The Hope Nature Centre
The Hope Nature Centre
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
A nature centre set in 15 acres of country park with alpacas, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, pigs & other animals, a tea room serving freshly cooked (and highly acclaimed) meals, a play area and small gift shop. The Hope Nature Centre is a registered charity that was set up in 2000 to help provide work placements for young adults with learning difficulties. We cater for groups, children's birthday parties and business breakfasts in a safe, disability friendly environment.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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110 within 3 miles
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53 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
178 reviews
Excellent
131
Very good
31
Average
6
Poor
7
Terrible
3
SazzleC
Bristol, UK81 contributions
Aug 2020
I used to bring our children here when they were little and have always had a good day here. They are now 10 and 11 and we still had a lovely time, feeding the goats, watching the pigs grunt and forage, pet the alpaca and admire the friendly donkeys. The comments about social distancing were a bit unfair, alot of guests I saw were not behaving as they should and this is not Hopes fault. They are doing their best!
We ate in the cafe which is lively place full of kids but we very much enjoyed the buzz and I reminisced about when my kids were just little! Big shout out to the amazing KAREN and STELLA - who made me two amazing coffees and were so friendly and a credit to Hope - Dave and Jason, please make sure you tell them, they are your dream team!! Keep up the good work, I hope to be back again before the kids are teenagers!!
We ate in the cafe which is lively place full of kids but we very much enjoyed the buzz and I reminisced about when my kids were just little! Big shout out to the amazing KAREN and STELLA - who made me two amazing coffees and were so friendly and a credit to Hope - Dave and Jason, please make sure you tell them, they are your dream team!! Keep up the good work, I hope to be back again before the kids are teenagers!!
Written August 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonny
14 contributions
Sep 2021 • Business
Wow! What An amazing trip out! Out on a holiday with vulnerable adults and what do we find???!!!!??? A petting zoo, cafe, and activity sessions run by vulnerable adults. Everyone was polite and very helpful. It was a nice surprise, as we were very new to the area and briefly saw it advertised and one of our individuals chose it. The petting zoo was massive with a land train to go on if you wanted as well. Able to buy food for some of the animals as some were on special diets. The cafe was nice and spacious with seating outside as well as 2 recreational sites with equipment too. Bought a couple of sandwiches (panini and baguette) unfortunately they ran out of sausage as they have a popular breakfast menu but offered me cheese and bacon instead which was awesome.
Thanks for some fantastic service. Hopefully be back soon.
Thanks for some fantastic service. Hopefully be back soon.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slickspivSheffield
Radstock, UK333 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I took my daughter and 3 year old Granddaughter here and thought there would have been more animals to pet. Although my Granddaughter loved it, I was a little disappointed. A little pricy for what is available. The activity pack was a waste of money. My daughter told me also the youngsters behind the counter in the cafe didn't know how to use the bottle opener.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony
4 contributions
Mar 2023
This is the first time that we have visited the Hope Centre for some months.It used to be good but now it has changed for the worse.
There are no longer plated meals everything served on disposable cardboard packs.
Previously customers could outside ,where there picnic benches and a children's slide.No longer is this possible unless you pay to go into the petting area. Whilst our order was being placed ,unknowingly we entered and were aggressively and rudely told to leave..
It appears that the "marketeers "have taken over to maximise profits but have forgotten the basic tenet of keeping customers happy so that they return.We shall not return
There are no longer plated meals everything served on disposable cardboard packs.
Previously customers could outside ,where there picnic benches and a children's slide.No longer is this possible unless you pay to go into the petting area. Whilst our order was being placed ,unknowingly we entered and were aggressively and rudely told to leave..
It appears that the "marketeers "have taken over to maximise profits but have forgotten the basic tenet of keeping customers happy so that they return.We shall not return
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chippenham Local Historian
14 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We decided to return after not visiting for a couple of years, only because we heard about the wallabies and updated play equipment. However, we were not expecting such vast improvements! The tired trampolines and mini golf has gone, and a new adventure playground and signage has arrived. The whole place feels revitalised.
Staff were very friendly especially Sally and the two ladies in the cafe trailer at the entrance play area. Volunteers were busy with the animals.
Social distancing was easily maintained as visitor numbers are still limited and hand sanitiser points are frequent.
There are still a few work in progress areas, which will bring further benefits. £26 for 2 adults and 3 children is definitely worth it.
Looking forward to our next visit!
Staff were very friendly especially Sally and the two ladies in the cafe trailer at the entrance play area. Volunteers were busy with the animals.
Social distancing was easily maintained as visitor numbers are still limited and hand sanitiser points are frequent.
There are still a few work in progress areas, which will bring further benefits. £26 for 2 adults and 3 children is definitely worth it.
Looking forward to our next visit!
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
partyleader2015
Bath, UK22 contributions
Oct 2020
Had delicious coffee and cake here on Saturday afternoon followed by a long, leisurely walk around the country park where the leaves are changing colour. Such an asset to have this open space so close to Trowbridge. However, beware, we completely missed the sign at the entrance warning that the car park is locked at 4.30pm. It was only down to Charlie's outstanding customer service that we got our cars out of the top car park that evening (there is another car park, close to the road, for those who wish to stay later). Thank you Charlie for coming to the aid of two elderly damsels in distress!
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fromie92
Frome, England, United Kingdom31 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
My two year old daughter and I were at a loose end yesterday so decided to visit. I've been before but it was months ago. I was really blown away by the improvements made to the entire site, especially the café which now has a small shop selling some really lovely and unique children's toys, books and gifts. The café is a little smaller as a result but it feels really intimate and is perfect for grabbing a coffee and a cake. The staff are so lovely and welcoming, every time we have been they go out of their way to make you feel welcome, it really is such a special place. The animals look well cared for and there is so much to see. We particularly loved all the Christmas decorations and although we didn't have time to do Santa's grotto, it looked amazing from the outside! The wooden playground was a hit with my little girl, and everything is so well maintained. We spent a good few hours here and it really lifted our spirits so a big thank you and well done to all for making this such a lovely place. We are going to look into purchasing an annual pass for next year as it's just so convenient for us to come here leaving close by and always feel like a little escape from the hustle and bustle. THANK YOU XX
Written December 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maggietones
Wiltshire, UK3 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
I went with my grandchildren. It was a disaster. Too many people admitted during Feb half term. It was a mud bath. No sanitiser in the dispensers. The soap had also run out. You bought bird food but could not feed the birds as the netting was too small. The cafe was rediculas. Mud everywhere and about an hour wait for food. For health and safety it would have been closed due to all the mud. The poor animals also. Other people I spoke to felt the same. The play area was dangerous over crowded and too much mud!!! I will never go again.
Written February 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen L
21 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Did the goat walk experience today at Hope Nature Centre which was amazing. We were accompanied by Sam who was so passionate about the animals and his job looking after them. If you are in the area it's really worth a visit. The cafe also serves a good range of meals and snacks
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I've shared your feedback with the Animal Park team, and they will be very pleased to know that you enjoyed yourself and we can't wait to welcome you back soon!
Written August 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martin C
Westbury, null, United Kingdom20 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Fantastic service and help from all the staff in the restaurant today so friendly and helpful.
Our 5 year old grandson was so upset he couldn’t get into the park but after talking to the kind staff they managed to squeeze us in.
The guy on the entrance to the park was genuinely so happy and got excited to see after having to refuse us entry he was now authorised to let us in
We also ate the restaurant afterwards again brilliant service and great food.
Thanks so much for turning what could have been a major disappointment into a truly lovely day.
Thanks to all the staff especially the kind lady on the till who helped and her friends working clise around her - we were so grateful
Our 5 year old grandson was so upset he couldn’t get into the park but after talking to the kind staff they managed to squeeze us in.
The guy on the entrance to the park was genuinely so happy and got excited to see after having to refuse us entry he was now authorised to let us in
We also ate the restaurant afterwards again brilliant service and great food.
Thanks so much for turning what could have been a major disappointment into a truly lovely day.
Thanks to all the staff especially the kind lady on the till who helped and her friends working clise around her - we were so grateful
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claudia2677
Essex, United Kingdom1 contribution
Hi can you feed the animals?
HomeBird
Dorset, UK55 contributions
Yes
£1 a pot
Emma M
Wiltshire, UK1 contribution
Is this suitable for wheelchair users? Many places claim to be but I have found out that they consider things like gravel paths to be suitable for a wheelchair, when in fact they really aren't! Don't want a wasted visit/disappointed visitor because we can't access the areas that claim to be wheelchair friendly.
Emily T
Devizes, UK1 contribution
The paths are gravel and woodchip, they are well maintained but some of the woodchip paths are a little bumpy in places where Badgers root around in them!
Bishop64
Frome, UK
Price to get in
MrsMiller23
Ashcott, UK74 contributions
I think it's £7 for a family ticket.
Very very cheap compared to lots of similar places.
Lorraine092
Trowbridge, UK5 contributions
Hi I visited this afternoon as it was a lovely September day and really enjoyed walking around, seeing the animals , birds and admiring the flowers and shrubs. One thing that did disturb me though, and I would appreciate a reason why there is a little dark building on the grounds with 3 cages inside and one parrot variety in each. I just felt that these birds could be very distressed and bored with no outlook and daylight.
Look forward to your reply
Thank you,
Debbie M
Trowbridge2 contributions
Hi Lorraine
We are currently installing an insulated area to provide warmth for the birds at night as it is too cold for them at the moment. Until this is done the birds are in an insulated building. We can assure you that the birds are perfectly healthy and that this is only a temporary measure whilst the area is being completed.
I hope this helps.
Bobinogs75
2 contributions
Can I get a bus here from Frome?
Debbie M
Trowbridge2 contributions
Hi. I am sorry but I have no idea. I suppose you would need to contact the bus companies to find further details but we have some adults with special needs that come in from Frome so I know it is possible.
Sarah_SBath_UK
Birmingham, UK57 contributions
Is it possible to walk here from Trowbridge train station? It says it is less than two miles but are there footpaths or would you end up walking on the side of the road? Many thanks, Sarah
Debbie M
Trowbridge2 contributions
Hi Sarah. I understand there are footpaths all the way here. When you get here you can take a well deserved break over a drink and a big piece well deserved cake!
Hope this helps
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Claim your listingThe Hope Nature Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Hope Nature Centre
- The Hope Nature Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near The Hope Nature Centre:
- (0.14 mi) Farmhouse Inn
- (2.18 mi) Widbrook Barns B&B
- (3.33 mi) Crossways Guest House
- (3.56 mi) Old Parsonage House
- (3.53 mi) Pitchperfect Camping
- Restaurants near The Hope Nature Centre:
- (0.04 mi) Fairfield Animal Centre
- (0.24 mi) Farmhouse Inn
- (0.27 mi) Ozutz Takeaway
- (0.27 mi) The Curry Leaves
- (0.68 mi) Black Horse