Tropiquaria Zoo

Tropiquaria Zoo sits just outside Taunton and keeps things refreshingly small - no endless wandering in the pouring rain watching distant shapes in muddy enclosures. It's a compact tropical zoo where you can actually see the animals without needing binoculars or a map the size of a tablecloth.

You get reptiles, exotic birds, and smaller mammals in themed areas. The whole thing takes a couple of hours, which is ideal if you've got restless kids or fancy something quick between other activities. Families with younger children tend to get the most from it - the scale isn't overwhelming, and there's enough variety to keep attention spans ticking over.

Admission isn't free, but it won't break the bank. The site's small enough that you won't feel shortchanged after an hour, though animal enthusiasts might want longer. Weather matters less here than at some zoos because there's proper indoor viewing areas.

If you're based at Warren Bay Holiday Village or Hoburne Blue Anchor - both less than three miles away - this works as a solid afternoon out without requiring a major expedition. It's the kind of place that fits naturally into a park holiday rather than being a day-trip destination in itself. Not spectacular, but solid value if you're within striking distance. Worth checking their opening hours and current prices before you go, as details aren't always up to date online.