Living Rainforest nr newbury - is it any good?

[hazeyjane]

Looking for something to do in Wiltshire/Berkshire area with 6 adults 4 kids (under 3's), on new Years day, has anyone been to this? Is it any good?

We went a few years ago. It is rather ambitiously titled, as I didn't come away thinking "rain forest" - there were no trees 3 years ago, but there are several large botanical gardens type glass houses which are warm and filled with interesting plants and some nice animals.

There are (I think) 2 glass houses, with plants, some free-ranging birds and butterflies, a small croc, some monkeys, a pond.

It doesn't take long to go round, but children have enjoyed it when I've gone.

Entry seems expensive, but allows return for 12 months (that's something to do with gift aid I think).

It has a very modest coffee shop, so don't expect to get lunch there.

Thankyou

I think we have persuaded everyone to come to our house and go for a walk instead (not sure if that is a good thing, I'll have to clean now!).

It sounds quite nice for a day out with the dd's though.

I went 2 years ago - it was OK, but nothing special IMO. Good if you are desperate to get out and the weather is awful though. The Butterfly place near Swindon is cheaper and quite good, and theres a little softplay there too.

Went 2 years ago - I'd say going for a walk is a better option! Kew gardens has free entry on NYears Day- but might be a bit far to go.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I'm scared of butterflies!

Rainforest place is a def nono then as they have lots of free flying butterflies

Thanks for the heads up tealady about Kew. We went today and apart from trying to get parked had a lovely day out

Butterfly place near Swindon? Found it... details here. Looks good, will try and visit that at some point.

OhYouBadBadKitten - Was Kew ok given the weather? I'm pondering going tomorrow but concerned it may be rather cold.

it was quite cold but we took a flask of nice coffee. It was very very crowded, esp in the glasshouses but I expect it will be much quieter tomorrow as it won't be free. The treetop walk way queue was almost all the way back to the temperate house.

Thanks for info. Will see what the weather is like tomorrow.