News, events and schools' information for families across Bath and West Wiltshire

Hope Nature Centre in Southwick, near Trowbridge, has re-opened its gates to visitors, offering a host of few attractions including a new outdoor seating terrace and tractor play area, and a new catering outlet called The Snackbox.

“It has been an amazing first few weeks, and we are massively grateful to everyone who has come along and supported us since our re-opening” said David Gillingham, Commercial Manager at Hope Nature Centre. “The Animal Park re-opened on 12 April when restrictions were eased, and the Animal Park sold out, welcoming thousands of visitors through the gates in the first few weeks, to see all the changes and experience the new facilities and animal attractions.

Say hello to the new wallabies Bubble and Squeak

“Inside the Animal Park, visitors can say hello to our new animals, including two Wallabies, Bubble and Squeak. There has also been significant work on animal enclosures and shelters including a stunning new aviary and new interactive signage to provide information on our animals to our visitors. The most exciting of our new experiences is the major expansion to our Adventure Play Area, including a castle, which has had a resounding thumbs up by all our younger visitors.

The Café and Animal Park are ensuring the adherence of COVID-19 rules, with the Animal Park operating at a limited capacity to ensure social distancing and the extended Café and terrace providing appropriate spacing between tables.

New outdoor seating terrace and tractor play area

If you are planning a visit, it is highly advisable to pre-book your tickets online at hopenaturecentre.org.uk, as during busy periods tickets sell-out in advance.