Pettitts Animal Adventure Park — Attraction in Broadland

Well, what a gem.

We made the trip from Ipswich. It was a little way as there is no quick way to this rural area. But it was totally worth it!

Strangely situated on a small rural residential road, it had ample parking across the road. We wandered over and were met with friendly and accommodating staff.

I’ve seen a lot of complaints regarding the price. It felt steep when heading in but we soon realised that it was totally worth every penny.

There are shops, rides, eateries, animals and multiple types of play area. All had enough staff to ensure all was accessible. Aside from some smaller activities (and shop and food items of course), EVERYTHING was included in that price.

Of course, like most places to go to, the food prices are more than a supermarket. That’s to be expected. We didn’t find it disgustingly overpriced given the sheer amount on offer that’s included in the admission price. We saved ourselves a small amount of money by taking a picnic with us.

But all of the rides were an absolute hit with both our 5 and 1.5 year old. Friendly staff were always on hand to be more than helpful. Whether that was locating places (I stupidly used all of my cash getting in when there are small rides and machines which only take coins) or when getting onto rides. They really seem to have thought of everything.

There was a really nice choice of animals to see. From the reptile room, farmyard, meerkats and more. It was set up that you were in touching distance of everything. Animal feed is purchasable and it was a nice break to visit them in between going on the rides or visiting one of the many play areas.

The selection of rides were really great and super kid-friendly. All of the rides could be used by my short (1 metre) 5 year old. There were also plenty that we could take our baby on. Everything was efficiently done that we could mostly jump straight into the queue for another go. These were the highlight of the trip. Some rides even have photos taken so you can grab a takeaway gift.

There are also some really nice shows to go to so check the times at the theatre so you don’t miss the magic show! All included and plenty of seating to ensure that you get a chance to go.

The gift shop was reasonably priced and I would go as far as to say that it is possibly the best gift shop, in terms of choice, that I’ve seen at many of the farms and zoos that we’ve been to.

I would add that it’s mostly geared towards smaller children. But this was perfect for us. There really wasn’t anything that the children couldn’t partake in or be a part of.

We (adults) also must mention how clean it was kept. The toilets, indoor soft play and rides. It was really noticeable compared to a lot of places that we visit.

We all collectively came away and said how we can’t wait to visit again. The children had the most incredible day. It’s just a shame it took us this long to find out about it.

Pettitt’s is an...

Where to start... The carpark is not on the park site itself, it is located further down the road. To get from the carpark to the park you have to walk along a road that has no footpath, fortunately this is a quiet country village road and has very little traffic, but perhaps a crossing area would be a good idea.

Queueing for the park was Ok and where we had pre-booked tickets there was no issue getting in, although anyone with a large buggy or wheelchair will struggle to get through the gates easily as there is not a lot of space.

The pricing for the park is very high for what there is... Having to pay almost the same price for a 2.5year old as I did for 2 adults is a little unreasonable Perhaps having under 3's go half price or free would seem to be much more value for money, a family of 3 was £56.

Baby changing facilities, these are a bit a of a joke... a changing mat on the counter next to the hand basin in the toilets is not a baby changing area. It is almost impossible to change a baby in this space, particularly if you have a buggy also.

Refreshments... these are available in various places, but it seems if you get the wrong time then you will have a very long wait for food. We waited 30 minutes for 2 takeaway paninis, the were enjoyable though once they did arrive. The "Costa" stand is a bit strange, it does sell Costa food and drinks, but a limited selection and you cannot scan a Costa card. Ice creams are very overpriced as a std 99 was £3.20 and if you wanted a waffle cone, that would set you back £4.50! That is very highly priced, even compared to the South Coast holiday destinations.

Attractions, these are Ok and would suit a child up until about 6 or 7 years old. Any older and I feel they would get a little bored. There are various animals and the reptile house has a good variety. Beware of some of the chargeable rides, there are certain attractions that appear to be included in the cost of the ticket but are actually £1 a go and often don't work after taking your money, if you don't have change with you there are machines to use a card to get change but the minimum is £20! Also take caution with the petting area, there are a couple of adult male goats that are very boisterous and bullish. I went in to feed them with my 2.5year old daughter and one jumped and headbutted me in the chest... Thankfully this was not my daughter on the receiving end of this.

Overall the park is clean, and the staff were very friendly but there are definite improvements needed to make it value for money for the prices being charged for entry, as parts feel quite rundown and in need of improvements.

We visited whilst on a holiday in Norfolk and I don't think we would return if visiting...

So having been 8 years ago my perception of Pettits was based on that one visit. Back then things were a little rough around the edges and it was a little dated. However visiting yesterday showed me that time (and perhaps lockdown) has changed things. I went today with my two children (20 months, 5 years), my husband, my sister, her husband and her daughter who was 10.

We ALL had a great time. Honestly, it was really fun seeing the children having such a laugh going on rides, enjoying the thrill of the rollercoaster, feeding the goats, going down the slides and riding the mini train. It is aimed at children ideally between 2 and 11 I'd say, however as big adults we enjoyed it too and we also enjoyed seeing our children having fun.

Some of the newer attractions included the crazy caterpillar rollercoaster. We all went on this from my 20 month old, all the way up to my brother in law in his late 40s!! It was a fun little ride and my 5 year old went on it 8 times!!

The hopping Kangaroos were also new and again we all went on. It was a little scary for the little one and she did cry and also a little jarring for the back for the bigs ones, however a nice addition.

There are some closed places still due to Coronovirus, but to be honest you don't miss them much - perhaps the Bingo the clown show - My niece still recites 'Scooby Dooby Do, flush my knickers down the loo' 8 years after seeing it!!!!

Coronovirus and social distancing - they are on it. Don't be concerned. They clean the rides everytime it's used and then they do a deep clean (I guess every hour or every so many times it's used??) There are hand sanitizers all over the park as well as hand washing facilities in the goat/animal area. The loos are very clean and it shows they are trying so hard to keep the park clean, people safe and entice visitors back.

So cost - ok so for a family of 7 of us (with one under 2) it was £86ish so wasn't cheap. However when you work out the fact my daughter was free (under 2s are free) and she was tall enough for everything I'd say actually it was quite fairly priced and actually we made memories to treasure!

Overall if you go for a day out, take a picnic (they have a Costa and an ice-cream stall in the park and a coffee shop type place at the entrance for food) and enjoy a whole day of laughter. We got there at 10.30 and left at 5!

Presently it's slightly cheaper if you book online so do make sure to check the weather...