Fishers Farm Park

Don't expect Big Cat Safari levels of excitement here. Fishers Farm Park near Horsham is more farmyard than zoo, though it does a proper job of keeping the little ones entertained for half a day. The usual suspects are all present - goats that'll nick your sandwich given half a chance, friendly sheep, and pigs that seem perpetually muddy despite the keeper's best efforts.

Families with children under eight will get the most from this place. The hands-on approach works well, letting kids bottle-feed lambs and pet the guinea pigs without feeling like they're being watched by eagle-eyed staff. There's a decent playground too, plus tractor rides that go down a storm with the toddler brigade.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm, though I'd arrive earlier rather than later - the animals are livelier before the afternoon slump sets in. Budget around three hours maximum unless your children are particularly animal-mad. It's not cheap for what amounts to a glorified petting zoo, but the Surrey location makes it handy for those staying at nearby spots like Sumners Ponds Fishery or Slinfold Caravan Club. Works well as a rainy day backup when camping plans go sideways, though outdoor wellies are essential regardless of weather - this is proper farm territory.