- About
- What to See
- The Gardens
- Food
Their outdoor wildlife park is set within 35 acres of grounds on the banks of the River Thames near Pangbourne, Reading.
Set in rolling fields, woodland and picturesque riverside.
Many animals, and the habitats in which they live, are in danger of disappearing, principally due to pressures put on them by human activities including hunting and the clearance of land for building and agriculture.
These factors are compounded by natural environmental pressures and increasing recent concern over pollution and global changes in climate.
Beale Wildlife Park is committed to the conservation of rare and endangered species.
They also deliver a unique learning experience, encouraging excitement and exploration.
The Park currently manages six main projects and supports others, each of which falls into a different category or type of conservation initiative.
These categories are listed below:
1) Breeding – the breeding of animals to preserve the species for the future and for their re-introduction back into the wild if and when suitable conditions allow.
2) Gene pool (studbook) – acting as hosts to animals from other collections to assist in their breeding initiatives, designed to maintain or increase numbers of rare and endangered species.
3) Sponsorship – donations made by the Park in support of initiatives by other conservation organisations.
4) Practical Support – the loan or provision of Beale Wildlife Park resources, either manpower or equipment, in support of conservation initiatives.
Beale Wildlife Park is particularly well known for our huge range of wildlife – over 160 species of birds and animals – from lemurs to zebras – including several rare breeds.
They have a growing farmyard of favourites, including their new band of Shetland ponies, Alpacas, pigs, sheep and goats.
Children are spoilt for choice when it comes to fun and adventure at Beale Wildlife Park.
There is an exciting variety of play areas to choose from with everything from a brand new bouncy pillow, adventure playground, a zip wire, and rope play, to a paddling pool and a sandpit.
For the youngest visitors there is a Toddlers’ Village where imaginations can run riot and future driving skills honed… There are cars, trikes, traffic lights and a crossing are just some of the highlights.
Why not pop down to the Park and let your little ones go wild!
Indoor Play – Keep an eye on their social media and they’ll let you know when their indoor soft play can open again.
Designed for visitors under 5 years, it is designed to entertain and includes the indoor soft play area is full of children’s favourite toys with everything from ride-ons and rocking horses to slides, activity gyms, kitchens and play houses.
Their train… One of the most-loved and longest standing features of Beale Wildlife Park.
There has been a train on the narrow gauge railway since the 1980s – originally a steam locomotive and now a diesel called Howard.
The 1.6km track runs from the station, Howard’s Halt, near the site entrance and loops around much of the park, offering excellent views of some of the animals, from Shetland ponies to Meerkats.
Its carriages can accommodate 70 people, and include wheelchair access.
Set against a stunning backdrop of the River Thames in Berkshire, the gardens within Beale Wildlife Park offer visitors the chance to relax and enjoy nature at its best with a variety of planting styles.
Jubilee Water Gardens
Beale Wildlife Park celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006 with the creation of the Jubilee Water Gardens.
These gardens are brought to life with an interesting array of plants including trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals, creating a peaceful walk with a hint of the Orient for all to enjoy.
Lakeside Border
The Lakeside Border, which runs alongside the Park’s Inner Lake, was created in the summer of 2009 and features more than 80 varieties of plants including grasses and perennials.
The garden was designed to enhance the lake landscape.
Tiered Border
Located at one end of the inner lake, the tiered border showcases a large variety of dahlias and tender exotics.
Tropical Bed
Located near the train station, the tropical bed was created in 2017 to showcase a variety of tropical plants that can be grown outdoors from late spring to late autumn.
Diamond Jubilee Garden
Located at the front of the park they have two raised beds that are filled with pollinator friendly plants and grasses.
Opposite this area is the Diamond Jubilee Garden, a lovely area to sit and enjoy the delicate fragrance of roses.
Courtyard Garden
Tucked behind the elephant fountain is our Mediterranean themed courtyard including vine covered arbours.
Trees
Beale Wildlife Park is home to a fine collection of trees both native and ornamental, large and small, deciduous and evergreen.
The collection has grown over the years and will continue to evolve into the future when new trees are planted.
In this way we are able to keep the landscape alive and support the ecosystems within it. Some specimen trees of interest to look out for in the Park are:
- Swamp Cyprus (Taxodium distichum)
- River Birch (Betula nigra)
- Indian Bean Tree (Catalpa bignonioides)
- Flowering Cherry (Prunus pink perfection)
- Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria raucana)
They are pleased to announce their plans to ensure that visitors are kept supplied with tasty food and drink while on-site food outlets are closed for refurbishment through the winter months.
Both the Peacock Restaurant and Honesty Cafe will close their doors on 1 November 2022, and they would like to say a big thank you for their time with them.
Their roles will instead be fulfilled by some excellent mobile outlets.
Brew Box Berkshire will offer drinks and cakes daily (including home made cakes, proper coffee and luxury hot chocolate), while Main Street Kitchen will serve hot and cold food over weekends and event periods.
Options include loaded hot dogs, mac and cheese, home made soup and plant burgers.
Seating will still be available in picnic areas and within the Peacock Restaurant.
Plans envisage a permanent and revitalised food and drink facility being in place at the park for the spring of 2023.
- Beale Park
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