Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, at Begelly, Pembrokeshire offers photographers an abundance of opportunities for photographing wild and spectacular creatures many of which are at serious risk of extinction
The site is accessible, clean and well run with super friendly, happy and helpful staff. The owners have also restored and preserved an impressive working collection of vintage fairground rides which also offers unique and nostalgic photo opportunities for those hankering after a trip down memory lane.
QUICK LINKS
USEFUL INFO
STAY | SHOWMAN’S WAGONS
TIPS & TRICKS FOR GREAT PHOTOS
STAY | BALWEN LUXURY LODGE
WILD ANIMAL PHOTO GALLERIES
GOOD SPOTS FOR GREAT PHOTOS
FOLLY FARM ZOO | Past Present and Future
Folly Farm has been open to visitors since 1988 and has grown, organically and sustainably, welcoming more animals and more visitors as the years have rolled on. Now they are home to a vast number of exotic, endangered species in their zoo as well as domestic, rare breeds on their farm.
They are proud to be Wales’ only accredited Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) farm park as well as members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and members of 36 European Endangered Species Breeding Programmes (EEP’s).
FOLLY FARM – TIPS AND TRICKS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Zoos are great locations for challenging even the best photographer and videographers. They offer so many photo opportunities which change minute by minute, location by location and subject by subject. No two shoots are ever the same, not even from two photographers capturing the same animals in the same enclosure.
Zoos can be very inspiring photo locations. They present photographers with a huge variety of animals and a diverse range of people visiting those animals every day. They also offer many specific site challenges which enable you to practice and master your art.
ANIMAL ENCLOSURES present all sorts of challenges. Good zoos give their animals places to lie low, hide and sleep. Some enclosures are very large and landscaped as close to the natural habitat of the animals as possible. It is worth spending time walking around the whole perimeter of the enclosure so you can spot places which are likely to give you good vantage points. You want the animals to come close but it is also preferable to have an aesthetically pleasing natural background behind them.
Check the enclosure for worn pathways. These tell you where the animals are likely to patrol, hide and play. If a path leads to bushes and overgrowth, the chances are you will catch a shot of the animal in there. Folly Farm’s animals enclosures are well thought out and maximise the space available for their animals and they use every inch of the space so choose your spot well and be patient.
The unpredictable behaviour of the animals can be very frustrating: If they are resting – you wonder if they will ever move around before you have to go home. Every day is different. One day they won’t come close enough to the camera for a good photograph. The next day they come too close so you cannot shoot past the fence and barriers (see our tips below). If they are moving they may move too fast, move erratically, change directions and frustrate your attempts to capture them.
Feeding time is always guaranteed to provide interesting shots as the animals’ natural instinct to feed mean they know where, and how, food arrives and usually get excited and restless. Find out the times and places for feeding.
Animals will likely stay in the feeding area until they have had their fill. We have spent hours on lion shoots at Folly Farm and once spotted a female lion dragging out a hidden carcass from her den for an afternoon snack. She went back to this spot throughout the day and so did we!
AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY DECIDE YOU ARE VERY INTERESTING INDEED.
Animals will occasionally seem to be fascinated by the camera. If you do catch them looking directly at the lens there is an intimacy in the resulting photo that is very satisfying and richly rewards you for your patience.
My best moment at Folly Farm was when a male lion decided that I really was the most interesting thing on the planet and subsequently sat down to study me. We definitely had a moment together.
That intense moment lasted almost an hour! I will never forget it!
FENCES, BARBED WIRE, METAL BARS between you and the animals have to be there for safety reasons but their presence can inevitably spoil images and video clips. There are ways, however, to make those barriers disappear so that there appears to be nothing between you and the growling beast! It can be tricky as the light can work for, or against you. This photo of this lioness was taken through the same bars between myself and the male lion above. He was too close to the fence for the camera to move past it, but she was just far enough away for the magic disappearing act to happen.
So how do you do it? Many say you need to put your camera between the gaps in the fence but this is not always possible and can be quite dangerous. BUT if you have a decent zoom lens the trick is to focus past the fence and zoom in gradually so that your camera fully focusses on the animal. The camera is then tricked into thinking there is nothing between it and the subject it is focussing on.
Any fence or metal work then magically disappears, so much so, that you would be forgiven for literally quaking in your boots as you watch a wild beast in your viewfinder walking straight towards you with seemingly nothing to stop it reaching you. Practice, practice practice the technique and you will get it.
FOLLY FARM HOLIDAY PARK
The beauty of Folly Farm is that it has a five star, award-winning holiday park, set in 100 acres of beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside right next to the zoo. Located just ten minutes from the popular seaside town of Saundersfoot, and fifteen minutes from the iconic coastal town of Tenby – you’re never too far from a stunning countryside and beautiful beaches.
People staying in the luxury lodges and cottages have free passes to the attractions when the park is open. So this offers further incentive for booking accommodation within the holiday park
WHERE WE STAYED
We have stayed at Folly Farm twice so far and have a number of bookings to loof forward to. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Here are our recommendations, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
SEPTEMBER 2024: FOLLY FARM SHOWMAN’S WAGONS
We had been looking at the accommodation at Folly Farm Park through the summer months but for just two of us it the prices were a little expensive. Then towards the end of the season we spotted a deal on booking.com for Showman’s Wagons in the holiday apartment adjacent to the zoo and adventure park. The price for 4 nights was £305 via Hoseasons.
The wagons on the Hoseasons Site looked fun, nostalgic and even a little romantic. The internal photos looked good so we went for it and were stupidly excited to see what they were like.
We were not disappointed …
TWISTER SHOWMAN’S WAGON – INTERNAL PHOTOS
It literally had everything you need for a self-catering stay. Though compact, there was plenty of room in the main living area with fairly good WIFI, a wide screen TV. There was a welcome pack with bread, milk, butter and some welcome treats.
The wagon was well insulated and had excellent heating and a plentiful supply of super hot water.
The interior was spotless, no marks, scuffs or signs of heavy use
The bench seating was comfy enough and great for us as we were wanting to work online in the evenings editing and uploading our latest shots.
There was a full size oven with a single induction hob on the work-surface. Full size fridge, toaster and microwave.
Cupboards were full of cooking utensils with those useful little items you don’t even know you need like a corkscrew and a tin opener!!!! We were genuinely impressed.
There was a welcome pack with bread, milk, butter and some welcome treats.
A great food storage area, like a little pantry, above the fridge which meant you can keep your snacks off the work surfaces and out of sight.
The microwave was also a good size and powerful enough for most meals. Salt and pepper was provided, as well as tea, coffee and sugar.
The bathroom was located behind the kitchen are. It was a good size with a powerful shower and hot water.
There was a second bedroom with cabin bunk beds. Perfect for two little ones but we wouldn’t recommend for adults.
The full size double bed was super comfy and beddings and towel were excellent quality – only one criticism, the was not a lot of room by the side of the bed to walk around.
There was also outside space, picnic bench and hard standing for the car.
Would we stay there again? Yes definitely, but I think we would say 4 nights was enough. A week would have been a little too long only because there were no comfy chairs for relaxing, the bench seating served its purpose and was fine – but there comes a time when you want to sit and relax in a soft chair.
Out of 10 we would give the Showman’s Wagons 10/10 …….
UNTIL
WE STAYED IN
BALWEN LODGE
Once the main season was over we noticed that there were dates becoming available in the actual lodges on the site at very reasonable rates even for 2 persons.
We wanted to spend more time at the zoo photographing the animals and found actually found a 4 night stay at the Balwen Lodge for £309 on Booking. com – WE BOOKED IT!
Again we were stupidly excited to see what the lodge was like and whether it matched the photos on the websites. We were actually blown away.
Balwen Lodge, Folly Farm is one of the smaller lodges, nevertheless it is very spacious, welcoming, cosy and immaculately furnished and decorated to a high standard. Comfy luxurious sofas, large widescreen TV.
All the soft furnishings and pictures are on a cute sheep theme. It was early November but we also had a pretty Christmas Tree in the lounge which made it super cosy. There was a hot tub just outside the patio window which was cleaned everyday and was full of super hot water. Delightful!
The whole living area is open plan with a large kitchen and dining opposite the lounge area. You have a luxurious range of appliances including a dishwasher and washing machine as well as a full size gas hob, electric oven, fridge and freezer. Crockery, glasses, cooking utensils and a luxury hamper make evenings super easy for catering if you want to stay in and enjoy the lodge.
Two large bedrooms, one large double with ensuite and another twin room next to the family bathroom on the other side of the lodge give everyone lots of space and comfort. Bedding and towels perfectly laundered and on a par with a luxury hotel. Everything was spotless, no dust anywhere and no sign that anyone else had ever stayed there.
Well insulated and centrally heated the lodge was warm and cosy with ample hot water and both inside and out we enjoyed every second of our time in Balwen Lodge. With it being a 4 minute walk to the park and it’s attractions you are just ten minutes from the popular seaside town of Saundersfoot, and fifteen minutes from the iconic coastal town of Tenby.
Would we stay in the lodge again – Hell Yeah – cant wait to go back. We found a 7 night stay for £455 in January and though the zoo is only open on weekends in January we will explore the surrounding area and enjoy the lodge through the week.
We have also booked a 4 night stay in March when the park is fully open for £500. After that the prices rise sharply throughout the spring and summer season before they start falling again in September. The fact that the Showman’s Wagons and Lodges are so well insulated and the heating is so good they make the perfect spot for Winter breaks.
FOLLY FARM | USEFUL INFORMATION
WHERE TO FIND FOLLY FARM ZOO
HOW TO GET TO FOLLY FARM
TRAVELLING BY CAR?
Just pop SA68 0XA into your Sat Nav
FOLLY FARM WEBSITE OFFERS ADVICE FOR EASY ROUTES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY
TRAVELLING FROM SOUTH WALES AND ENGLAND
Easy! Take the M4 West until Junction 49 (Pont Abraham services). Then take the A48 towards Carmarthen. From there take the A40 heading in the direction of Tenby and follow our brown tourist information signs.
TRAVELLING FROM MID WALES
Another easy one – take the A40 to Carmarthen then follow the signs.
TRAVELLING FROM NORTH WALES
Take the A483 south bound and continue on the A5 until you reach Oswestry. Follow the Welshpool signs and from there head to Newtown and then Llandrindod Wells then continue to Builth Wells. Llandovery is the next port of call and then a right at the crossroads onto the A40 signposted for Llandeilo. Carmarthen bound then and from there just follow the signs.
TRAVELLING FROM THE MIDLANDS
From the M5 take Junction 8 and join the M50. Follow it as far as you can then at its end take the first exit off the roundabout onto the A40 for Ross on Wye, follow this road and at Monmouth continue straight onto the A449. At Junction 24 bear right at the roundabout and join the M4 west bound toward Cardiff. Continue west bound until Junction 49 and pick up the directions from South Wales.
TRAVELLING FROM FISHGUARD HARBOUR
Head away from the terminal and follow the directions for the A40 in the direction of Haverfordwest. Continue on the A40 signposted St Clears and turn right when you reach the Junction for the A4075 at Canaston Bridge signposted for Oakwood Theme Park and Bluestone. Stay on the A4075 then take the next left opposite the Canaston Bowl onto the A4115 towards Templeton. Stay on this road until you reach a crossroads at the bottom of a long hill, turn right onto the A478 signposted for Tenby and the entrance to Folly Farm is two miles on the right hand side of the A478.
TRAVELLING FROM PEMBROKE HARBOUR
From the Ferry Terminal follow the directions for the A477 in the direction of St Clears. Stay on the A477 for the next 20 miles then take a left onto the A478 direction Narberth. Go straight over the Begelly roundabout and the entrance to Folly Farm is just a mile and a half down the road on the left hand side.
YOU COULD ALWAYS TAKE A BUS
There is a bus stop immediately outside the park which is on the Tenby – Haverfordwest/Haverfordwest – Tenby bus route 381 operated by Taf Valley Coaches. The bus runs roughly hourly in either direction on Monday to Saturday, with no service on Sundays. A full timetable can be found here. The nearest train station is Kilgetty which has trains that run from Swansea and Pembroke Dock approximately every 2 hours. The 381 bus also stops near to the train station, however please check the timetables as there may be a long connection time between the train arriving and a bus arriving. Alternatively there a number of local taxi companies that operate in the area, search online for ‘Kilgetty taxis’.
WHY NOT TRY THE TRAIN TO FOLLY FARM
Our nearest train station is in Kilgetty, then it’s just a short taxi ride (or if you’re feeling adventurous a twenty-minute walk) to start your adventure!
FEELING ENERGETIC? THEN CYCLE TO FOLLY FARM
Pembrokeshire offers some of the best roads for travelling by bike. We now have a bike rack situated next to the business entrance, please speak to our admissions staff upon arrival who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Please note: There are currently 4 bike racks available on a first come, first serve basis. Bikes are not permitted to enter the park. Bike locks are not provided and locking the bike remains the responsibility of the owner. A CCTV camera is in operation on this rack; however, bikes are left at the owner’s risk. Folly Farm does not take responsibility in the unfortunate event of a theft.
Don’t have a bike? Try these local bike hire companies:
Pembrokeshire Bike Hire (https://pembrokeshirebikehire.co.uk/) has 10 years of bike hire experience and offers delivery of hire bikes directly to your holiday accommodation, wherever you are in Pembrokeshire.
Pembrokeshire E-bike Hire (https://www.pembrokeshireebikehire.co.uk) offers an electric bike hire service operating from Manorbier.
MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON THE FOLLY FARM WEBSITE
ONCE YOU ARE THERE . . .
FOLLY FARM PARK MAP – DOWNLOADABLE FROM WEBSITE
FOLLY FARM PHOTOGRAPHY | FAVOURITE SPOTS FOR GREAT IMAGERY
THE AFRICAN AVIARY WALK THROUGH
The grey crowned crane is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. It’s protected by law in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya. There are also many conservation efforts in place to ensure the survival of the species. Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda are undertaking community based wetland conservation and African crane and wetland training in Botswana.
Found in the grassland and wetland areas of the eastern and southern regions of Africa and standing at over a metre tall, there’s no mistaking these giants of the bird world.
They have a wingspan of up to two metres.
CONSERVATION STATUS | ENDANGERED
In September 2024 two endangered African Grey crowned crane chicks hatched at the Folly Farm Zoo as part of the European Breeding Programme for the species. There are many conservation efforts in place to ensure the survival of the species.
FOLLY FARM PHOTOS | BLACK & WHITE | PATTERN AND TEXTURE
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