Hoo Farm Reviews

Lovely place for the children to see different animals

Lots of animals, and a playground for children as well!

We enjoyed the half day zookeeper experience despite the cold weather. A good range of animals to see and hold.

Really enjoyed my experience here. The animal handlers are skilled and they understand that the welfare of the animals is of utmost importance. We enjoyed feeding lemurs, snuggling with meerkats, seeing the tortoises, holding a boa constrictor and handling a spectacled owl. I'd recommend this. Only minor quibble is that there is no indoor seating.

A very good farm to visit suitable for children lots of animals to see

Very friendly staff prices reasonable all in all a good day out especially for children of all ages

Cracking day out! Been there twice now and will be going again soon.

Lovely afternoon out looking at the animals and not to expensive

I have been a few times before but it's looking tired my two grandson wanted to go on the go carts they were very old and the small one my 6 year old sat on had a loose seat and the one wheel at the front was sideway,the track had so many dips they had to get off and push the go cart out. I would have thought the holes would have been levelled over the winter closedown.A few of the enclosures were empty.the reptile enclosure needs updating .my grandsons
wanted to go after a short while. Sorry.

A lot to see and do well looked after animals but it would have been nice not to have two groups in the same inclosure with the mearcats

I had a wonderful experience here. Met the meerkats, lemurs and a serval! I got this experience as a gift and what a lovely gift it was. I'm a crazy animal lover so anything involving animals is pretty much awesome. The animal encounters do cost extra, I don't believe they are included with the entry price.

Very good for children and adults. Came across this place by luck. Very good for 1 - 5 year old with plenty to do. Our little one loved it there. Mostly out side from what you can expect from a farm / Zoo.

A fantastic day out for the kids, plenty to do and some rare animals to see

Amazing experience staff are so caring and the whole farm has so many places to visit the vast range of animals.

Excellent place with a great selection of animals. Went on one of the animal encounters to feed lemurs, stroke a serval cat and handle meerkats which was fantastic. Very clean and staff are friendly. You can feed the goats, sheep, alpacas etc. Lots of hand washing places which were useful. Easy parking and good food available. Would definitely visit again, especially for another animal encounter.

An excellent day out. Lots to see. Can recommend the binturong experience. Guides Alison and Phoebe very friendly, very knowledgeable and helped us get the absolute most from our experience. Soft toys in the shop a little pricey. Very impressed with social distancing and hygiene regulations in place. Hand wash and sanitising stations located all around the farm.

Expensive to get in and many of the animals looked bored, lethargic and depressed in small cages with little stimulation. The children's play barn is very small and was dirty. They do a very good job of marketing with glossy More

We had the meerkat experience at Hoo farm, what a fantastic experience. Staff were friendly and knowlegable. The meerkats are brilliant and so funny.

Kids had a great time here. Lots of animals to see, lots of talks and feeds throughout the day. The kids did the serval, meercat and lemur experience and really enjoyed it especially the meercat cuddles.

Superb day out for the whole family. Animals are really well kept and stimulated

We had a really good time, after reading some of the reviews we were a little anxious but we were very pleasantly surprised. Yes some of the buildings are a little tired but our animal encounter was extremely good and the guides were very knowledgeable. We recommend it.

It's okay, a bit tired in places. Animal talks were good

Took my daughter here for a day out to feed some animals and wasn't expecting too much, but to my surprise, it was so much better than I expected.

It took us an hour to get there, but upon arrival we were greeted by a nice lady on the front desk. She explained the rules, when a mask is required etc, and offered us some animal food. Told us what animals can be fed, and pointed out that it says on the lid too.

We walked on, and firstly seen the owls, and as the same goes to everyother animal in there, my two year old was able to see, either through the cage or a window cut in place, although the meerkats I had to lift her up for.

We continued round and seen some otters, very lively and intrigued by us. Then were the foxes lazing in the sun. A few more animals later we got to the sheep, donkeys, and deer.
My daughter was fascinating by the sheep while feeding them, but as we got to the deer, it was feed time for them and they weren't too interested, but very lively and my daughter loved them. We then walked past some big cats and then back into the meerkat part. After this we had some lunch. The tables were covered with plastic which I'm assuming would make them easier to clean.

After lunch we went to the lemurs and llamas, then on into the sensory forest which was great, my daughter loved it in there and making sounds with the equipment. We continued on.... Eventually.... And went for an ice-cream, there's a shaded seating area and I fairly big play park there too. There is also a go-kart track (peddlers) around a dirt track, unfortunately the yes didn't seem to be working, as if the chains had come off.

Overall, this was a great day, plenty of hand sanitisers stations around and staff there are friendly. All seemed to be very interactive with myself and my daughter. We had a great day and will most positively will be going again.

Large variety of animals but needs some money spending on it! Santa's grotto was very good!

Went for the animal experience as part of the Groupon voucher (included seeing meerkats, lemurs and servals). The guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the group tour was small (4 people), meaning you got lots of time with the animals
Can't wait to go back when the park opens again after Winter

I came here for an animal experience which was very enjoyable. The animals were very comfortable with human contact and some even wanting to climb on you. The hour went by very quickly but I did not feel rushed and I was welcome to explore the grounds afterward as the experience included entry to the site.

The keeper with us was very knowledgeable, able to answer all questions I had about the animals.

Some parts of the site look like they could do with a little bit of care but this did not detract from the experience in any way and the friendly cats wandering the site were nice company between the enclosures.

Great place to visit very friendly staff. Clean tidy plenty to see.

Fab experience day for my birthday carnt wait to go again

Not that exciting. Could do with sprucing up. Grandson enjoyed handling python !

Fantastic place, fabulous experience of some rare animals that you don't normally encounter. Staff are knowledgeable and welcoming. Cages are of a nice size and clean. Plenty to look at, see and do.
Covid precautions are readily met with lots of available cleaning stations. Toilets were clean and well kept. Felt very safe with social distancing and one way walks clearly outlined.
Overall I've been very impressed. Had a great day.

Absolutely fabulous day out! A million times better than I expected!

Really great day out and worth the money. Loads for children do and lamb feeding was great experience for all.

Had a fantastic experience yesterday but it could ha e been a disaster from the start as when we arrived they were no disabled parking spaces available so I had a word with the receptionist she was so helpful & sorted out a space straightaway it was a brilliant day out we'll definitely be going back for another visit very impressed with all the washing/sanitizing areas felt very safe excellent for families with small children there's plenty to do & see

We had a fantastic time doing the carnivore combo. The keeper was lovely and friendly. Great day out!

Absolutely brilliant, this is a fabulous farm, we had an amazing day out, all of the animals are lovely and happy to be hand fed or petted, including the three cats we saw, and my son got to snuggle them all. we saw some adorable lambs and deer, some very relaxed wallabies, reindeer, sheep, emus, and an ostrich, some tortoises, and some fabulous birds who liked a stroke too, amongst others. We didn't get to see everything as it all became a bit too much for my son. But we will definitely be returning. They have a disabled toilet but unfortunately no where suitable to change a disabled child larger than one able to use a drop down baby changer. The queueing system when purchasing hot food needs looking at as you have to queue to get your food and then queue again to pay so the food gets soggy in the polystyrene containers. And they have a lovely little gift shop too. Thank you for a brilliant day, my son was really engaged with all of the animals and that was amazing for us to see.

The staff are very helpful and friendly, they offer wonderful hands on experiences with a variety of their animals which makes this establishment one of a kind.

Good selection of animals with several unusual big cats

Can't say too much really. Out of all the farms I have been to, this seems very run down and in need of some attention. Alot of animal pens empty, not enough parking, cafe doesn't offer much. Shame really. Lots of potential.

Excellent experience my wife loved it didnt want to give it back keeper was very well informed lots of information

Great day staff made the day thank you. Kids loved it

What amazing day, staff so lovely and helpful. So much to do and see

Excellent day out. My daughter and jer friends really enjoyed the meercat, lemur and servil experience.

We often visits farms and zoos but this one tops our list.... there are animals here that we have never seen before. It's was pouring with rain today but we were still there for over 2hrs and not one child moaned. Of it was sunny it would have been a perfect day.

In the rain, we couldnt compare the ambience to the beautiful Chester zoo or famous London zoo as all we could see was the dull dropping rain, but to see the smallest Scottish cat, a raccoon dog, Binturong, Indian crested porcupine, we were all memorized. Our new fav is the serval.
**There are animals that we have never heard of that were fascinating to see and learn about. *** it is a must for everyone!!!!

As I said, despite the rain we had a really lovely time. I would love to let my kids do the 'experience ' day as I really think it would be worth it but we are only passing through for a few days and the zoo are fully booked... which is understandable.

Absolutely fabulous experience today at Hoo Farm. We had a custom experience and were lucky enough to meet four different animals, Consuela the skunk, Zeus the Serval, Kovu and Uka the Meercats and Little Bear the Raccoon. The whole day was brilliant from start to finish and Devon our experience guide was the best! A fantastic 16th birthday present for my daughter! Thank you Hoo Farm. Xxx

Firstly I'd like to make it clear, that I NEVER leave reviews. However after travveling 45 miles here I felt it was necessary.
Myself, my mom, nan, and two boys (2 year old and 7 month old) went to the admin desk to be greeted by such a RUDE and horrible lady. (30/07/18,11am) who even made my nan feel uncomfortable. I gave my sticker to my little boy as he wanted it when she gave it me, and she abruptly asked me "what are you doing? You can't do that. You must wear it" taken back I replied okay.. and that was that. I said I'm paying for me and my two children how much will it be, and she said "well, I don't know... you haven't made it clear how many paying adults there is." And sighed at me.
At this point we shrugged it off and continued around the farm. After visiting other farms like the little owl farm we expected it to be as of standard. However.. the prams struggled to even get over the stone and rocky ground( and yes... I have expensive prams with off-road wheels) the animals were few and far between and the place looked like it was designed 50 years ago and had just been left! It's extremely run down.
Going for lunch, we then discovered there were only chips burgers and hotdogs. My boys don't like these... so they ended up having a bag of crisps as there was only an egg mayonnaise sandwich in the fridge. This is disgusting! Shouldn't you sell fish fingers or chicken nuggets as an option? Or anything child friendly? Oh.. and the gingerbread men... two pound?!?! The prices are ridiculous.
I had a burger, which I had to take back as it was white (extremely undercooked) and the staff were fairly obliging and apologetic in the shop/cafe who offered me a replacement.
The animals honestly look sad. The fox looks anorexic, and the donkeys look very lonely.
The ground is very uneven near the sheep area to the far left as you enter the farm where you show the snake and by the reptile house, my eldest fell over and split his knees and elbows open also.
Hardly any animals We're awake... and it's not anywhere as near as hands on as any of the other farms we have visited. Our main worry was that the animals we did see, especially the deer and donkeys had all flies stuck to their legs and back. Now I understand they attract them, but they looked neglected and unloved. Everything looked derelict and the play area itself looked as if it was about to fall apart.
A family left with us, and were talking about how run down the farm is, and also how rude and abrupt the admin lady was..so this is not just an opinion coming from ourselves. We are not fussy and never complain on a day out, as the kids love being outdoors.
We left at 2pm very dissapointed, all in all it was a disaster.

Will not be returning and I will be telling people not to bother. Sorry.

The animals are visible at all times wether asleep or meandering in their pens, don't get too confused about the cats as there are some domestic roaming about too.

Lovely farm with animal feeding. Indoor eating facilities. Bring your wellies for a lovely day out.

Absolutely wonderful day out. Carnivore experience was fantastic. Place was tidy - if not a bit muddy. I blame the English weather. Devon and Aaron (I think, my memory is not the greatest) were knowledgable, friendly and made the experience. We were split into groups of four which allowed us plenty of time with each of the animals and the chance to ask lots of questions. You can tell the staff care about the animals there and are more than happy to talk to you. 100% will be back next year when the wolves are relaxed and ready. Can not praise this place enough!

Very impressed. Fantastic place to visit.
The zoo keeper experience was totally amazing. Professional friendly staff. Go to go inside the cages of the serval, meet cats, Lemars and giant tortoise.
Got to hold 'specsaver' the owl, 2 meet cats with very different characters, snakes and hedgehogs. Fed the beautiful graceful lemars.
Most of the animals are rescued and really well looked after.
I was so impressed with the whole experience. Very clean enclosures (some not an ideal size) loved and cared for by all staff.
Aaron, Alison and the other very polite informative gentleman were really well informed and very friendly and managed our group very professionally.
I will be returning. Thanks to all staff.

We had a animal experience got of Groupon fab day but would not pay full price

Good range of animals. Staff were a bit quiet and unhappy-looking, but it is the end of the summer season.

A great day out. Not a massive place so great for small children to spend a few hours looking at and interacting with animals. Friendly and helpful staff and a clean place. Highly recommended.

Lots of animals that seemed well looked after. Good play areas for kids of all ages. Mend the vending machines and it would be 5 star

Visited Hoo Farm on 14th June as a birthday outing. We were very distressed at the living conditions of some of the animals. Enclosures were covered in faeces & stale food. Some of the animals looked sad & lonely. Where the alligators & terrapins were housed looked dark & very restricted. Staff looked totally overworked. Very surprised this is an award winning attraction. Very concerned of welfare of all the animals.

Went for the Carnivore Experience and had a lot of fun! The staff were knowledgeable and friendly and reflect the rest of the Farm experience: you can tell they love it just as much as we do. Totally recommend any of the animal experiences but Hoo Farm as a whole isn't to be missed. An excellent day out. We'll be back when the wolves are ready!

A great day out plus loads of experience days to get involved in definitely be going back
Staff are really nice too

Absolutely love this place and the staff. Fantastic animals extremely well cared for and a truly excellent day out for couples and families. Highly recommend you try one or more of the experiences on offer. My faves are the Binturong and the foxes

Visited with my son and his class on a school trip. For the price paid the staff were not as hands on with demonstrations and activities for the children. Nice and clean with well cared for animals.

Upon arrival it was really quite,it stated that it was online tickets only yet people were paying at the gate,Would of been a great day out if people would of stuck to the social distancing plenty of had wash but we're dirty, reptile screens we're dirty so couldn't really see them,animal inclosures were overgrown so struggled to see the animals,upon leaving there were that many cars there they were parking on the roads how is that limiting how many visitors they have me and my family were disappointed as we couldn't see many of the animals due to overgrown nettles and grass

Brilliant day out, social distancing in place with plenty of hand wash stations
Lots of animals to see, easy walk round

Good walk about some interesting animals but not very interactive

Excellent place to bring kids. Great day had by us all. Big variety of animals to see and you can get hands on with some and feed them too. Highly recommended

Great set up with plenty of indoor and outdoor places to explore and discover. The children loved the play area I noticed it had three levels of age play my lot went straight to the aerial run way and played crazy golf under the trees it More

Weirdly tacky in places. Fairly large collection of animals.

Staff were friendly with the exception or the ticket seller. Sheep racing was awesome and definitely worth a try. Some of the enclosures were run down. Overall a fun day out for the family.

Full of information , great for kids and adults of all ages. So much to see and get involved with. This is a must visit.

Suitable for small children only. Easy to get to and free parking reasonably priced.

This was our 1st visit to Hoo Farm & we were totally blown away. It was much bigger than we expected & it was a truly fantastic family day out. There was plenty to see & do. Feeding the animals was brilliant. We took a picnic & was pleasantly surprised by the fact that you could eat in the shade. We would definitely recommend it to all ages.

Wonderful place to take the kids for a fun day out..

Really good day out, we did the meerkat experience and the staff had a lot of knowledge about the animals and were really pleasant. The rest of the farm is really good, when you go check to see what time the lemur area is open well worth a look however we missed the time!!

A really enjoyable trip out my family love the place

Some unusual animals that you won't see in other similar type parks.Really enjoyed our visit and will go again.My 3 star review seems low,but only because everything seems to be done on a very low budget.I do however hope that visitor numbers increase,revenue increases and more money will be spent on the enclosures.Dont get me wrong,I never saw any animal looking like it was in distress but sometimes I felt an animal could have more space or stimulation.