Category: Farms & AnimalsSee venue photos

Farms & Animals

Get to know animals CIC

Waltham Abbey, Essex· CM16 5HW

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 33 public reviews (Feb 2026 – May 2026)

87/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

High confidence

Based on the 33 most recent of this venue's many Google reviews.

Breakdown

NoiseGood

Crowds & queuesGood

Staff supportGood

PredictabilityGood

Calm spacesGood

Book ahead to avoid crowdsCan get loud later in dayFriendly, patient staffGood value experiencesCleanliness concerns notedSensory-friendly mornings recommended

Parent summary

This venue has genuinely warm feedback from visitors, with staff described as exceptional and caring, and a good variety of animals to explore. The environment is generally predictable and calm, with online booking available and plenty of parking. Some visitors have noted the venue can get busier as the day progresses, and a few have mentioned ventilation or cleanliness concerns during their visit.

What visitors say

Visitors consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable staff and excellent variety of animals, with many noting great value for money and the ability to book online with plenty of parking available. Some have noted that the venue becomes busier as the day progresses. A small number of visitors have mentioned concerns about ventilation in some areas and cleanliness of facilities or animal spaces, though overall staff are reported as genuinely caring and attentive.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

additional needs welcomesocial activitiesholiday programmes

Mentioned as welcoming venue for children with additional needs and disabilities
Families note friendly environment suitable for social activities with additional needs
Holiday programmes (Easter, May half-term) advertised to SEN/additional needs communities

Sourced from Facebook community groups, Instagram within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

Potential challenges

Some visitors have noted cleanliness of facilities and animal areas may vary
Ventilation in some areas has been mentioned by a few visitors
Seating areas may sometimes be unavailable during busier periods

What works

Friendly, knowledgeable staff reported as genuinely responsive to visitor needs
Online booking system allows you to plan ahead
Lots of parking available
Good variety of animals and experiences to explore
Calm, predictable environment overall
Ability to add on extra experiences to tailor your visit
Good value for money

Photos

Facilities

Party rooms Wheelchair accessible Free parking Blue badge parking

Sensory environment

Described as a 'chill out, not a wear you out' environment. Encourages visitors to take their time, sit down and watch animals. Low-pressure approach to animal handling (can book experiences as desired, not mandatory).

Tips for your visit

Open Friday-Sunday 10:00-17:00 (last entry 4pm), plus selected dates during school holidays. Animal handling experiences subject to animal health/mood. All 300+ animals are rescued/rehomed ex-pets (not wild), so may be suitable for children with anxiety around unpredictable behaviour. No specific information on quiet times, school group scheduling, or best times for sensory sensitivities.

Pricing

Prices available online or pay on the door. Birthday parties available (pricing not detailed). Gift vouchers and annual memberships offered.

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingYes
Wheelchair accessibleVisitors report yes
Accessible toiletYes

Visitors report: Blue Badge parking is available on site.

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

Free parking on-sitePaid parking on-site♿ Blue badge spaces

Opening Hours

Friday10:00-17:00

Saturday10:00-17:00

Sunday10:00-17:00

Frequently asked questions about Get to know animals CIC

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Get to know animals CIC autism friendly?

Get to know animals CIC scores highly for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 87/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. This venue has genuinely warm feedback from visitors, with staff described as exceptional and caring, and a good variety of animals to explore. The environment is generally predictable and calm, with online booking available and plenty of parking. Some visitors have noted the venue can get busier as the day progresses, and a few have mentioned ventilation or cleanliness concerns during their visit.

Does Get to know animals CIC have step-free entry?

Yes. Get to know animals CIC has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at Get to know animals CIC?

Yes. Get to know animals CIC has disabled (blue badge) parking.

Are there accessible toilets at Get to know animals CIC?

Yes. Get to know animals CIC has an accessible toilet.

Does Get to know animals CIC have parking?

Yes. Get to know animals CIC has free on-site parking.

Is Get to know animals CIC indoors?

Yes. Get to know animals CIC is an indoor farms & animals in Waltham Abbey, so it works as a rainy-day option regardless of weather.

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