The
Unofficial Website
Tourist Attractions
I am taking a look here at those tourist attractions I have not written about anywhere else. Now Rotherham is not big on tourist attractions but then it's not big on tourists.
Tropical Butterfly House
The Tropical Butterfly House at North Anston includes a wildlife and falconry centre. In the tropical butterfly house you can also find a collection of tropical plants, birds and ponds filled with fish and terrapin and snapping crocodiles. There is a house for nocturnal bugs and reptiles.
You can even get your hands on specially selected creatures if you dare. Try flying a hawk or holding an owl - that shouldn't be too frightening. There is a timetable of events every day including feeding the lambs, milking the goats, meeting the exotic animals, amongst other.
There's a nature trail with tractor rides at weekends and holidays, and of course a farm. There are activities like brass rubbing and badge making in the Activity Centre.
Review September 2008
We had a two for one ticket so decided to use on a rather dull September day. It is not cheap - £6.99 adults, £5.99 children (2008). There are family tickets and friends' tickets but if there are four of you and you eat in the cafe and have an ice cream day out can easily cost £50 or so. We took out own snap and there are plenty of seats around for you to sit out and eat your own. Couples are very much in the minority as the majority of visitors had children in tow, from near newborn to about 12, but not many teens. I can honestly say that I don't think I've been anywhere in a long time when I've seen so many kids so well behaved for so long. Most of them seemed to be finding it all very interesting thoroughly enjoying themselves, even the tots.
Being a dull day the butterflies were a bit thin in the air and I found the heat and humidity in the tropical house very trying. Everything else was great, although I felt very sorry for the meerkat who is a real sweetie but by himself for now: not a good thing for a meerkat. Whilst aimed very squarely at the family market it kept us two big kids quiet and entertained for a day. If you are looking for chic sophistication, this isn't it.
Wentworth Family Farm
There used to be a Falconry Centre here which I thoroughly enjoyed visiting. This has
now metamorphosed into a Country Farm, with various rare breeds on display, also owls, red squirrels, horses and ponies. The bunnies used to run around the garden centre with
little children and dogs in hot pursuit. The ones we met were not remotely scared of the dog but the kids were another matter. I think that they are confined to a 'Bunny Barn' these
days. Lots of fun for kids. Entrance fee.