The latest news in this area is that a new place has opened recently. It's called 'BugzUK' and comprises a sort of zoo in which one can view a variety of insects and creepy-crawlies in their glass cases. There are tarantulas and other gruesome spiders, cockroaches, scorpions, giant millipedes etc.
I was horrified to learn that for an extra couple of quid one can enter the 'touching room'. An assistant brings in some choice specimens for one to hold, stroke and cuddle.
My neighbour went with a friend and held a huge spider. Gaaaaaagh!! Then she found that a millipede's feet are 'quite bristly'.
Schools are now bringing parties of children to experience this treat.
It's in Nowhere Lane (!!) in a village very very near to mine.
I hope the giant spiders don't escape and head up the road!
This place gets madder and madder.