Meercat Enclosure - Twycross Zoo

The meerkats at Twycross Zoo are the real draw if you're after something that'll actually hold the kids' attention for more than five minutes. You get to watch them doing what they do best - standing on their hind legs, squabbling over food, and generally acting like tiny furry comedians. They're alert, curious, and constantly on the move, which makes them infinitely more engaging than animals that just lie around looking bored.

This is primarily a family affair. Young children absolutely love meerkats - there's something about their size and behaviour that clicks with kids aged four to ten. Adults often find themselves equally mesmerised, if you're honest. The enclosure itself gives you a proper view without barriers blocking the sight lines, which is rare enough to mention.

Twycross Zoo sits just outside Atherstone in Leicestershire, so it works well as part of a broader East Midlands trip. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan sites - New Forest View, Fire & Stars, or Lime Tree are all within easy reach - it's worth the short drive. Allow about ninety minutes to two hours for the meerkat enclosure plus a look at the rest of the zoo. Spring and early autumn are your best bets weatherwise; summer school holidays get rammed.

The zoo charges admission, so factor that into your budget, but it's a solid half-day activity that breaks up a park-based holiday nicely. Don't expect a day-long attraction on its own, but as part of the broader zoo experience, the meerkats are genuinely worth your time.