VIRGIN EXPERIENCE DAYS | Reptileacademy

Private One-Hour Reptile Encounter for Up to Four People at The Reptile Academy - £75 (Min age 5+)

Step into the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians with a private one-hour reptile encounter at The Reptile Academy in Dorset. Perfect for families, animal lovers and curious adventurers, this hands-on experience lets you meet a variety of incredible reptiles in a safe, relaxed and welfare-focused environment, guided by one of our expert Reptile Rangers.

During this packed one-hour session you’ll meet several fascinating species, which may include snakes, geckos, dragons, monitors and skinks, with the opportunity for safe and supervised handling where appropriate. Your Ranger will introduce each animal, share fascinating facts and answer questions as you discover more about reptile biology, behaviour and conservation.

This experience is completely private for your group of up to four people, giving you plenty of time for interaction, photos and questions. Hosted at our licensed reptile education centre in Dorset, every visit also helps support the care of our rescued and rehomed reptiles and amphibians.

Your experience can be upgraded to have more guests in your group or for a tour of the centre add-on.

👉 Book this experience via Virgin Experience Days

Ranger Guided Centre Tour for Two £40) or Four at The Reptile Academy (£75) (Min age 8+)

Red footed tortoise chomping outside for enrichment.jpg

Discover the incredible world of reptiles and amphibians with our 3-hour Ranger Guided Centre Tour at The Reptile Academy in Dorset. Led by one of our expert Reptile Rangers, this immersive experience takes you behind the scenes of one of the UK’s most unique reptile education centres.

During this interactive tour you’ll encounter a wide variety of species including snakes, lizards, geckos, monitors, tortoises, turtles and amphibians. Along the way you may have opportunities to touch certain animals, watch feeding demonstrations and learn how reptiles are cared for in a welfare-focused environment.

One of the highlights of the tour is entering our Iguana Walkthrough Multi-Species Exhibit, where large iguanas roam alongside our rescued Red-footed tortoises.

Lasting around three hours, this guided experience is perfect for families, animal lovers and anyone curious to explore the fascinating world of reptiles.

Experiences can be upgraded to include more people in your group or for a private animal handling encounter after the tour.

👉 Book this experience via Virgin Experience Days

Reptile Discovery Experience (One-Hour Private Reptile Encounter and 3-Hour Ranger Guided Centre Tour for Two (£99) or Four (£139) People (Min age 8+)

Enjoy the ultimate reptile adventure with the Reptile Discovery Experience at The Reptile Academy in Dorset. This immersive four-hour experience combines two of our most popular activities into one unforgettable visit: a Ranger Guided Centre Tour followed by a private reptile encounter for your group.

During the guided tour you’ll explore the centre with one of our expert Reptile Rangers, meeting a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians while learning about their behaviour, ecology and welfare. You may have opportunities to touch certain species, watch feeding demonstrations and even take part in enrichment activities. You’ll also step inside our Iguana Walkthrough Multi-Species Exhibit, where large iguanas roam alongside rescued Red-footed tortoises.

After the tour, your group will enjoy a private hands-on reptile encounter, meeting several fascinating species such as snakes, geckos, dragons and skinks with the opportunity for safe and supervised handling. It’s the perfect way to combine an in-depth guided experience with personal animal interaction.

👉 Book this experience via Virgin Experience Days

Junior Reptile Ranger for the Day Experience for One Child (12+) with Accompanying Adult (18+) (£185)

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a reptile keeper? Step behind the scenes at The Reptile Academy in Dorset with our exciting Junior Reptile Ranger Experience, where young animal enthusiasts can spend the day working alongside one of our expert Senior Reptile Rangers.

During this six-hour experience, Junior Rangers will take part in real keeper-style activities such as preparing food, learning about enclosure care, helping with enrichment and meeting a variety of reptiles and amphibians up close. Participants may also enjoy special encounters with some of our most impressive animal residents, including species not usually featured in our shorter experiences.

This immersive day is perfect for young people who love animals and want to learn more about reptile care, behaviour and conservation in a fun and supportive environment. At the end of the day, Junior Rangers receive a special certificate to mark their experience.

👉 Book this experience via Virgin Experience Days

Adult Reptile Ranger for the Day Experience for One Adult (16+) (£185)

Ever wondered what it’s like to work with reptiles? Step behind the scenes at The Reptile Academy in Dorset with our immersive Reptile Ranger for the Day Experience, where you’ll spend the day working alongside one of our expert Senior Reptile Rangers.

During this six-hour experience you’ll take part in real keeper activities such as preparing food, learning about enclosure maintenance, assisting with enrichment and meeting a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians up close. You may also enjoy exclusive encounters with some of our most impressive animal residents, including species not usually featured in our shorter experiences.

Perfect for reptile enthusiasts, aspiring zoologists or anyone curious about life behind the scenes in an animal centre, this hands-on experience offers a fascinating insight into reptile care, behaviour and welfare. At the end of the day you’ll receive a special certificate to mark your time as a Reptile Ranger.

👉 Book this experience via Virgin Experience Days

Reptile Ranger Family VIP Experience for up to Four People (£219)

Step behind the scenes at The Reptile Academy in Dorset with our exclusive Reptile Ranger Family VIP Experience, where your family can spend the day working alongside one of our expert Senior Reptile Rangers.

During this six-hour experience your group will take part in real keeper-style activities such as preparing food for animals, learning about enclosure care, assisting with enrichment and meeting a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians up close. You’ll also enjoy special encounters with some of our most impressive animal residents, including species not usually featured in our shorter experiences.

Designed for families who love animals and want a truly memorable day together, this immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about reptile care, behaviour and conservation while working directly with our Rangers. At the end of the day your group will receive a special certificate to mark your VIP Ranger experience.

👉 Book this experience via Virgin Experience Days

Reptile and Amphibian Photography Experience (£149pp)

Capture incredible close-up images with our Reptile & Amphibian Photography Experience at The Reptile Academy in Dorset. This immersive workshop gives photographers the opportunity to photograph a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians in a relaxed, welfare-focused environment with guidance from our experienced Reptile Rangers.

During this hands-on session you’ll photograph a variety of fascinating species including snakes, geckos, skinks, dragons, monitors and amphibians. You’ll have the chance to capture both striking portrait-style shots and naturalistic compositions, working with animals in carefully managed settings including naturalistic enclosures and, weather permitting, outdoor areas of the farm.

Suitable for both enthusiastic beginners and experienced photographers, this experience offers a unique opportunity to expand your wildlife portfolio while learning more about reptile behaviour, conservation and animal welfare.

👉 Book this experience via Virgin Experience Days

Why Visit The Reptile Academy?

The Reptile Academy is a unique reptile and amphibian education centre in Dorset, dedicated to animal welfare, conservation awareness and hands-on learning.

We're home to around 100 reptiles and amphibians from (native to) around the world - most are captive bred in the UK

Many of our animals are rescued or rehomed and live with us as permanent residents.

Experiences are delivered by knowledgeable Reptile Rangers and animal professionals.

•A licensed animal education centre where welfare and ethical care are at the heart of everything we do.

A not-for-profit social enterprise supporting education, conservation and animal welfare

By visiting The Reptile Academy, you’re not only enjoying an unforgettable experience, you’re also helping support the ongoing care of our animals and our educational work with schools, young people and the wider community.

Further Information

• Experiences take place at The Reptile Academy, Dorset (BH21 5HT)
• All sessions are led by our trained Reptile Rangers in a licensed animal education centre
• Many of our animals are rescued or rehomed reptiles and amphibians, your support helps them!
• Experiences must be booked in advance by redeeming a Virgin Experience Days voucher
• Minimum age requirements vary depending on the experience
• Comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear are recommended
• Complimentary tea, coffee, squash and light refreshments are available
• Free on-site parking and accessible facilities are available

• Sessions are SEN-inclusive and phobia-aware. Please reach out to us for support.