Amazonia, Motherwell

...something in return. I found Amazonia, although reasonably priced for a couple hours out didn't really deliver enough to justify the price.

Adults: £4.95 (£4.45 if part of a group of 10 people and over)
Children: £3.95 (£3.45 if part of a group of 10 people and over)
Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children): £14.95

***Facilities***
Amazonia is quite stunning upon entry although the humidity hits you ...
...that hangs from the doorway. A series of wooden paths and bridges (think oriental gardens) take you through a jungle of tropical plants, flowers and trees. The colour on display is really quite striking - not only from the brightly-coloured flowers but also the collection of butterflies throughout the place, including the Queen Alexandria which has a wingspan of up to 12.5 inches.

In-between the foliage are tanks and cages holding ... more

***What is Discover Amazonia***
Amazonia is advertised as being "Scotland's largest indoor rainforest attraction" and promises to offer an insight into life in the tropical forest.

Originally established in 2002 it was closed down again in November 2003 when the property landlord announced its closure. In 2005, with the backing of M&D's Theme Park in Strathclyde Park where they are currently situated, they were able to re-open to the public.

***Location***
Discover Amazonia is found within Strathclyde country Park in the West of Scotland.

***Opening Hours***
Amazonia is open all year round however the opening hours differ between the summer and winter.

Winter: 7 days 10am-6pm
Summer: Mon - Fri 10am-6pm Sat - Sun 10am-7pm

***Cost***
I don't mind paying above the odds if I am getting something in return. I found Amazonia, although reasonably priced for a couple hours out didn't really deliver enough to justify the price.

Adults: £4.95 (£4.45 if part of a group of 10 people and over)
Children: £3.95 (£3.45 if part of a group of 10 people and over)
Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children): £14.95

***Facilities***
Amazonia is quite stunning upon entry although the humidity hits you as soon as you path through the heavy plastic sheeting that hangs from the doorway. A series of wooden paths and bridges (think oriental gardens) take you through a jungle of tropical plants, flowers and trees. The colour on display is really quite striking - not only from the brightly-coloured flowers but also the collection of butterflies throughout the place, including the Queen Alexandria which has a wingspan of up to 12.5 inches.

In-between the foliage are tanks and cages holding an array of amphibians, birds and small animals such as Toucans, Amazon Parrots, Pythons, Boa's, Gecko's, Poisonous Toads, Pygmy Marmoset monkeys and red-bellied Tamarins. There is also a lovely pond well stocked with beautifully coloured fish which shine as they swim through the water. My personal favourite were the adorable and misunderstood fruit bats. Having been adopted by a baby bat when I was a teenager, I have grown quite fond of these snub-nosed wee beasts and hope that having the opportunity to see them up close will do some good for their image.

There is a separate area which is kept dark which contains a variety of tanks filled with a variety of spiders including the Mexican Redkneed tarantula and the Blue Martinique. There is also an assortment of scorpions and other insects of interest on display.

* Animal handling sessions*
There are daily animal handling sessions where trained handlers introduce the animals (snakes, insects, spiders and monkeys) to the visitors and can answer any of the questions you or your kids may have.

*Shop*
The shop is strategically placed so visitors not only have to enter through the shop they also have to leave through it. They have plenty to appeal to your kids and to empty your wallet. There are plenty of educational toys which relate to the rain forest and the animals and plants on display. Equally there are books, toys, stationery sets and even lollipops shaped like Insects.

*Toilets*
There are toilets situated within the shop. They are basic but clean if not somewhat drafty! They do include baby changing facilities.

*Restaurant/Café*
There are no facilities within Amazonia for eating, however, being within the M&D's Theme Park compound, there are several burger vans and several sit down restaurants nearby including the American Greasy Spoon style, Downtown USA and Themed Bar/Restaurant, Bizarre.

*Car Parking*
As the car park serves the entire theme park it is more than big enough to accommodate any visitors.

*Disabled Access*
All entrances are ramped and the toilet has disabled facilities however, the paths and bridges throughout the place are quite narrow and navigating a larger wheelchair may prove difficult

***Final thoughts***
This was an interesting and beautiful place to visit and the exhibition has been put together with care making it an enjoyable experience. The animal enclosures seem to be in good shape and the animals themselves seem happy enough.

However at a stretch this will only occupy kids for roughly 20-30 minutes and I am not sure this is worth £15. The problem with bringing your family to a place like this is you are then left with time to kill and an amusement arcade and theme park to pass through before leaving which will obviously mean more expense. I challenge anyone to bring their kids along and have them leave Amazonia quite happy not to be lured in by any of the attractions around them.

In conclusion, yes, this was an enjoyable visit and if you are planning to make a day of a visit to M & D's then it is worthwhile making a stop at Amazonia while you are there if you are prepared to pay the money. However, I wouldn't suggest planning Amazonia for your main attraction for the day as you will find it doesn't deliver long term.

 

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