Bristol: Lizard Experience with Lunch – A Close Encounter with Reptiles in Gloucestershire
If you’re a reptile enthusiast or just someone curious to see lizards beyond the usual zoo visit, the Bristol Lizard Experience offers a chance to get intimate with some fascinating creatures. This tour combines the thrill of handling a variety of lizards, geckos, and chameleons with a relaxed, small-group atmosphere and a tasty lunch. While it’s perfect for animal lovers who enjoy hands-on encounters, it’s worth noting that the experience is tailored to a very limited group—just two participants—making it intimate but possibly less flexible for larger groups or families.
What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity for genuine interaction—handling some of the larger or more colorful reptiles, capturing memorable photos, and learning intriguing facts straight from knowledgeable guides. Plus, the included lunch at Croc Cafe adds a relaxed, social finish to the visit. That said, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with animal allergies, so planning ahead is key. This adventure suits curious travelers eager for a personal, educational reptile encounter with a dash of fun.
Good To Know
- In-Depth Reptile Handling: Get close to and handle a variety of lizards, geckos, and chameleons.
- Educational Insights: Learn interesting facts about different types of lizards from your guide.
- Exclusive Small Group: Limited to 2 participants, ensuring personalized attention and interaction.
- Photo Opportunity: Have a professional photo taken with a favorite lizard to remember the day.
- Lunch at Croc Cafe: Enjoy a delicious meal next door, making this a full, satisfying experience.
- Duration & Flexibility: The experience lasts about 1.5 hours with flexible starting times—check availability.
An Honest Look at the Bristol Lizard Experience
This tour, hosted by Crocs R us, combines education, interaction, and a bit of fun in a compact, 1.5-hour package. The main highlight is, of course, the chance to get up close with a variety of reptiles. From large monitor lizards to vividly colored geckos and chameleons, the experience is designed to be both exciting and informative.
Getting started at Croc Cafe, your meeting point, is straightforward—just arrive five minutes before your scheduled slot. The guides are experienced and enthusiastic, eager to share their knowledge. Past reviews mention “friendly, well-informed guides” who help make the reptiles approachable, especially for first-timers. The small group size—just you and one other person—means you’ll receive personalized attention, with plenty of time to handle the animals and ask questions.
What to Expect During the Tour
The itinerary is simple: meet at the Croc Cafe, proceed to the Reptile Centre for 1.5 hours of close encounters, then return to the cafe for a leisurely lunch. During the visit, you’ll see and handle a wide range of reptiles, from the calm and imposing monitor lizards to the more colorful and nimble geckos. One of the standout features is the opportunity to handle some of the larger lizards, which, despite their size, often display playful, curious behaviors.
A notable aspect is the opportunity to have a photo taken with your favorite lizard—a fun keepsake that many reviewers cherish. As one reviewer noted, “The photo with the big lizard was a highlight—something to show friends back home.”
Handling Large and Colorful Lizards
Handling a monitoring lizard or a chameleon gives a tangible sense of the individual personalities of these animals. Guides are attentive, ensuring both safety and comfort for the animals and guests. Seeing these reptiles’ distinct personalities—some relaxed, some inquisitive—can be a real eye-opener.
Lunch at Croc Cafe
After the hands-on part, the experience concludes with a meal at Croc Cafe. While the menu specifics aren’t detailed, reviewers mention the lunch is delicious and satisfying, providing a nice break after the exciting reptile handling. Sitting next to the Reptile Centre also gives an atmospheric, informal vibe—perfect for unwinding and sharing the experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyIs This Tour Worth the Price?
At $134.69 for a private experience (up to one person), the price might seem steep for some, but considering the personalized nature, the exclusive small-group size, and the inclusion of a professional photo and lunch, many find it offers good value. For animal lovers craving an intimate encounter with reptiles, this is a unique opportunity that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
What stands out is the quality of interaction—you’re not just watching animals from a distance but actively engaging with them. The guides’ expertise means you’ll learn more than just basic facts; you’ll understand behaviors, care, and the animals’ backgrounds, enriching the visit.
Practical Details for Planning Your Visit
Duration: 1.5 hours on-site, plus lunch. The flexible starting times require you to check availability, but most slots are convenient for day-trippers.
Group Size: Small, limited to 2 participants, ensuring a tailored experience. This means the tour is best suited for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a personal encounter.
Meeting Point: Croc Cafe, just a few minutes early—don’t forget to arrive five minutes before your scheduled start.
What to Bring: A camera for capturing photos and comfortable clothes suited to handling reptiles.
Accessibility & Restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with animal allergies—important to consider if these factors apply to you.
Cancellation & Payment: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot now with the option to pay later—ideal for flexible travel plans.
The Itinerary in Detail
The experience kicks off at the Croc Cafe, a casual spot that serves as the starting point. After a brief introduction, you head to the Reptile Centre, where the real fun begins. Over the next hour and a half, you’ll see and handle a variety of reptiles, guided by knowledgeable staff who are eager to share their expertise.
Handling sessions are carefully managed to ensure safety and comfort—guides often demonstrate how to hold the animals properly and provide interesting facts about each species. Reviewing past feedback, one guest mentions, “We got to handle some big lizards and see how much personality they have,” which adds an element of surprise and education.
Once you’ve had your fill of reptile excitement, it’s time for lunch at Croc Cafe. This relaxed meal provides a chance to chat about the experience and enjoy some downtime. The casual, friendly atmosphere makes it a great way to end your visit.
Why This Experience Works for Travelers
This tour appeals most to those interested in hands-on animal encounters and eager to learn in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for animal lovers who want to see reptiles in a more personal, controlled environment, rather than a busy zoo.
Couples or friends will appreciate the small group setting, allowing for a more intimate and engaging experience. The photo opportunity with a favorite lizard is a nice touch, offering a tangible memory of the day.
While not designed for larger groups or families with young children (due to age and suitability restrictions), it’s ideal if you’re after a focused, educational, and memorable reptile experience.
Final Thoughts: Who is This Tour Best For?
This Bristol Lizard Experience is a charming, intimate outing that combines education, interaction, and a bit of fun. It’s suited for animal enthusiasts who want a personal, up-close look at reptiles and enjoy learning from passionate guides. The inclusion of a meal and photo makes it feel like a complete package for a half-day adventure.
If you’re looking for a unique activity that offers genuine engagement with creatures you might only see in documentaries, this tour delivers. It’s especially valuable if you want to capture great photos and learn interesting facts from experienced handlers.
However, it’s less suitable for travelers with mobility concerns or those with allergies or pregnancy restrictions. Also, the small group size means booking ahead is essential to secure your spot.
This experience is a fantastic choice for curious, animal-loving travelers seeking a memorable, hands-on reptile adventure in Gloucestershire.
FAQs
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours onsite, with flexible start times depending on availability.
What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the reptile handling session, a professional photo with a lizard, a guided explanation, and lunch at Croc Cafe.
Is the experience suitable for children?
The tour is designed for small groups of two, so it’s best suited for adults or older children comfortable handling reptiles—specific age restrictions aren’t detailed, but very young children might not be ideal.
Can I book for a larger group?
This experience is limited to just two participants, so larger groups would need to inquire about private arrangements or different tours.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring a camera to capture memories and wear comfortable clothes suitable for handling reptiles.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes, it’s unsuitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with animal allergies. Be sure to consider these before booking.
What should I expect at lunch?
While menu specifics aren’t provided, reviewers mention the lunch is delicious and satisfying, perfect for relaxing after the excitement.
How do I reserve my spot?
You can book now with the “reserve & pay later” option, and simply arrive at Croc Cafe five minutes before your scheduled slot.
In summary, the Bristol Lizard Experience with Lunch offers a distinctive, personal encounter with reptiles, combining education, interaction, and a relaxed meal. It’s a niche activity, best suited for animal lovers and those seeking a memorable, hands-on reptile adventure in Gloucestershire.
You can check if your dates are available here: