The Living Rainforest

Loved the mudskippers and, strangely, the assassin beetles. Lots of beautiful plants. Never did get to see the stingrays (think they buried themselves in the sand when they saw us coming. Lots of other animals to see though. The outside seating and play area could do with an upgrade though. Nice little shop. Enjoyed our time there.

Brilliant place! It is great to see so many old and rarer plants. At times it truly feels like you are walking on a jungle path, even when it is well paved, which is great for those having more trouble getting around. Don't forget to look for the free range animals, you may not find/see them all but it is great fun trying to find them all the same. Great value for money and definetly worth a visit if you are near or even a bit further away! Only thing I wish was that they pulled the sustainability topic through to the gift shop and offered leff plastic and maybe more seedlings plants or recycled or sustainable products!

The Living Rainforest in Thatcham, England, is a captivating and educational destination that offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a lush, tropical world filled with vibrant flora and fauna. The first thing that strikes you is the sheer diversity of plant life. The rainforest environment is meticulously recreated, featuring a wide array of exotic plants, including towering trees, colorful orchids, and countless species of ferns. The attention to detail in maintaining these botanical wonders is truly commendable. What sets The Living Rainforest apart is its commitment to conservation and education. Visitors have the opportunity to observe and learn about a fascinating array of animals, including rare reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of bird species. The informative signage and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to answer questions and provide insights into rainforest ecology and sustainability. The immersive experience extends to the impressive glasshouse structure, which is a feat of engineering, designed to mimic the rainforest's climate and atmosphere. It's like stepping into another world where you can appreciate the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and their ecosystems. Families will particularly appreciate the interactive displays and children's activities that make learning fun and engaging. There's also a well-maintained cafe serving delicious refreshments with a rainforest twist. In summary, The Living Rainforest is a hidden gem in Thatcham, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore the wonders of the rainforest without leaving England. It's a perfect blend of education, conservation, and awe-inspiring beauty, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and those interested in preserving our planet's most precious ecosystems.

Visited for the first time today, and we had a great time. Although the place isn't huge, it has a lot to see, amazing animals and plants. The app, which contains trails and info, was a real asset. We were there for over 4 hours, went round twice, and found lots to look at each time, sadly we didn't see the sloth though, she was doing an incredible job at hiding. The staff were all lovely and friendly, especially the keeper who was on armadillo feeding duty, really lovely and informative, he helped us find the things we had missed on our trail, plus extra bits, which we loved. All in all, we had a fantastic time, saw lots, and learnt lots

The Living Rainforest had much to offer. The premises are in glass houses with the high temperature and humidity required for the fauna and flora kept there. The humidity will steam up your glasses and camera lense, so you'll need a dry cloth to keep them clear. The signposting is quite good with relevant information without excessive details. The overall impression is good, but the place does look just a little tired and untidy in places. The café was ok and reasonable prices, but not a great selection.