Saltwell Park Pets Corner

The petting section at Saltwell Park near Stanley is a modest affair, but it does exactly what it sets out to do - give kids a chance to get up close with animals without the overblown price tag of a full zoo. You'll find rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small creatures in pens where children can actually handle them under supervision. It's the kind of place that works brilliantly on a drizzly afternoon when you've already walked the main park to death.

Allow 45 minutes to an hour, tops. The Pets Corner is small enough that you won't linger, but the animals are kept well and the staff are patient with excited toddlers. Entry is free, which is the main selling point - you're not paying extra to let your kids feed a few rabbits. Weekday visits are considerably less chaotic than weekends, and school holidays can get properly rammed.

If you're staying at Beamish Glamping up the road, this makes a convenient half-hour drive to burn off some energy before lunch. The main Saltwell Park itself is the real draw - proper Victorian landscaping, a boating lake, and plenty of space to roam. The Pets Corner is the cherry on top rather than the main event. Families with very young children will get the most from it. Older kids and adults might find it a bit thin unless you're after a quick animal interaction break between exploring the broader park.