Colden Common, near Winchester, SO21 1JH T: 01962 777407 E:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Set in 140 acres of delightful Hampshire countryside, Marwell is a relaxing and fascinating park at the heart of wildlife conservation.
There are over 250 species of animals, from tiny ants to the tallest giraffe. Marwell is a suberb day out for families and adults of all ages. Marwell is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. Just by visiting Marwell Wildlife, you’ll be making a big contribution to our projects to conserve species and habitats, both here in Hampshire and around the world. Our work is a lot more widespread and influential than you might realise.
Discover something different, learn something amazing and help us make tomorrow's world rich in animal life. We are open daily from 10am. Are you looking for a truly unique animal encounter? At Marwell you'll find two opportunities for you to experience the world of animals: Be a Keeper for a Day or come Face to Face… find out more on www.marwell.org.uk
There is easy access from M3 and M27 with FREE parking.
Open everyday (except Christmas and Boxing day) from 10am
What’s On
Summer half term - Migration and flight adaptation
29 May – 6 June
This summer half term there’s a lot to discover as well as all the beautiful animals to see, there are lots of FLIGHT themed activities, in support of our bird appeal for 2010, for children to enjoy. Children can learn all about our feathered friends, their migration habits and their sheer variety. Activities include a ‘FLIGHT’ trail which takes children around the zoological park discovering amazing facts about birds. There’s also a migration obstacle course for children to test their skills on whilst discovering the difficulties faced by birds as they migrate and learn about bird anatomy. There’s also the chance to watch a bird feed, quiz the keepers and take part in our bird mask making craft activities. All the activities are FREE*. The FLIGHT appeal will fund the restoration and conservation of woodland areas next to the park, which is a natural habitat for native and migrating wild birds. * normal park entry costs apply
Summer Holidays - Spring into summer with our holiday events programme
24th July – 1st August
Enrichment Week
Be part of our ‘Environmental Enrichment’ week this summer and enjoy learning about the innovative techniques we use to keep our animals fit and healthy, both physically and mentally. Watch as they discover and taste new and exciting treats and how they learn to untangle food from the strangest of locations. Take part in our activities and create some wild and wonderful crafts to keep our big cats and primates happy.
1st – 31st August
Art in the Park - animal sculpture trail
Oliver Strong displays his unique and award winning wildlife sculptures around the park for a second year running.
2nd – 8th August
FLIGHT Activities
A second chance to take part in our FLIGHT activities this summer. Learn all about our feathered friends, their migration habits and sheer variety. Take part in our ‘FLIGHT’ trail and discover some amazing facts about birds and bird anatomy. You can also tackle our migration obstacle course and learn first hand about the challenges birds face and have to overcome when migrating. There’s also the chance to watch a bird feed, quiz the keepers and take part in our bird mask making craft activities. All the activities are FREE*. Our FLIGHT appeal aims to raise funds for the restoration and conservation of woodland areas next to the park, which are a natural habitat for native and migrating wild birds. * normal entry costs apply
9th – 13th August
Wood is Good
Join our “Wood is Good” celebrations this summer and find out what fantastic habitats our trees offer for all sorts of wildlife. Follow our story time trail through the enchanted trees then join in our creative crafts by decorating your very own wood cookie. Take time to ‘leaf a message’ on our eco-tree and share your ideas on how we can better conserve our environment. * normal park entry costs apply
16th – 20th August
Mother Africa
Enjoy our imaginative celebrations of Mother Africa, with tales of how a lonely old lady crafted the creatures we know and love from magic earth. Fantasy story telling and craft activities will be taking place throughout the day. Warning: be prepared to get messy, mucky and muddy …there’s lots of fun for all ages. * normal entry costs apply
21st – 28th August
Another chance to take part in our FLIGHT activities this summer.
Learn all about our feathered friends, their migration habits and sheer variety. Take part in our ‘FLIGHT’ trail and discover some amazing facts about birds and bird anatomy. You can also tackle our migration obstacle course and learn first hand about the challenges birds face and have to overcome when migrating. There’s also the chance to watch a bird feed, quiz the keepers and take part in our bird mask making craft activities. All the activities are FREE*.
Our FLIGHT appeal aims to raise funds for the restoration and conservation of woodland areas next to the park, which are a natural habitat for native and migrating wild birds. * normal park entry costs apply
26th – 30th August
MIWAS Wildlife Art Fair
For the 12th consecutive year the Marwell International Wildlife Art Society (MIWAS) will be holding the world’s largest annual Wildlife Art Fair at Marwell Wildlife.
This FREE* event will be taking place in Marwell Hall, the Grade I listed building in the centre of the park, and will include entries from the ‘BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year’ awards 2010. These will be displayed alongside a further 700 stunning exhibits from over 200 artists and sculptors which range from oils, watercolours, pencils, pastels, pyrography and bronzes, through to 3D work and ceramics.
You’ll be able to meet and see artists and sculptors demonstrating their skills throughout the weekend, and have the opportunity to purchase artwork, cards, prints and photographs. * normal park entry costs apply
Autumn half term
23rd – 31st October
Spooky Nature – Halloween Festival
Get spooked by our Halloween Festival. Meet the tarantula and other creepy crawlies, lose yourself in our eery maze then design and help carve your own pumpkin . (You can either bring your own or buy one of ours). This week long celebration of all things spooky is bound to make your blood curdle!
All things Weird & Wonderful
Join us in celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity – take part in a range of fascinating activities over autumn half term including a brand new trail around the park and a biodiversity exhibition in our education centre featuring fun games for all the family and amazing microscope slides on display.
