Cyrils gone wild

The moment you walk through the gates at Cyril's Gone Wild, you know this isn't your typical zoo. It's got that feel of a place run by someone who actually cares about the animals rather than just ticking boxes for visitors. Located just outside Nottingham, it's the sort of attraction that works brilliantly if you've got kids who tire of the big corporate zoos but still want to see proper wildlife up close.

You'll find a decent collection of animals here - nothing quite on the scale of Twycross, but that's actually part of the charm. The enclosures feel less industrial, more personal somehow. It's the kind of place where staff will actually chat to you about what you're looking at rather than directing you to the next big viewing platform.

Families with younger children get the most from Cyril's. There's enough to keep them engaged for two or three hours without it feeling like a full-day commitment. Older kids might find it a bit small, but if they're interested in animal behaviour rather than just spectacle, they'll appreciate the intimate setup.

The location works perfectly alongside the glamping and campsite options dotted around Nottinghamshire. Meadow View Glamping is only three miles away, making it an easy afternoon outing from your base. Pair it with a visit to some of the area's country estates and you've got a solid weekend sorted.

Bring decent shoes - there's walking involved, but nothing too taxing.