he Cricket St Thomas manor house ( a hotel since 1999) was built in 1820 by Sir John Soane. The grounds of the house were originally designed by legendary Landscape Architect Capability Brown. Now, these rolling gardens are home to a lovely 46-acre Wildlife Park.
During the 1980s the facade of the house served assets in the popular sitcom “To The Manor Morn“.
A lovely little find in the countryside, the Wildlife Park at Cricket St Thomas is home to many stunning animals set in the English green. It has the feel of a private bestiary – which in a way it is. Its small scale lends an intimacy with the animals that are often missed at larger zoos. For instance, on a small path, while walking very slowly, we came upon a family of marmosets. These funny little primates were free roaming and immensely curious. With patience, I was able to coax one onto my hand, arm, and then shoulder! – though it all went askew when one of the many children in the park noticed ;)
Quite an enjoyable location for any animal or nature lover.
Here one finds many different species, including:
The Wildlife Park at Cricket St Thomas
(44) 14 – 603 0111
Chard Somerset EX13 7RA UK
www.axevalleypark.co.uk
