Category: Farms & AnimalsSee venue photos

Farms & Animals

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project

St. Mary Hoo, Medway· ME3 8RF

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 19 public reviews (Oct 2025 – Mar 2026)

67/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Moderate confidence

Based on the 19 most recent of this venue's many Google reviews. Scores may shift as more reviews come in.

Breakdown

Crowds & queuesMixed

Staff supportGood

PredictabilityGood

Calm spacesGood

Book ahead for foodSmall manageable sizeStaff accommodatingUp close animal encountersGood layout and signpostingQuiet times recommended

Parent summary

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project has engaged staff who are willing to adapt their approach, and the small, well-organised layout means it's straightforward to move around without feeling overwhelmed. The up-close animal encounters and manageable size work well for many families. Some visitors have noted that wayfinding could be clearer in places, and the café may have queues during peak times.

What visitors say

Visitors consistently praise the staff's willingness to adapt to individual needs, the intimate scale of the zoo, and the up-close animal encounters that feel low-pressure. Many have found the layout clear and well-signposted, though some have noted navigation could be clearer in places. The café may see queues during busy periods.

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

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

dedicated SEN sessionsautism-friendly visitssensory spacestaff support

Dedicated SEN sessions available at the venue
Parent reports autistic son visited successfully for 2 years
Staff described as great by families with autistic children
Timing advice: avoid visiting too late in the day
Sensory space for relaxation mentioned in Child-Friendly Medway partnership

Sourced from Facebook parent community, Instagram organisational post within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

When to visit

Typical busyness patterns based on Google Maps visitor data. Term-time and school holidays will vary.

Weekdays (Mon to Fri)

Typically quietest around 4pm

10am1pm4pm

Weekends (Sat to Sun)

Typically quietest around 10am

10am1pm4pm

QuietModerateBusyVery busy

⏱ People typically spend 45 min to 2.5 hr here

Potential challenges

Signposting around the site could be unclear in places – checking a map or asking staff on arrival may help with orientation
The café can experience queues during busy times – if your child needs food at specific times, packing snacks or eating outside peak hours may work better for your visit

What works

Staff actively look to accommodate individual needs and offer flexible, personalised support
Small size and logical layout reduce navigational stress and sensory load
Up-close animal encounters keep sensory stimulation manageable while staying engaging
Lots of information boards around the site
Large picnic area – you can bring your own food and eat at your own pace
Staff are notably helpful and approachable, even when busy

Photos

Facilities

Cafe / food on-site Party rooms Free parking Blue badge parking

Tips for your visit

Zoo setting with rescued and rehomed animals. Offers animal experiences including Keeper for a Day and Junior Keeper for a Day. School group education available. Staff happy to discuss animals. Check booking page for opening days as hours vary seasonally. Contact 01634 270422 for specific accessibility questions.

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingYes
Accessible toiletYes
Accessible seatingYes

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

Free parking on-site♿ Blue badge spaces

Opening Hours

Wednesday10:00-17:00

Thursday10:00-17:00

Friday10:00-17:00

Saturday10:00-17:00

Sunday10:00-17:00

Frequently asked questions about The Fenn Bell Conservation Project

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is The Fenn Bell Conservation Project autism friendly?

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project scores moderately well for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 67/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. The Fenn Bell Conservation Project has engaged staff who are willing to adapt their approach, and the small, well-organised layout means it's straightforward to move around without feeling overwhelmed. The up-close animal encounters and manageable size work well for many families. Some visitors have noted that wayfinding could be clearer in places, and the café may have queues during peak times.

Does The Fenn Bell Conservation Project have step-free entry?

Yes. The Fenn Bell Conservation Project has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at The Fenn Bell Conservation Project?

Yes. The Fenn Bell Conservation Project has disabled (blue badge) parking.

Are there accessible toilets at The Fenn Bell Conservation Project?

Yes. The Fenn Bell Conservation Project has an accessible toilet.

Does The Fenn Bell Conservation Project have parking?

Yes. The Fenn Bell Conservation Project has free on-site parking.

When is The Fenn Bell Conservation Project least busy?

Based on Google visitor data, The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is typically quietest on Wednesday around 10am. Term-time weekdays during school hours are generally calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Do I need to book in advance for The Fenn Bell Conservation Project?

Yes. The Fenn Bell Conservation Project requires advance booking. Book through the venue's website or by phone before visiting. Same-day entry without a booking is not guaranteed.

Help us improve this listing

Spotted something wrong with our The Fenn Bell Conservation Project listing, or have feedback to share? Let us know.