The champions of England’s top attractions for this year have been revealed, and the results may surprise many. While popular landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Stonehenge are often on tourists’ must-visit lists, the title of Visit England’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year has been claimed by Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk, a lesser-known gem.
Owned by TV personality and conservationist Jimmy Doherty, the wildlife park showcases British rare breeds and a diverse range of animals such as camels, primates, tapirs, and crocodiles. Notably, the park recently introduced lions and a tiger in October 2025. However, the highlight of the park is the “Lost Lands of the Tundra,” Europe’s largest polar bear facility, featuring rescue polar bears, brown bears, Arctic foxes, wolves, reindeer, and red-breasted geese, visible even from passing trains.
Accessing the park from London via train takes about an hour from Liverpool Street station, though the absence of a direct bus connection from Ipswich station to the park remains a challenge for some visitors. Most opt for a taxi ride costing around £13 each way. Besides the zoo, the site also offers shops, a restaurant in the farm area, and the convenience of leaving and re-entering the zoo using the receipt.
With rave reviews on Tripadvisor, including one praising the park’s design and animal-friendly environment, Jimmy’s Farm has garnered significant acclaim. The awards were presented at an event hosted by journalist and broadcaster Sean Fletcher at Aerospace Bristol, honoring various categories from regenerative tourism to self-catering accommodation. The winners reflect England’s exceptional tourism industry and commitment to delivering outstanding experiences.
