Animal Attractions Near Windmill Lodges

Wildlife-lovers who come on one of our Suffolk hot tub holidays are spoilt for choice, as there are plenty of fantastic wildlife parks, zoos and farms near Windmill Lodges. Here are our recommendations for animal attractions to visit during your stay.

Easton Farm Park

This is just six miles to the south of Windmill Lodges, so is very easy to get to. The farm has sheep and lambs, goats, piglets, rabbits, Suffolk Punch horses and many more animal breeds. It’s particularly popular with children, particularly in spring when they get a chance to get up close to all the newborn animals.

The park holds various themed events throughout the year. For instance, at Easter there is an egg hunt, and on Halloween there are lot of ghostly goings-on.

Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm

This farm, near Needham Market, is just over half an hour’s drive away from Windmill Lodges’ Saxtead base. Baylham is home to farm animals which were once common but are now very rare, such as Norfolk Horn sheep, White Park cattle, and Kune Kune pigs. This helps ensure the survival of the breed. The farm also keeps two alpacas which aren’t classified as an endangered species but are among the most popular animals at the park.

Baylham also holds themed events throughout the year, including in December, when there is a visit from Father Christmas.

Suffolk Punch Trust

Although Easton has Suffolk Punches, the best place to see this iconic working horse is at the Hollesley Bay Colony Stud near Woodbridge. It is run by a charity dedicated to breeding and preserving the Suffolk Punch, and the venue includes the world’s oldest and largest Punch stud farm.

On a visit to Hollesley Bay, you can go on a tractor and trailer ride around the 250-year-old farm to learn about the history of the breed, and you can also see cattle, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Jimmy’s Farm

Located in Wherstead near Ipswich, just under 25 miles south of Saxtead, this farm was set up just under 20 years ago by TV presenter Jimmy Doherty, a long-time friend of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

The farm is home to several rare breeds, notably the Essex Pig. You’ll also find cows, ponies, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, and goats here. Visit the wildlife park and you’ll see Alice the Camel, along with other non-native animals including meerkats, emu, and wallabies. There is also a new Reptile House and Aviary with tortoises, snakes and crocodiles.

Africa Alive!

You can also head north up the coast to Kessingland, near Lowestoft, to spend a day at Suffolk’s walking safari. Africa Alive! is set in 100 acres with more than 80 African species including lions, giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, bushbabies and red river hogs. You can either explore it on foot or on the safari road train.

Its sister site is Banham Zoo, which is also just over 20 miles from Saxtead. This award-winning south Norfolk attraction has an impressive collection of birds, reptiles, fish, big cats, monkeys and many other species.

Wildlife in its Natural Habitat

You don’t need a long trip to enjoy Suffolk’s wildlife as much of it can be seen in its natural habitat right on our doorstep. RSPB Minsmere boasts an impressive variety of birds, including bitterns, avocets and bearded tits.

And the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty runs along the county’s coastline, so you’ll be able to enjoy all manner of flora and fauna, including reedbeds, ancient woodland and saltmarshes.

Book Your Hot Tub Holidays in Suffolk

Windmill Lodges is ideally located in beautiful Suffolk countryside, close to the coast and the best of Suffolk’s animal attractions. After a long enjoyable day at a wildlife or farm park, you can rest and relax in your own private hot tub or enjoy a cosy meal in a nearby country pub.

Our range of 4 and 5-star lodges are also perfect for family holidays and couples on romantic breaks in East Anglia. To book your holiday with us, visit our calendar to check availability.