10 destinations within reach of Swindon for animal lovers

2 Coate Water Country Park, built around what was originally a 19th century reservoir for the Wilts and Berks canal, is a favourite destination for wildlife fans. It is home to many species of bird, ranging from familiar all-year-round nesters to more exotic species for whom the park is a vital refuelling place during migration - and occasionally even scarcer ones blown off course.

3 Families looking for places where children can meet animals, learn about the relationship between the land and our food and have plenty of fun into the bargain will always be welcome to head for Roves Farm at Sevenhampton, a few minutes from Swindon. There are plenty of opportunities to get close to animals ranging from pigs to guinea pigs in the Pets Corner and Animal Barn. The Roves Farm website is rovesfarm.co.uk

4 The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth - www.national-aquarium.co.uk - is beyond day trip range for all but the most determined visitor, but is a must see for anybody holidaying in the area who has so much as a slight interest in the wonders of our oceans. The UK’s largest aquarium houses more than 4,000 creatures from an array of species. Their home waters range from chilly British coastal ones to locations thousands of miles away, and their environments are individually tailored to reflect the diversity.

5 Cotswold Wildlife Park - www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk - at Burford is easily reached from Swindon, and is the place to see anything from a camel to a cobra and a rhino to a reticulated python. Fascinating features include one of the most extensive reptile collections in the country and a Giraffe Walkway. The latter allows these gentle giants of the animal world to look their many visitors in the eye.

6 If there were ever a debate about which of Britain’s safari parks were the best known, whoever championed Longleat - longleat.co.uk - would almost certainly be on to a winner. Although the destination offers other attractions including a historic house, extensive gardens and a miniature railway, driving among the animals in their large enclosures remains as compelling as it was when the park first opened many years ago. Remember to protect against kleptomaniac primates by removing aerials.

7 Birds of prey are among the world’s most beautiful creatures, and in some cases are also among its most threatened and misunderstood. The International Centre for Birds of Prey, based at Boulsdon House near Newent, Gloucestershire, has a large collection of birds and aims to dispel misconceptions by giving visitors the chance to meet and fly some of them. Details of its work can be found at www.icbp.org

8 Hope Nature Centre - www.hopenaturecentre.org.uk - is an animal park at Southwick Country Park, Trowbridge. Visitors can meet animals including farm favourites such as goats, sheep, ponies and cattle, together with more unusual residents such as a rhea, alpaca and giant rabbits.

9 Farmtastic Animal Farm is a petting zoo based at Lidats Meadows Farm, Grittenham. Llamas, alpacas, cattle, chickens, goats, pigs, sheep, poultry, donkeys and owls are among the 100 creatures who call the farm home. Would-be visitors should check the website - www.farmtasticanimalfarm.co.uk - for the latest opening days and times.

10 Founded 183 years ago, Bristol Zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in the world, and the expertise with which it looks after its animals is respected throughout the world. Exhibits range from the tiniest and most delicate creatures to the most imposing. Western Lowland Gorillas, for example, have their own island, while a habitat called Butterfly Forest enables visits to walk among some of the world’s most spectacular butterfly species. The zoo also offers special events including keepers’ experience days.