The Plumbs

The Plumbs is a small zoo just outside Elstree in Hertfordshire, the sort of place that works brilliantly if you've got young kids and need a couple of hours of distraction without committing to a full day out. It's intimate rather than sprawling - you won't be walking for miles, which is either a relief or a letdown depending on what you're after. The animals are the main draw, though I'd manage expectations if you're coming from a big zoo background. It's more local charm than world-class collection.

Families with under-tens will probably get the most from it. There's enough to keep children engaged without that soul-destroying moment where they're bored halfway through and you've still got three hours to kill. History buffs and casual walkers might find it a bit thin, to be honest. If you're camped at Elstree Park or The Mimms Caravan Park nearby, it's a decent rainy-day option or a quick morning visit before heading elsewhere.

Details like opening hours and entry fees aren't readily available online, so ring ahead before you go - nothing worse than driving out expecting to find the gates open. The zoo sits close enough to Elstree to make it an easy slot into a wider Hertfordshire break, though you'll want other attractions on your radar for a full week. Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park is further afield but worth knowing about if you're doing a broader tour of the region.