Bugtopia The Zoo

• Visit Rutland for Bugtopia the Zoo where you can get up close and personal with the creepiest of crawlies and cutest of animals.
• Watch how bugs and animals eat in the feeding demonstrations to learn about how these creepy crawlies eat, live and breath.
• Fully immerse yourself in the animal world and its bio diverse ecosystem.
• Hold a tarantula and more during talks and demonstrations if you're lucky enough and brave enough, to 

Find your wild side at Bugtopia the Zoo if you're looking for things to do near Oakham. Bugtopia provides some great animal experiences for you at this interactive, family-run attraction, located by Rutland Water. At this convenient location, when you're done, you can pop by for some mini-golf, bike riding or stop by for a coffee. Not to be confused with Bugtopia Kettering the Zoo near Corby, Bugtopia Rutland Water has been created to help children and grown-ups in learning and engaging in the wildlife that surrounds us, as they play a crucial role in our ecosystem.

Bugtopia The Zoo is special because it combines an interactive experience whilst educating you on the importance of conserving and preserving our spectacular biodiversity, emphasising its importance. It's fun and educational, right in the heart of Rutland Water. The staff at Bugtopia the Zoo seek to share their fascinating knowledge on conservation, ecology and biodiversity with all who attend. Your little ones will be captivated by the stories, facts and hidden gems that are on offer at this Rutland zoo.

Bugtopia actually won an award during their first year of opening for the hands-on, interactive educational meet and greets, which has become a family favourite, and effective learning method that captivates the interest of kids at every age. Families love visiting as the passion and enthusiasm of the staff oozes right out; it's delightful and refreshing.

Bugtopia The Zoo specialises in invertebrates and reptiles, although more and more mammals are beginning to come as they expand their conservation project. You can get up close and personal with some slimy worms and impressive ants to scary scorpions and many other fascinating invertebrates, some with big mouths and lots of teeth. Many of the animals at Bugtopia are housed and re-homed from other Zoo's, the pet industry or stow-aways in luggage. There are over 75 different species of animals that live at Bugtopia The Zoo, and there's always more on the way, so each trip there is something new to see. 

Make friends with giant stick insects, some very foot-long millipedes, monitor lizards and even caimans. Plus, for some furry friends, catch up with some meerkats at Bugtopia the Zoo, they are a stunning example of a Matriarchal social group, they have lookouts (you know the ones), foragers, and babysitters, too. They're just adorable and hilarious at the same time. Don't miss out on the armadillo's, who use specially evolved membranes in their noses to acquire oxygen from the soil particles that surround it and all without inhaling any of the soil itself. Introduce yourself to Raccoon Dogs, often found near water and named for their resemblance to dogs, these interesting creatures adapt their diets depending on the seasons. Visit some Civets, a Viverridae often thought of as part of the cat family but related to the genet, the binturong and the fossa. Don't miss out on one of the smaller attractions in the Zoo, and one of the most amazing critters on earth - ants! They might be everywhere, but we bet the facts you hear from the staff at Bugtopia will impress you as ants are some of the most intriguing and organised insects. Be sure to check out the inspiration for the Dilophosaurus in Jurassic Park, with one living at this Bugtopia, Rutland Water: the frilled dragon! You might even catch it running, which is a hilarious sight.

Experience the staff feeding the animals at the eating times to immerse yourself in these crazy creatures lives, plus there are animal talks that happen throughout the day, so you'll have the experience to learn so much and even the opportunity to handle some animals, like a tarantula! That's if you're brave enough. If you're after some more thrilling experiences in Rutland, then you have to check out Aqua Park Rutland for the best inflatable jumps, drops, bounces and more as you dive, crash and fly through the air at the most action-packed activity in the county,

If you're after some more fun activities, why not try out crazy mini-golf nearby? At Rutland Water, there's plenty more to keep the kids busy and entertained. Plus, when you're feeling peckish, there is a Café at Rutland Water, and you can even bike hire to experience the surroundings of Bugtopia Rutland Water and what it has to offer. For another great animal experience in Rutland, visit the Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre, where you can meet birds of prey, big cats, wolves and explore an ancient woodland forest, just an eight-minute drive away.

What to know before you go

• When you're feeling peckish, there is a café at Rutland Water. Alternatively, Rutland Water and its glorious sights make for great picnic spots, so bring some tasty food and enjoy the Rutland sights.
• There are toilets and accessible toilets, but no baby changing facilities.
• It can be warm inside the Zoo to keep the animals at the right temperature, so bring some layers you can take off if it gets too hot.
• Bugtopia the Zoo is wheelchair and pushchair navigable.

Getting there

• Bugtopia the Zoo is located in Oakam, in Rutland.
• If travelling by public transport, from Oakham, which is the nearest town, you can get the number 9 bus service to Stamford from Market Place to Rutland Water Visitor Centre, from there it is an 11-minute walk. From Stamford, which is also near to Bugtopia, you can equally get the 9, but heading towards Oakham, getting off at Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
• If travelling by car, from Oakham you can head towards Catmos St/B641, 33 ft, exit the roundabout onto Catmos St/B641, 318. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Stamford Rd/B640. At the roundabout, continue straight onto Stamford Rd/A606. Continue to follow A606, turn right onto Sykes Ln Turn. If driving from Stamford, Head east on Castle St towards Bugle Ln, turn left onto St John's St/B1081, continue to follow B1081, continue onto Scotgate/A60. Turn left onto Empingham Rd/A606. Continue to follow A606 and onto Whitwell Rd. Turn left onto Sykes Lane, Turn right, and Bugtopia will be on your left.
• There is a car park on site.