Cedars Nature Centre
📍 Waltham Cross, East of England
Intimate nature centre inside Cedars Park featuring meerkats, skunks, zorillas, owls, bearded dragons, kookaburras, and tenrecs. Daily animal talks include hands-on feeding sessions and a junior keeper programme for children aged 11 and over.
If you’ve ever wanted to lock eyes with a meerkat while contemplating life’s big questions, Cedars Nature Centre is your kind of place. Tucked inside the lovely Cedars Park, this mini-zoo is like the TARDIS of wildlife — small on the outside, full of surprises inside. One moment you’re peering at a sleepy owl, the next you're face-to-face with a skunk who looks like it knows your secrets. The staff are absolute legends — funny, friendly, and wildly enthusiastic about their animals (honestly, ask them anything and prepare to be amazed). The place has a real personal touch, and you can tell the animals are treated like royalty. There are also up-close encounters that’ll turn any sceptic into a full-blown animal whisperer. Petting a giant African land snail wasn’t on my bucket list… but now I highly recommend it. Best of all? It’s only £2.40 to enter and the kids got in free with a leaflet a kind gentleman was handing out around the park, Though after your visit, you'll probably want to donate just to say thanks for the serotonin boost. In short: Cedars Nature Centre is small, mighty, and full of character — a five-star experience with fur, feathers, and just the right amount of chaos.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Animal-loving children aged 5 and up get genuinely close to species rarely seen at larger zoos. Staff are trained zoologists and enthusiasts who answer every question thoroughly. The site is small — a walk-through takes under 30 minutes — so pair it with a wander around Cedars Park and the lake to make a half-day out.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →386 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Jude Vinton
a month ago
“We returned to Cedars Nature Centre with my animal loving 11 year old, for the junior keeper experience (2hrs). Aaron, our (training zoologist) keeper showed us around and answered every question we had expertly. He was so patient, unflappable and knowledgeable. We got up close to so many of the centre’s animals, helped with feeding and animal care, but the highlight was getting in with meerkats for feeding time. Honestly, this little animal centre do so well - standards are high for care (visitors and animals, both) and the staff are so passionate, knowledgeable and welcoming. Thanks for having us, she wants to come back next year for her 12th birthday:-)”
D Z
9 months ago
“Lovely little nature centre, there are different talks and you can meet the animals, the skunks, meerkat, bearded dragons, kookaburras etc. You can also feed them. The staff are really friendly and kind, and the gift shop is lovely. Tickets are only £2.40.”
Iveta
7 months ago
“A great place to visit, heaped in history. It has nature walks, lovely lake where you cafe feed the ducks You can also visit as the animal centre. It also has a pleasant cafe.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Cedars Nature Centre sits within the grounds of Cedars Park and offers daily keeper talks covering meerkat feeding, skunk meet-and-greets, minibeast sessions, and mystery animal encounters. Unusual residents include zorillas and tenrecs alongside more familiar species. VIP tours and a two-hour junior keeper experience are available to book separately. A gift shop and nearby park cafe extend the visit.
