West Midlands Safari Park

You drive through the safari park itself - that's the whole point, really. Your car becomes your cage, windows up, as giraffes amble past and zebras decide your bonnet is just another rock to ignore. It's genuinely odd the first time a camel's head appears at eye level.

West Midlands Safari Park near Bewdley is split into two halves: the drive-through section where you're surrounded by roaming animals, then the walk-around zoo bit with the usual enclosures, shows, and feeding stations. The drive section takes about an hour if you don't stop constantly taking photos. Most visitors do stop constantly.

Bring the family if you've got restless kids in the car - they'll stay glued to the windows far longer than you'd expect. Teenagers might find it a bit dated, and it's definitely not Longleat in terms of spectacle or size, but there's something charmingly low-key about it. You'll need a full day to do both sections properly without feeling rushed.

Since you're already out in Shropshire with several caravan parks within spitting distance - Pinewood Retreat and Blackstone Meadow are practically on the doorstep - it makes sense as a rainy-day backup or a mid-week diversion between walks. The park sits right on the Severn, so combine it with riverside rambles rather than expecting it to be your holiday centrepiece. Check the website for current admission prices and any animal feeding sessions before you go - those can make or break a visit with younger children.