Southwick Country Park and Hope Nature Centre
A charming country park with a nature centre, offering scenic walks, animal encounters, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active & cafe is open
Southwick Country Park and Hope Nature Centre
Best Time
Animals are active & cafe is open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming country park with a nature centre, offering scenic walks, animal encounters, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
"Great place to visit with kids they will love feeding the animals and playing on the parks."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Dogs are welcome but often off-leash. Be mindful of other visitors and recall your pet.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can get muddy, especially after rain. Wellies are recommended for a comfortable walk.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 1,169 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hope Nature Centre Animals
Hope Nature Centre
Meet and feed a variety of farm animals and wildlife. A delight for all ages, especially young children.
Southwick Country Park Trails
Southwick Country Park
Explore scenic gravel paths offering diverse walking routes for all fitness levels. Enjoy the open space and countryside.
The 'Spirit of the Parkrunner' Statue
Southwick Country Park
A unique monument commemorating the park's first parkrun in 2011. A great photo opportunity for runners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Animal Encounters
Navigating the Park's Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Dogs are welcome but often off-leash. Be mindful of other visitors and recall your pet.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can get muddy, especially after rain. Wellies are recommended for a comfortable walk.
☕ Cafe Treats & Views
The cafe offers hot drinks and cake, with outdoor seating overlooking the zoo. Can be pricey.
🍎 Picnic Perfection
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated area. A budget-friendly option for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Dogs are welcome but often off-leash. Be mindful of other visitors and recall your pet.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can get muddy, especially after rain. Wellies are recommended for a comfortable walk.
☕ Cafe Treats & Views
The cafe offers hot drinks and cake, with outdoor seating overlooking the zoo. Can be pricey.
🍎 Picnic Perfection
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated area. A budget-friendly option for families.
🗺️ Stick to the Paths
Follow marked routes to avoid getting lost, especially if venturing off the main trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Southwick Country Park for its lovely countryside, enjoyable walking routes, and the engaging Hope Nature Centre, making it a great value day out for families. While generally positive, some note occasional issues with off-leash dogs and slightly expensive cafe offerings.
"Visited as part of a school trip, I'd been once before and it has changed slightly. Now no gift shop, the cafe only does hot drinks and cake. But still an enjoyable day out for little people (let's say Primary school age and below). My 2 year old adored the playpark but we were disappointed that the slide has gone from the swing zone! We'd visit again no problem as it's local and a cheap day out especially with taking a picnic."
Zenna Widger
"Really lovely park! It has multiple different routes to go depending how long you’d like to walk for. Unfortunately, I did get lost but that was because of my own fault as I strayed from the path and needed to go through private land to get out 😂 stick to the map routes and the signage posts and it’s a lovely way to get your steps in. Everybody is really lovely also, and I’ve not come across any aggressive dogs. There is enough parking, but I have only been there when the cafe and farm has been closed.
Edit:
Many dogs off leash and I was chased recently by a dog where an owner couldn’t recall their pooch. Unfortunately this was only a one off experience in the two years I’ve been going to this park.
I’ve also gone to the farm and ordered a coffee where I’ve sat outside in the sunshine and is really nice and chilled albeit slightly expensive."
Sarah-Jane Firth
"Great place to visit with kids they will love feeding the animals and playing on the parks"
Dick Goodenough
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southwick Country Park is accessible by car, with parking available. For public transport, check local bus routes serving the Trowbridge area.
Yes, there is parking available. It's generally sufficient, especially if you arrive when the cafe and farm are closed.
Cycling is a great way to explore the park, with various paths suitable for bikes.
The park is located on Frome Road, Southwick, near Trowbridge. GPS navigation should guide you easily. [^SEO]
The nearest train station is Trowbridge, from which you would need to arrange onward travel by bus or taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Southwick Country Park itself is generally free. However, there may be charges for specific activities or the nature centre.
Opening hours for Hope Nature Centre can vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
While the park is free, there might be a small fee for entry to the nature centre or for animal feed.
Yes, you can enjoy the country park's walking trails and open spaces without entering the nature centre.
School trips are common, suggesting group rates may be available. Inquire directly with the nature centre for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, picnicking, visiting the Hope Nature Centre to see animals, and playing at the park.
Absolutely! Children love the play park and feeding the animals at Hope Nature Centre.
Yes, the park offers multiple routes, allowing you to choose a walk based on your desired length and time.
The park has natural terrain and can be hilly with unpaved paths, which may pose challenges for wheelchairs and strollers.
Yes, dogs are welcome, but they are often allowed off-leash, so be aware of your surroundings and other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe that offers hot drinks and cake. It has outdoor seating with views of the zoo.
The cafe primarily serves hot drinks and cake. It's a good spot for a refreshment after a walk.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a popular and budget-friendly option, with picnic areas available.
While the park has a cafe, you might find more dining options in nearby Trowbridge.
Some visitors find the cafe offerings to be slightly expensive for what is provided.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the animals at Hope Nature Centre, the scenic park trails, and the 'Spirit of the Parkrunner' statue. +1
Hope Nature Centre offers opportunities to photograph various farm animals and local wildlife.
Yes, photography of the animals is generally permitted, but always be respectful of their space and any posted guidelines.
The 'Spirit of the Parkrunner' statue is a unique landmark for memorable photos, especially for parkrun enthusiasts.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography, and animals may be more active.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit