BCA Zoo

The BCA Zoo sits just outside Maidenhead in Windsor and Maidenhead, a spot that's handy if you're staying at one of the riverside parks dotted along this stretch - Hurleyford Farm or Hurley Riverside Park are practically on your doorstep, which makes it a convenient half-day option rather than a full day commitment.

It's a small, local zoo rather than a sprawling safari park, which means you'll see a decent range of animals without the soul-crushing walk that comes with the massive attractions. The setup works well for younger children and families who want something low-key between park activities. You're not looking at huge enclosures or anything groundbreaking - it's more about a pleasant couple of hours pottering about.

The real strength here is proximity. If you're camped at Hurleyford or Hurley Riverside and the weather's decent, it's close enough to pop over without burning half your day on transport. The whole visit easily fills a morning or early afternoon. It's not a "must do at all costs" kind of place, but as an add-on to a riverside holiday in the area, it does the job. Kids under eight will probably get more out of it than teenagers - there's only so much standing and looking you can do before boredom sets in.

I'd suggest checking ahead on opening hours and whether admission is free before you visit, as details are thin on the ground. Phone Maidenhead tourist information or try their website to confirm what you're working with before loading the kids in the car.