villa pallavicino park (parco della villa pallavicino)

Malcolm159

Although September the gardens were still in blossom, if you have children the hands on animal enclosure would be great fun

tango2

Our adventures today took us to Parco della Villa Pallavicino. The first hour we did not enjoy the park - basically tree lined paths (although the views of the lake were awesome). We were looking for an exit when we came to the botanical gardens. The flowers were still alive and beautiful. There was a small zoo, but the best experience was the peacock walking around the gardens.

W1758SWdavidw

The flower gardens were very colourful and the lawns neatly trimmed, however, we were not allowed to walk on the grass and many flowers needed dead-heading. The animals (with the excetion of the goats) were hard to find. It was very expensive to get in.

sixtyoneBedfordshire

Gardens laid out well with stunning colours and manicured lawns. Three very freindly and beautiful peacocks roaming around the cafe area grounds. Different specious of goats and birds are also to be seen. Lovely woodland walk and a small train to take you up or downwards on your journey.

Happykath912

Enjoyed our trip on the Road Train to visit the Park. However, it was rather rundown and lacked signage to locate the animals. It was a beautiful day for exploring the grounds but feel that we missed out on some of the animals. However, I was delighted to see the black swan. The cafe was rather poor and not helped by the menu not having English translations - all other restaurants/cafes which we visited did have this service.

otl

This is advertised as a zoo. It isn't. It is a beautiful garden with a few animals thrown in. The zebras were the most exotic animals, but most looked a bit sad in their enclosures. Made me feel uncomfortable. Gardens are beautiful though.

Marianc39

We liked the trees and the lovely rose gardens at the centre. We enjoyed walking inside an enclosure with deer, goats and llamas. We felt sorry that the zebra enclosure was rather restricted and were quite disturbed by one of the parrots. He was in an aviary on his own. He was clearly lonely as he sat right at the front of the cage talking and whistling to visitors. He was showing signs of distress as he had plucked all the feathers out of his chest. He made us feel sad! The staff at the ticket office and at the little cafe near to the rose garden were very pleasant.

jillc934

Very pleasant attraction within walking distance of Stresa. A little odd with the mix of garden and animals some of which are caged.

nbl13

This is an attraction very close to Stresa town. There is an info point, just beside the ferry station, where you can catch the small tourist train for this park (12 euros entrance).The gardens are lovely, flowers are gorgeous, and the mansion is lovely (from outside of course), with great views. Its lovely to stroll around for 1-2 hours, its a little bit steep, but you can manage.About the zoo... Well, the flamingos were not happy... Very small cage. I am afraid the animals had seen better days... The only happy ones were the goats and sheep...They had a lot of space. The peacocks as well, were free..Its not a place you have to see anyway, but is a lovely escape from Stresa for a few hours. There are two restaurants to rest, one on the top and the other down, near the mansion..

I6842APjohnb

Spent 12 days visiting the sights around Stresa and Lake Maggoire and without doubt this was the low point of our trip. Having visited Isola Bella and Isola Madra and the gardens in Laveno, I was expecting so much here but was so disappointed. Having worked with animals all my life it was very uncomfortable to see the conditions the animals here are kept in. Many of the animals looked unhealthy and under fed. Many of the water pools were filled with stagnant water and the gardens were very disappointing. In general I would have no problems with animals in zoos but on this ocassion i would love to see this establishment closed and the animals given better living conditions

whittak

Two adults in their fifties did not go looking for a zoo at all but if you went with younger children you might be disappointed.The gardens however are beautiful and well worth a few hours. There are great views of the lake and the cafe at the top not the bottom has a great view and the service was spot on.Quite clearly a lot of effort is needed to keep the gardens in this condition but no real idea why birds should be kept in cages in 2014.Still well worth a visit

Juker-Brx

The garden part is nice, with free roaming peacocks. Plants are not labelled, though.The animals are a different story. An eagle in an enclosure of around 8 meters cube, an owl in perhaps 4x3x2 m. Some animals just looked very depressed.The goats and deer seemed happy, though.The restaurant was not prepared for customers, staff had to be actively searched, no menu available.Not worth the entrance fee.

NICKSBIGTOE

Lots of walking but very pretty. We found it a little bit of a struggle to get round in the heat however there was lots of seats everywhere to relax and take in the sights ,really nice day and worth a visit .

KeithF583

My wife and I are disabled so cannot walk far. This place is best for those who can, plus it is hilly in places.

paulinet990

The gardens were terrific and we spent a very happy morning walking amongst the well tended grounds. Being able to actually enter the enclosures where some of the animals were homed obviously appealed to the children who seemed to get much delight from 'chatting' with them.