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Flamingo Land has something for everyone... rides, exotic animals, encounters, shows and pools

THERE can’t be many places in the UK where you can hand-feed the penguins and see endangered species before riding a rollercoaster, then play in the splash zone after watching a sea lion show. Flamingo Land is SO much more than a theme park, it’s actually several days out in one with all the rides you would expect, plus a huge zoo, not to mention an entire holiday resort too. We found there was lots going on at the private self-contained holiday resort with its entertainment complex and swimming pool. And it’s a good job there’s plenty of places to stay in the on-site resort – which caters for all budgets – because I can guarantee one day will not be enough time to do it justice. The park is split into seven areas with everything from toddler rides to the whiteknuckle ones, with plenty of in-between family rides too, so if you have children of different ages you are guaranteed to find something for everyone. There are plenty of thrills and spills to be found for all the family. Youngsters will love Dino-Stone Park, Zooom, Splash Battle and Flamingo-1, while adrenaline junkies will find plenty of opportunities to test their nerve.

They can take on the spiraling Kumali rollercoaster, the fast paced Hero or the towering Mumbo Jumbo – officially the world’s steepest ride in 2009, to name just a few.

We started on the cable cars – which give a great aerial view of the entire park and were dropped off in the zoo. Within minutes we were practically within touching distance of the Sumatran tiger family – made up of mummy, daddy and baby Menya – who is the result of the parks’ breeding programme.

The kids were absolutely amazed seeing them up so close.

Menya is the result of seven years of hard work by the animal carers in their attempts to protect the critically endangered species.

There are only around 400 left in the wild.

JUGGLED

Next up was the sea lion show, where my daughter watched the fun, educational keeper talk. Families can also take part in several encounters too, with either the penguins, meerkats, lemurs, giraffe, sea lions and birds. We tried the penguin encounter where the kids loved feeding them fish. We also met the lemurs which was a lovely experience. The kids laughed out loud as they climbed all over them to get to the food.

In the zoo there are also farm animals, reptiles and fish, and of course you can see the beautiful flamingos strut their stuff. The zoo is easily a full day out in itself, or take the land train through for a whistle-stop tour.

In this area of the park you will now also find the Peter Rabbit adventure playground which without a doubt was a highlight for our two younger children.

HIDING

They loved hiding in the treehouse. There are also twicedaily character appearances here and, for an extra small charge the new Peter Rabbit Story Time.

The entire theme park has a lovely holiday feel about it.

Every time I go I’m impressed with further investment, and just when you think it can’t get any better it somehow does. New for 2018 is the re-launch of Flamingo 1. The figure-of-eight race track ride was a hit with our 11, seven and four-yearolds who loved racing each other.

The other biggest change I noticed was the new hub building – an entertainment complex where you will find the HMS Bouncy soft play area.

The hub is also home to the Upper Deck fish and chip restaurant. It’s even got a balcony so you can sit in the sun while you eat and watch the cars whizz by on the Flamingo 1 track below.

We stayed over and retreated to our cottage to jump into the hot tub, secluded in its own garden. Then we just cracked open the prosecco...