If you’re looking for an experience that’s both intriguing and a little bit daring, a venomous snake handling show in Gloucestershire might just be the highlight you never knew you needed. This tour, organized by Crocs R us, offers a rare chance to see some of the world’s most dangerous snakes up close — all handled safely by expert guides. Perfect for the curious, brave, or anyone wanting a meaningful insight into these fascinating creatures, it promises a one-hour adventure you won’t forget.
What we love about this experience is the expert guidance that makes it accessible for most people, the unique opportunity to see venomous snakes interact with their handlers, and the educational element that demystifies these often misunderstood animals. The only potential hurdle? The price point at $53.87 per person might seem steep for some, especially since it’s a short, one-hour session. That said, the value lies in the quality of the interaction, safety measures, and the chance to learn directly from professionals.
This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers, nature enthusiasts, and those with a keen interest in animals — but note that children under 10 are not allowed, making it more suitable for older kids, teenagers, or adults.
Good To Know
- Educational and thrilling: Learn about venomous snakes from knowledgeable guides while observing live handling.
- Safe environment: Snakes are interacted with behind secure barriers, ensuring safety for all.
- Unique UK offering: No other snake show in the country provides such close, safe encounters with venomous species.
- Flexible booking: Reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.
- Small group experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized and engaging session.
- Accessibility: Includes a spectator option if you prefer to watch rather than handle.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
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Starting Point: Croc Cafe
The tour begins at Croc Cafe, which acts as the central meeting point. While it might seem an unusual spot for a snake show, it’s actually convenient and cozy, making the initial gathering relaxed and informal. Guides, like the knowledgeable and friendly professionals from Crocs R us, typically meet guests here before heading to the handling area.
The Handling Show and Educational Talk
The main event is a one-hour live demonstration of venomous snakes. The guides do a fantastic job of explaining the snakes’ behavior, habitats, and the importance of conservation — yes, even venomous snakes have a vital role in ecosystems. This part of the tour is actually the highlight, with opportunities to see snakes like vipers or cobras being handled, while maintaining constant safety barriers.
Guests often comment on the expertise of the guides. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and answered all our questions, making everything feel safe and educational.” This emphasis on safety and information is crucial, especially considering the potential danger of the animals involved.
Observation from Behind a Barrier
For those who prefer not to handle, spectator tickets are available. Watching the interaction from behind a secure barrier still offers plenty of excitement and insight without the risk. It’s a good option for families with younger children (over 10), or anyone less comfortable with handling wild animals.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyPhoto Opportunities
Don’t forget your camera — many guests take memorable pictures of the snakes being handled, or of the guides during the live show. A tip from past visitors: ask your guide if you can take close-up shots of the snakes, as they often encourage photos to help you remember the experience.
Flexibility and Booking
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, which adds convenience when planning your trip. The tour runs multiple times during the day, but check availability beforehand to get a time slot that suits your schedule. The small group size (up to 8 participants) makes for a more engaging experience and ensures your guide can give proper attention to everyone.
Duration and Practicalities
The entire experience lasts about one hour, a perfect length to get an exciting peek into the world of venomous snakes without it feeling rushed. The meeting point at Croc Cafe is easy to find, and since the tour ends back there, logistics are straightforward. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the moments. Flash photography and smoking are prohibited — standard safety measures.
What Sets This Tour Apart
This snake handling show is quite unlike anything else in the UK, emphasizing education and safety while giving a close-up perspective on these often-feared creatures. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making complex topics approachable and engaging. Past visitors have noted that the show isn’t just about spectacle, but also about understanding the importance of these animals, which adds a meaningful layer to the experience.
The safety barriers ensure that even the most nervous guests can enjoy the show without worry, while at the same time, the interaction with the snakes feels authentic and captivating. The fact that you can purchase spectator tickets also allows for family-friendly viewing, making it accessible for different comfort levels.
Value for Money
Though the ticket price is over $50, it reflects the specialized nature of the experience — handling venomous snakes is not something most people will get to do in everyday life. The professional guides, the exclusive opportunity to see venomous snakes up close, and the educational focus all contribute to a sense of value. For animal lovers or those looking for a quirky, memorable activity in Gloucestershire, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Who Would Enjoy This?
This experience is ideal for adventurers craving something different, families with older children (over 10) interested in wildlife, and curious travelers wanting a behind-the-scenes look at dangerous animals. If you’re interested in biology, conservation, or reptiles, you’ll find this tour both enjoyable and educational.
However, if you’re not comfortable around snakes, or have very young children, you might prefer watching from the sidelines or choosing a different activity.
The Sum Up
The Venomous Snake Handling Show and Educational Talk in Gloucestershire offers a rare — and safe — chance to get up close with some of the world’s most dangerous creatures. With expert guides leading the session, you’ll leave with a better understanding of venomous snakes’ ecological roles and behaviors, all in a well-organized, small-group setting. The combination of safety, education, and interactive fun makes it a memorable experience for those with a sense of adventure.
While it’s on the pricier side for a one-hour activity, the unique nature of the encounter and the professional guidance justify the cost. It’s particularly suited for those with an interest in wildlife, reptiles, and hands-on learning, or anyone who enjoys a bit of adrenaline with their educational tour.
If you’re visiting Gloucestershire and looking for something different from the usual heritage or garden tours, this offering promises a truly fascinating insight into the world of venomous snakes, and you might just discover a new appreciation for these misunderstood animals.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 10 are not allowed to participate, but older kids and teenagers can enjoy the show, especially if they have an interest in animals and wildlife.
Can I just watch the show instead of handling snakes?
Yes, spectator tickets are available. You can watch the interaction from behind a safe barrier, making it a good option for those who prefer not to handle or for young children.
How long does the experience last?
The full scheduled session lasts about one hour — enough time to see the snakes, listen to the educational talk, and take photos.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking and a camera to capture the moments. Remember, flash photography is not allowed during the show.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund.
How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot now and choose to pay later, providing flexibility in planning your trip.
Overall, this adventure in Gloucestershire is a chance to see some of nature’s most potent animals in a controlled, educational setting. It’s a vivid, memorable activity, especially if you’re keen to learn more about reptiles or simply want an unusual story to tell.
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