Child with lemur

Experiences

Get closer to the animals with unique animal experiences at Hobbledown Epsom in Surrey.

Meet friendly farm animals, feed capybaras, greet curious meerkats, meet playful lemurs, or take part in our immersive Zookeeper for a Day experience.

Each experience is designed to be fun, hands-on and educational, giving guests the chance to learn from our expert keepers, discover how the animals are cared for and enjoy special behind-the-scenes moments.

Perfect for families, animal lovers and anyone looking for a memorable day out near London, these encounters create magical moments that last long after your visit.

Our Signature Animal Experience

  1. Zookeeper For A Day Experience

    Our Zookeeper for a Day is one of Hobbledown Epsom's most immersive experiences. Children and adults work alongside our expert keepers, helping prepare feeds, learning about habitats, and discovering what it takes to care for exotic and farm animals.

    This hands-on session gives animal lovers the chance to step behind the scenes and create unforgettable memories.

    Find out more!

Otter

What Ages Are Animal Experiences Best For?

Ages 5+
Great for younger animal lovers who want a calm, close-up encounter.

🐾 Meet the Tortoises

Ages 6+
Perfect for children ready for a more interactive wildlife experience.

🐾 Zookeeper for a Day
🐾 Feed the Capybaras
🐾 Feed the Meerkats
🐾 Meet the Lemurs
🐾 Capybara Experience & Cream Tea

Ages 8+
Ideal for older children and adults who want a deeper, hands-on experience.

🐾Zookeeper for a Day
🐾Birds of Prey Experience
🐾Feed the Capybaras
🐾Feed the Meerkats
🐾Meet the Lemurs
🐾Capybara Experience & Cream Tea

Each experience is led by our expert animal keepers, who share fascinating facts and ensure both guests and animals have a safe and enjoyable encounter.

Animal Experiences

Outdoor Play at Hobbledown

What's Included With Your Experience Ticket?

🐾Entry to Hobbledown is included in the animal experience ticket price which includes:

🐾 Your animal encounter guided by one of our expert animal keepers.

Giant Rabbit

What to Expect on the Day

Animal experiences run throughout the day at Hobbledown Epsom. Exact times can sometimes change depending on weather conditions, seasonal schedules and the needs of the animals. Check opening times and what's on here.

Our experiences take place at set times and have limited spaces, so we recommend checking availability and booking in advance to avoid missing out.

Every experience is delivered by our expert team with animal welfare and guest safety as the highest priority.

Animal Experience FAQs

Yes - all of our animal experience prices include admission to Hobbledown Epsom.

Our animal experiences are tailored to suit the age of the participant, so younger animal lovers can enjoy safe and engaging encounters, as well as older children and adults. Meet the Tortoises is suitable from age 5+, while Feed the Capybaras, Zookeeper for a Day, Meet the Meerkats and Meet the Lemurs are all available from age 6+.

Our animal experiences take place outdoors and run in all seasons, so please dress appropriately for the weather on the day.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, including:

  • Long-sleeved tops – helpful for protection from scratches and sun exposure

  • Trousers – comfortable and practical for moving around the enclosures

  • Trainers or closed-toe shoes – required for safety

  • Weather-appropriate clothing – such as sun cream in warm weather, or wellies and a waterproof coat if conditions are wet

Being prepared for the weather will help ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience with the animals.

Yes – our animal experiences make a fantastic gift for animal lovers of all ages. Whether it’s feeding capybaras, meeting meerkats or stepping behind the scenes with our keepers, these hands-on encounters create memorable moments that last far longer than a traditional present.

Animal experiences are also available as gift vouchers, making them perfect for birthdays, Christmas or special occasions. The recipient can then choose a date that suits them and enjoy a unique day out at Hobbledown Epsom.

Yes – our animal experiences are designed for both adults and children. Many adults take part to enjoy a unique close-up encounter with animals, whether that’s feeding capybaras, meeting lemurs or learning more about animal care from our expert keepers.

These experiences make a great activity for couples, friends or families, and are also popular as unique gift experiences for animal lovers.

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