Capybaras Arrive at Knockhatch

Meet the Hailsham Heavyweights: Capybaras Arrive at Knockhatch

If you’ve been looking for a reason to head over to Hailsham this weekend, the new arrivals at Knockhatch Adventure Park might just be it. The park has officially opened its pre-booking for the interactive capybara experience, and it’s already proving a hit with the little ones.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday 16th April 2026, by Cllr Dan Danbur, the Mayor of Polegate and local film director John Landridge, marking the start of a new chapter for the park’s South American section.

What to Expect from the Encounter

It’s not just a quick mesh feed! The 30-minute session is a proper hands-on look at the world’s largest rodents. You’ll get to meet the resident capybara sisters and see how they get on together.

• Up Close and Personal: The youngsters can get stuck in and see these social animals in action.
• Conservation First: Zoo Manager Ben Anderson mentioned that while they’re a huge draw for visitors, the capybaras serve as "ambassadors" for the Amazon waterways, helping us teach the kids about protecting different ecosystems.
• A Local Favourite: Director John Landridge, whose children are big fans of the park, was back on-site (having previously used the grounds for filming Charlie Shaw's Revenge) to help launch the exhibit.

Plan Your Visit

The new exhibit is part of a series of fresh investments at the park, making it a solid choice for a day out that keeps the kids busy without having to trek too far from home.

The Details:

• Location: Hailsham, East Sussex.
• Activity: 30-minute guided interactive session.
• Booking: You’ll need to nip onto the website to book the encounter, entry to Knockhatch is included in the experience.

It’s a brilliant way to see some fairly unusual animals right on our doorstep. The capybaras are remarkably chilled out, which makes a nice change from the usual chaos of family life!