Maryon Wilson Animal Park

Maryon Wilson Animal Park sits in southeast London, a proper working farm tucked away where you'd least expect it. You've got llamas, alpacas, sheep and goats wandering about in paddocks, which is frankly brilliant if you're after something to do with the kids that doesn't involve a theme park queue. The animals are genuinely tame - children can get close, feed them, and actually interact rather than just gawp from behind a rope. It's low-key stuff, but that's rather the point.

The park itself isn't huge. You're looking at an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the sort who wants to sit and watch the animals for ages. Bring some quarters for the feed dispensers if they're still operating - checking ahead is worth it since information online is sparse. Free admission is the norm for these farm parks, though that does vary.

For families staying at Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping, it's a decent half-day activity without being a massive trek. It won't blow your mind if you've got teenagers who'd rather be anywhere else, but younger kids genuinely enjoy the hands-on element. The farm sits right on the edge of Maryon Wilson Park itself, so if animal interaction isn't holding their attention, the open green space gives you somewhere to run around.

Go mid-week if you can. Weekends draw crowds and the animals get a bit frazzled with all the attention.