Greenacres Farm Park – Mancot

Greenacres Animal Park is currently open, primarily operating on weekends and during school holidays. During the off-peak season (February to April and October), it is generally closed from Monday to Wednesday. In the summer months, it typically opens daily.

What is Greenacres Animal Park?

It is a family-run zoo and wildlife park set within 80 acres of the North Wales countryside. Originally a dairy farm, it has evolved into a diverse attraction that blends traditional farmyard life with zoological exhibits.

Where is it located?

The park is situated on Cottage Lane in Deeside, Flintshire (CH5 2AZ). It is highly accessible, located just off the A494, approximately 5 miles from Chester and 15 miles from Liverpool.

What can you do, see, and experience?

Visitors can encounter over 50 species of animals ranging from domestic farm favourites to exotic wildlife.

Animal Interactions: There is a supervised pets’ corner for meeting rabbits, guinea pigs, and ducklings. You can also buy bags of feed for the goats and ducks.
Exotic Species: The park houses reptiles, exotic birds, lemurs, and even hybrid wolves.
Activities: Seasonal highlights include tractor rides through the fields to see llamas and alpacas, pony rides, and a Victorian fairground featuring a mini Ferris wheel.
Play Areas: There is both an outdoor playground and a two-level indoor soft play barn for children to burn off energy.
Special Encounters: For an extra fee, you can book structured experiences like wolf encounters or “keeper for a day” sessions.

How long do people typically spend there?

On average, visitors spend 3 to 5 hours exploring the grounds. Families with younger children often find enough activities to make it a full-day outing, especially when including time for the soft play and fairground rides.

Who will enjoy it most?

Families with young children: The park is perfectly tailored for toddlers and primary-school-aged children who enjoy hands-on contact with animals and varied play areas.
Wildlife Enthusiasts: Those interested in specific species, such as the hybrid wolves or birds of prey, will find the educational keeper talks particularly rewarding.
Hobbyists: Photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy a slower-paced, “homely” atmosphere compared to larger, more commercial zoos will appreciate the setting.

Suitability and Potential Limitations

Perfect Suitability: It is ideal for those seeking a manageable, interactive day out where children can get very close to the animals.
Limited Experience: Because much of the park is outdoors and situated on a former farm, poor weather can limit the experience. Some of the animal enclosures and paths may not be fully accessible to wheelchair users, particularly for the specific “animal encounter” sessions which often involve steps or tight spaces.

Best Time to Visit

Quieter Times: Visiting on weekdays during term time (when open) or arriving exactly at 10:30 am on weekends usually ensures a more peaceful experience.
For More Fun: The summer holidays are best for the full range of activities, as tractor rides and certain “GOLD” ticket activities only run during peak periods.
Weather: A dry, sunny day is recommended to fully enjoy the 80-acre outdoor walk and the tractor tours.

What makes it unique?

While there are other farm parks nearby, Greenacres is the only zoo in Flintshire. Its unique selling point is the blend of a traditional Victorian fairground with exotic animal exhibits like wolves and lemurs, all within a family-run environment that feels less “industrial” than major zoological gardens.

Budget and Membership Offers

Discounted Tickets: The park offers “BRONZE” tickets during the winter months (February and March), which are cheaper but exclude some seasonal activities like tractor rides.
Group Benefits: There are specific price packages for schools, nurseries, and large groups.
Annual Membership: Frequent visitors can benefit from season passes, which provide general admission throughout the main season. This is highly cost-effective for local families planning to visit more than three or four times a year.

Visitor Advice

Clothing: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes or wellies. As a working farm environment, it can get muddy or dusty depending on the season.
Food: While there is an on-site café (Hungry Horse/Kookaburra Café) serving hot food, visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated outdoor areas to save money.
Parking: There is free on-site parking available for all guests.
Feeding Tip: If you buy animal feed, it often comes in a paper bag; bringing a small plastic bag to keep it in can prevent the paper from tearing.