Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens reopens on April 12 and it will be free.

It will be open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm and entrance charges have been scrapped, which will continue indefinitely.

Visitors can also expect some other changes at Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens.

A tea room is likely to be opened in the old ground floor state rooms of the main house at Kingston Maurward, which will also offer celebration high teas for special events.

The animals are also changing.

Luke Rake, Kingston Maurward principal and chief executive, said: "We are changing the animal mix a little, so sadly we've said goodbye to the 'exotic' animals such as the wallabies and rhea, and will be focusing on the farm animals and the small furries young children love.

"Due to hygiene considerations, we won't be encouraging activities such as guinea pig fishing or feeding the animals just yet, but again this will come back as and when it feels appropriate. As such, the animal park might feel a little more passive than before, but as parents ourselves, we know it'll be good just to get out and run around and see things."

The Barn Café is reopening for takeaways, but the soft play will stay shut for a little longer due to hygiene.

Luke added: "We hope to reopen this in due course as and when we can according to government guidance.

"We'll reintroduce seating inside soon as well, but we understand sitting in there with young children who can't use the play area would be unfair, so we've removed the temptation for a bit."

Those who have bought a season ticket can take it to The Barn Café and they will be given a voucher for the full value to use in the café and later in the tea rooms with no time limit on use.

For more information, visit kmc.ac.uk

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