Calderglen Country Park and Zoo

Sometimes you need to try somewhere new and you don't mind travelling a little further.  And the weather was sunny.  So we tried Calderglen Country Park and Zoo.

We went into the zoo first, which has a very small admission fee.  There are about 25 enclosures, initially indoors in a conservatory.

There are fish, monkeys, some leaf-cutter ants that climb overhead (no, they haven't escaped Mr GFN!), foxes (hiding asleep below) and more.

Once you leave the glasshouse, you are in an ornate garden with more enclosures scattered about.  They are numbered and set out as a trail.

Our highlights were the prairie dogs, wallabies, kookaburras, meercats but there is much more.  Our initial visit lasted 30-45 minutes.  Then we went on to the cafe, where we were greeted with welcoming signs.

So we sat outside, which wasn't a problem.  The cafe was not a bargain and had pretty standard fare.  It is not a gourmet destination.  We both had breakfast rolls and Angus had a ham sandwich.  There was also an ice cream hut in the courtyard.

Then on to the play park.  There is lots for toddlers, although a queue for the swings with support.  There are some brilliant, long slides down a hill.  More benches would be good as the park was very busy on a Saturday lunchtime and I had to stake one out so that I could sit a feed Douglas.

It's a really good, all round park with lots for older children too.  As well as just being really big with lots and lots to do.

If you're older there are lots of trails to walk or cycle, which would extend your visit by quite a bit.  Before going back to the car we went around the zoo again; your ticket is valid all day.

Next to the car park, is a specially designated toddler's play park.  It feels very small (more like a little local playground) and cut off from the rest of the park but was entertaining for 10 minutes.

There was ample parking and the park is well signposted from the road.  Picnic facilities are good.  We only used the toilets in the zoo reception which were basic but adequate.  I can't remember what the baby change facilities are like!