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Animals and Nature

From meerkats and red pandas to snow leopards and rhinos, Marwell Zoological Park is home to over 200 species of animals and birds. It houses the largest collection of hoofed animals in the UK, ten different species of cat and popular favourites like giraffes, hippos and meerkats. A visit to this world-famous zoo, set in a hundred-acre park, is both fun and educational with something for everyone. In 2006, a big new house with rare African antelope, buffalo and a large aquarium will open. A 30 metre raised walkway outside takes visitors into the giraffe paddock, where you might come eye to eye with a gentle giant.

Make your way to the top of St Giles' Hill. Offering idyllic bird's eye views over the city, this is a great spot for picnics, playing ball games and flying kites.

Winchester is near to several country parks and nature reserves including the Yew Hill Farm Butterfly Reserve, Winnall Moors, or you can follow in the tracks of Hazel, Fiver and Bigwig at the scenic Downlands - the inspiration for Richard Adams' much loved book Watership Down. In the centre of the city there is a much-loved children's play area in the public Abbey Gardens, with space to picnic and plenty of ducks to feed.