A Visit to Williamson Park Butterfly House
“In the Butterfly House…”
On July 12th 2010, celebrated Merseyside band The Coral released their critically acclaimed fifth album ‘Butterfly House’. The title track, of which, can be downloaded for FREE from www.thecoral.co.uk and can also be heard here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5itk2A6KrOM.
Whether or not the lyrics of the song refer to the popular Butterfly House attraction in Lancaster’s Williamson Park is questionable. What is not questionable, however, is that the contents of this article do.
Situated in the shadow of the grand Ashton Memorial; which is visible, from its hilltop position, for miles around the Lancaster area; the Williamson Park Butterfly House has been a feature of the city’s summer activity for as long as I can remember.
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Having grown up in nearby Barrow-in-Furness, I have fond memories of making trips to Lancaster, to visit the Butterfly House, as a very small child. To my seven-year-old self, the humid enclosure seemed like the most expansive tropical rainforest imaginable and it’s certainly something from my school hols, of years gone by, that stands out in my mind.
Sadly decimated by fire, the attraction has long since revived itself and recaptured its popularity with local youngsters and holidaymakers alike. Taking all this into consideration, I recently decided to make a return visit as an adult.
The warm, damp environment, inside the rectangular glass dome of the former Palm House, plays host to lively butterflies from exotic countries, happily fluttering and exploring their habitat. The Butterfly House breeds some of its own rare butterfly and moth varieties on site (including the world’s largest species of moth) and you’re given the opportunity to see the chrysalises, in their various stages of development, on display. If lucky, you may even witness new life being born before your very eyes.
As well as the pretty winged creatures, the hot house provides a home to numerous other animals and insects. Whilst crossing the small bridge over the stream, which seemed huge to me as a child, one can usually spot the glistening Koi carp that swim in the water. There are also stick insects, spiders and other strange creepy crawlies camouflaged amongst the greenery.
Once you’ve strolled along the path, and out of the Butterfly House, you move on to a dimly lit, cave-like area which houses, in viewing cases, live reptiles and arachnids.
Once you step out of the darkness, you’re hit by the fresh air of the colourful aviary, where some fantastic birds are on show. The talking parrot’s moniker escapes me but he certainly seemed to be on first name terms with the staff. Judging by his size it would probably be best to call him ‘Sir’ on your first visit. I’m no parrot expert but he is definitely a big one.
Last but not least, as you freely wander around the site, come the incredibly popular rabbits and guinea pigs. The little kids in attendance, when I visited, seemed to have a real affection for these fluffy fellas.
After this mini-adventure, youngsters can spend their pocket money in the great souvenir shop. Toys, books and other items all ranging from approximately £1 to £5 are on sale. You should have paid for your admission here, on entry, so your circular tour will now be complete. After having a rummage around you’ll be able to grab some refreshments in the neighbouring, newly-refurbished Pavilion Café and then enjoy the grassy areas, winding walkways, trees and lakes of the historic Williamson Park.
In a nutshell, the park’s Butterfly House is a compact animal zoo, which is just the right size and takes just the right amount of time to get around, without losing the attention of a youngster. There are no tour guides on site as it is best experienced at your own pace.
However, whilst being a fun school holiday boredom beater for the kids, The Butterfly House also encourages bookings for term-time educational talks and tours. School visits are an important part of the attraction’s business and staff are able to provide a great learning experience to any classes studying Science at Key Stages 1 and 2.
It’s important to note that the Butterfly House divides its year into two separate seasons, from October-March and April-September, and the plants and animals, on show, may differ slightly from one season to the next.
Visitors should also beware that, although the majority of the flora and fauna on show comes from hardy species, the Butterfly House section has been known to close, at times, in the grip of a British winter. It may or may not be open during the November to February spell. Be sure to check in advance.
Anyway, according to the song, The Coral will “…be there soon / In the butterfly house…”. If you bump into the lads drop us a line. You never know…
The Williamson Park Butterfly House is open from 10:00am – 5:00pm (April – September) 10:00am – 4:00pm (October – March).
Admittance is priced at £4.50 (Adult) £3.50 (Child) £4.00 (Concessions) £18.00 (Family Ticket).
To arrange a school visit please telephone 01524 33318.
www.williamsonpark.com/pages/bfly-house.html
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