see.
The warty pigs seemed happy enough.
The tigers were confined to one half of their enclosure while it is being updated. Gotta be done.
In the smaller cat area, there's no longer a golden cat and half of the enclosures were empty (but clean so that's something)
Can't speak for the Aviary or wild walkway area as we cut our time short.
I'm so disappointed. Thrigby used to be a lovely place to bring little ones and it was a good starter zoo if you have a toddler who wants to walk everywhere. Now it's just depressing, and I say this as someone who loves zoos and thinks that (generally) the work they do is amazing. I don't feel that a (private collection) zoo that seems to struggle to care for its own animals can be helping with conservation.
Save your money and go to Banham Zoo or Africa Alive. I wish we had.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Elly H
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Family
My daughter is 18 and a full time wheelchair user, over the years we’ve been to similar places and have struggled with all exhibits being accesible. Not here though, we had a lovely day as a family seeing everything together.
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cosmos
Norwich, UK2 contributions
Apr 2022
I am generally not a fan of zoos however sometimes you have to do what the youngsters want to do, I will definitely not be visiting here again.
Firstly, the enclosures are far too small and it is not right for these beautiful animals to be living like this! I felt really sad for them. These are wild animals, they should be out in the open and not pacing up and down behind a fence for the sake of public entertainment, we should feel like we are in their territory and not them in ours. These animals need more space, we should be behind the fence while watching them thrive in their territory.
Secondly, I took my granddaughter for a nappy change and the changing facility was terrible! The changing table was in the open, no privacy of a closed cubicle. The table was filthy, the floor was wet and there was nowhere to hang the changing bag! Needless to say the nappy was left unchanged until we got to the car.
On a positive note, the kiddies enjoyed their time there but I will be saving my money for and African safari to show them how these animals should be living. The play areas were great.
Firstly, the enclosures are far too small and it is not right for these beautiful animals to be living like this! I felt really sad for them. These are wild animals, they should be out in the open and not pacing up and down behind a fence for the sake of public entertainment, we should feel like we are in their territory and not them in ours. These animals need more space, we should be behind the fence while watching them thrive in their territory.
Secondly, I took my granddaughter for a nappy change and the changing facility was terrible! The changing table was in the open, no privacy of a closed cubicle. The table was filthy, the floor was wet and there was nowhere to hang the changing bag! Needless to say the nappy was left unchanged until we got to the car.
On a positive note, the kiddies enjoyed their time there but I will be saving my money for and African safari to show them how these animals should be living. The play areas were great.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tom J
London, UK1,376 contributions
Apr 2022
Since the appearance of COVID back in 2020 I have spent many days out with the camera at zoos and wildlife parks so as to be able to get some fresh air and have a great day out. Thrigby has fast become one of my favourite places to go with the camera having such a great variety of species and some amazing opportunities to photograph them!
One important thing to note about Thrigby is that it is a private collection, therefore you are in the grounds of a large manor as opposed to a vast space converted into a zoo like Colchester or Banham. With that in mind, whilst the size of the collection isn't comparable, the way they have managed it is good and all of the animals have great enrichment and ways to engage.
The staff at Thrigby have always been fantastic, always smiling, happy to chat. Whether you are talking to the person on the entrance desk, whilst ordering a coffee in the cafe or with one of the keepers tending to the animals.
The collection of animals is fantastic, so many great cat species as well, some of which you won't find to easily within a close distance of Thrigby making it quite a special little day out. Their Sumatran tigers are so photogenic and are often having a stroll or posing for photographers. A personal favourite has to be Nimbus the clouded leopard. The patterns and character that little big cat has is something else!
One important thing to note about Thrigby is that it is a private collection, therefore you are in the grounds of a large manor as opposed to a vast space converted into a zoo like Colchester or Banham. With that in mind, whilst the size of the collection isn't comparable, the way they have managed it is good and all of the animals have great enrichment and ways to engage.
The staff at Thrigby have always been fantastic, always smiling, happy to chat. Whether you are talking to the person on the entrance desk, whilst ordering a coffee in the cafe or with one of the keepers tending to the animals.
The collection of animals is fantastic, so many great cat species as well, some of which you won't find to easily within a close distance of Thrigby making it quite a special little day out. Their Sumatran tigers are so photogenic and are often having a stroll or posing for photographers. A personal favourite has to be Nimbus the clouded leopard. The patterns and character that little big cat has is something else!
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Floridge
Great Yarmouth, UK1,046 contributions
Apr 2022
Superb day out with children and grandparents. The park is well laid out with a friendly cafe, a picnic area and easy access toilets in the centre. There's a good playground too with a second covered picnic area.
What we enjoy most is the discovery experiences the children have by accessing the walkways and the tunnels to see the animals. They are free to explore but safe and sound with no fear of them coming to any harm.
We arrived at 11am, visited every section, stopped for lunch and then followed the feeding times in the afternoon with some playground and tea breaks in between. We left at 5pm and had a great day out.
Concessions available for seniors, under 4's are free and discounts too if you're able to book in advance.
Thanks Thrigby, we'll be back.
What we enjoy most is the discovery experiences the children have by accessing the walkways and the tunnels to see the animals. They are free to explore but safe and sound with no fear of them coming to any harm.
We arrived at 11am, visited every section, stopped for lunch and then followed the feeding times in the afternoon with some playground and tea breaks in between. We left at 5pm and had a great day out.
Concessions available for seniors, under 4's are free and discounts too if you're able to book in advance.
Thanks Thrigby, we'll be back.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
James F
152 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Amazing small zoo. You will not be disappointed if you like big cats you will never be as close, when you first look some enclosures look small but the you realise that there are 2 or 3 linked so have plenty of room and actual enrichment of nature trees ropes to climb. Raised walk ways are awesome walking above tigers. Up in the trees next to gibbons swinging like they would. Crocodile/alligators so big not seen them this size in the UK plus numbers of them. Well worth the money and will be back hopefully for the feedings once they are back
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hayleyuk777
Essex, UK30 contributions
Can you take a buggy through the wooden walkways and viewing platforms?
Nannanorfolk
Norfolk, UK166 contributions
Some walkways are very narrow and toddlers babies can’t b carried. The lion walkway and new 1 by birds would b fine. We hav done narrow 1’s with ours walking once they steady and it it not to busy so we didn’t cause traffic jam they won’t see much but if u hav older 1’s and just 1 adult u can make it work.
cg2792
England, UK2,578 contributions
How long does it take to see everything/ get round the whole site?
Nannanorfolk
Norfolk, UK166 contributions
Couple of hours but as we often hav children with us they then play in playground we eat hav ice cream etc then go round again to see what animals up to later in the day.
SharonM2411
Dundee, UK49 contributions
Would my 14 year olds enjoy this attraction?
lizzyw459
Bromyard, UK32 contributions
I think so. The walk way over the tigers is exciting.
nick&em
Milton Keynes, UK46 contributions
What is the car park like is it secure ? Thinking of using before we check into our caravan later this year !
Nigel C D
80 contributions
I cannot really add to the comments from the other two users. If you are taking your caravan here it may be worth just going across to the kiosk and asking of you can park on the coach park part of the car park so as you can park long ways. It will depend on if they have any coach parties due but worth asking the question.
mick210
Wolverhampton, UK4 contributions
Does the cafe have gluten free options
Yes they do, along with dairy free and a good selection of vegetarian options.
simon k
Newark-on-Trent, UK14 contributions
I'm on the broads for a holiday in a couple of weeks how far are you from a mooring?
Patrick S
Great Yarmouth122 contributions
Thrigby is about 3-4 miles from the nearest mooring on the Bure. The best is probably at Stokesby Ferry. This is Norfolk, there will almost certainly be no public transport. Walking on the busy but single track roads will not be an option especially if you have children. Taxis will charge to come out from Acle (pronounced A-cull) and then charge again to get you to Thrigby. The same coming back. Expensive but with a booked taxi do-able. The beer and the food at the Ferryboat in at Stokesby are both excellent. Enjoy your trip.
Patrick
Reuben D
Great Yarmouth, UK168 contributions
I use an electric wheelchair, is all of the park accessible?
Thank you
tazzat7
Tonbridge, UK658 contributions
Yes, definitely, there are ramps everywhere and also viewing ramps through the trees to see the animals close at hand. Plenty of room for you but would probably avoid a weekend when there are lots of buggies there!
Frequently Asked Questions about Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
- Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens:
- (4.85 mi) The White Lodge
- (5.26 mi) The Merivon Guest House
- (5.11 mi) Baron's Court
- (5.31 mi) The Courtyard Guest House
- (5.28 mi) Kilbrannan Guest House
- Restaurants near Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens:
- (0.71 mi) Filby Bridge Restaurant at Filby Broad
- (1.38 mi) The Kings Arms Fleggburgh
- (1.51 mi) The Boathouse
- (3.87 mi) Scooters Cafe
- (3.33 mi) East Coast Family Restaurant