Wondering which are the best spots of where to see animals for FREE?Once again at Wakefield Mumbler, we’ve had some fun tracking as many different animals and creatures down as possible so we can tell you where to see animals for FREE!
Disclaimer *Please do not attempt to touch or get too close any of these animal and despite how friendly they seem. We know littles ones can get excited around animals so please encourage your little ones to be quiet around animals and creatures, not to tap glass or shake fences*
Some of the best things about taking your little ones to see some animals (for free) it that it gets them outside for a walk, helps clear fuzzy heads, stops boredom and excites them to see the different animals so close to their home.
While you’re tracking down these different animals and creatures, you could:
PIGS – Blacker Hall Farm.
There is actually way more than just pigs at Blacker Hall Farm but Pickle the Pig and her Piglets are front page stars of their website. There is also Sheep, Rabbits, Hens and Horses. There is an outdoor area for playing too, with log climbing and swings. The Little Farmers Trail is completely FREE to visit, with some paid experiences available – reopens 8th March
Blacker Hall Farm, Branch Road, Calder Grove, WF4 3DN
Horses – National Coal Mining Museum.
See the famous and mighty Pit Ponies at the National Coal Mining Museum. We are huge fans of NCM museum here at Wakefield Mumbler. The Pony Discovery Centre provides a lovely home for the horses and ponies, plus lots of informative displays to check out too. It is free to visit and park at the NCM Museum, but donations are appreciated.
NCM Museum, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield WF4 4RH
Ducks – Simply the best childhood past time!
There are so many places across Wakefield to see the ducks and you probably have a place you always head to. Why not try some where different and check this blog post for our favourites…. 5 Places to Feed the Ducks
Reptiles – Reptilia in Ossett
My littles Mumblers beg me to have a look around Reptilia every time we visit Ossett. They love exploring the shop and seeing the whole array of reptiles, slithering snakes, frogs, lizards and chameleons, dragons and I am sure we saw a giant snail there once? We practice our whispering voices inside this shop as not to disturb these amazing creatures. I always try grab a treat or two for the family doggies before we leave too.
Reptilia, Towngate, Ossett, WF5 9BL
Sheep – Emley Moor Mast
You can see sheep just about everywhere as you drive out of Wakefield, but a trip to Emley Moor Mast to see the enormous tower that we can all see in the distance is a great way to get close to some sheep. There is a flock of sheep that surround the base of the tower. We like to park up, hop out of the car, play a bit of iSpy and then fingers crossed our littlest child will have a nap on the drive home.
Jagger Lane, Huddersfield, HD8 9TQ
Alpacas – Drive by destination
Finding Alpacas local to Wakefield was tricky, they are a rarity. But in true Mumbler style, we found them for you! It is more of a drive by destination rather than a place to go but we will suggest places you can visit at the same time. On Liley Lane, Grange Moor, as you head away from Wakefield you will spot these fluffy alpacas in the field on the right. You could have a drive by on your way to Mirfield or detour on route to Huddersfield. Or even spot them on your way to Yorkshire Muddings Forest School.
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs – Pets At Home, Wakefield
Who else remembers begging their parents to stop by a pet shop just to have a look at the cute Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Gerbils, Mice, and Hamsters for sale? Pets at Home have embraced this past time and now run regular workshops which lets you meet the animal plus includes some crafting and puzzles. Pop in store or on their website to book the animal workshops.
Westgate Retail and Leisure Park, Ings Road, Wakefield, WF2 9SD
Birds – Thornes Park, Wakefield
Birds of all different colours and sizes flutter around the aviary at Thornes Park. After the duck pond, but before the Rose Garden you will find this enchanting aviary. With little note cards around the edge so you can read up on the breeds inside. Spot the birds pecking away at their snacks and listen to the lovely chirping.
Park by the tea rooms on Thornes Road, Wakefield, WF2 8PP
Chickens – Wentworth Garden Centre
You can have a full day out at Wentworth Garden Centre by visiting the Walled Gardens, the Farm, the playground and exploring all the beautifully displayed flowers and plants. But as you walk through the grounds on the way to the free playground, don’t forget to stop outside the pet shop to see the lovely chickens pottering around their coop. Often there is some exotic chicken breeds to see too.
Hague Lane, Wentworth, Rotherham, S62 7TF
Fish – Carr Gate Garden Centre
Forget the big aquariums, some of the best ways to see fish are at garden centres. Carr Gate Garden Centre is full of tropical and cold water fish. Plus the indoor pond with the biggest koi carp. Ask at the desk and you can feed the fish for around a £1. While you’re here, visit the soft play and cafe. You can also checkout the toy section, perfect for buying gifts.
Old Bradford Road, Carr Gate, WF2 0SY
Peacocks – Pot House Hamlet
As well as beautiful peacocks there is a great small free petting farm at Pot House Hamlet! You’ll be able to see sheep, goats, horses, chickens & turkeys. You can put money in a tin for animal food and there’s a handwash station too.
Pot House Hamlet, Silkstone, Barnsley S75 4JU
Goats – Rhubarb Triangle Farm Shop
It’s just 70p for food too, there’s sheep, goats, alpacas and sometime highland cows.
Green End Farm, WF3 3QR
Chipmunks – Moortop Farm Shop
Moortop farm shop near Hemsworth has Llamas, donkeys , chickens, rabbits, chipmunks all free
Southmoor Rd, Pontefract WF9 4NA
We have mentioned so amazing local businesses in this post, if you are able to support these businesses and makes local purchases when you visit or in the future, please do so, it makes so much difference to the community.
