Little-known UK wildlife park named among the best in Europe

A wildlife park in the UK has been named one of the best in Europe after being announced as one of Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 winners.

Jimmy's Farm in Wherstead, Ipswitch is a much-loved park in the heart of Suffolk and is home to several exotic animals such as zebras and crocodiles as well as farmyard favourites too. It is also home to the Lost Lands of the Tundra - a home to rescued polar bear Ewa, Arctic Foxes and the UK’s largest pack of Arctic wolves.

Jimmy's Farm is owned by television presenter and farmerJimmy Doherty. The farm has been on television since 2004 and now the winning title has put the farm in the 10% attractions based on reviews and ratings from visitors over the last year. It comes after reports of life in a small fishing village with some of UK's best seafood but hardly any tourists.

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Stevie Sheppard, park director, said: "We’re over the moon to receive this award. It’s a real reflection of the amazing team we have and the lovely visitors who take the time to share their experience.

"Everything we do, from our conservation work to creating special days out for families, and to be recognised by Tripadvisor is just incredible. We’re proud to be flying the flag for Suffolk and want to thank everyone who’s supported us over the past year."

Earlier this year, the park was also awarded Experience of the Year at The Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards, as reported by the Ipswich Star. It has become a centre of excellence for British rare breeds as well as home to camels, primates, tapir and crocodiles amongst other animals. Visitors can hand feed some animals and get even closer with special animal talks and activities too.

The Wildlife Park, which has zoo status, takes the same considered approach to conversation with rare and endangered animals staying with us. In 2020, Jimmy shared his life long passion for insects in the Big Bee Rescue on Channel 4, aiming to inspire protection of the nations bee population.

He first appeared on television alongside Jamie Oliver in his cooking programmes over two decades ago, and after training to be a pig farmer, he established his own farm and founded the Essex Pig Company, which became the focus of the reality TV documentary, Jimmy's Farm.

These days, Jimmy juggles his farming duties with his television career, and this weekend he's in the new Channel 4 show, Jimmy Doherty’s Big Bear Rescue.

The programme follows Jimmy, 50, at his Suffolk farm and wildlife refuge, where he welcomes some homeless polar bears, a pack of wolves, and two brown bears looking for their forever homes.

All of the action is filmed on his sprawling 70-acre family farm. He shares this idyllic setting with his telly producer wife Michaela Furney and their four daughters, not to mention a host of pets.

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