If your kids love all kinds of wildlife, but there’s not enough money in the savings pot for an African safari – don’t despair! The UK is packed with all manner of high-quality safari wildlife parks, zoos, and farms to keep the most ardent animal lover happy.
ZSEA – Africa Alive, Suffolk
Set in deepest, darkest Suffolk is Africa Alive, part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZESA), where all kinds of animals roam freely. Make sure you set aside a full day to take in your Suffolk safari and marvel at the white rhinos, Congo buffalo, reticulated giraffe, cheetah and zebra, as well as countless other mammals, primates, birds and reptiles.
Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent
If you fancy seeing the UK’s largest herd of the African elephant, take a trip to Howletts Wildlife Park based in Kent. It’s not all about the pachyderms, though, as the park also has a world-famous family of Western lowland gorillas. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also get up close (but maybe not to personal!) with lions, tigers, rhinos and much more.
Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary, Cornwall
The Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary is set in beautiful woodland on the south Cornish coast and offers visitors tours of the monkey enclosures and the chance to meet some of its amazing primates and other resident wildlife. Take a trip to the ‘Bat Zone’ to learn all about these reclusive and intriguing little creatures, or take a gentle stroll around the grounds to soak in the sea views and see what local wildlife the park has to offer.
Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Chester Zoo was recently voted the UK’s number one zoo, the fourth best in Europe and the seventh best in the world in TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Attractions Awards, and it’s well worth a trip as you can see just about every type of animal imaginable – its 25-acre site is home to over 12,500 animals and 450 different species.
And it has recently opened a new Islands adventure that allows you to explore Panay, Papua,
Bali, Sumatra, Monsoon Forest, Sumba and Sulawesi on foot, or explore the Islands from a unique perspective on a Lazy River Boat Trip.
Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire
If a trip to a zoo or safari park is a little too sedate, why not take a trip to Drayton Manor – a theme park that is good for animal lovers and adrenaline junkies alike. The park features some of the biggest, wettest and most white-knuckle rides around – be sure to look out for Apocalypse, the world’s first stand-up tower drop, and Shockwave, Europe’s only stand-up roller coaster.
And for the animal lovers, Drayton Manor Zoo is home to over a hundred species from around the globe and also has an exciting Dino Trail that lets you go face-to-face with all manner of prehistoric creatures.
Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo, North Yorkshire
There’s more to Flamingo Land than just flamingos – the theme park and zoo houses over 1,000 animals including Siberian tigers, Bactrian camels, Grants zebras, Humboldt penguins, meerkats, monkeys, reptiles and sea lions.
Obviously, the flamingos are at the heart of the park and you can delight in birds of all shapes and sizes including ostrich and finches. The park also has eight roller coasters and plenty other exciting rides to keep the thrill seekers happy.
Where’s your go-to place for an action-packed, animal-filled day? Let us know where you’re next headed for your wildlife family adventure!
I would love to take the kids to Flamingo Land. I went there with the school in 1992 (yes I am old haha) and I loved it so I know they would too.
This post proves that you don’t have to think ‘abroad’ when you think ‘safari’! Flamingo Land is near to us, it’s great there for kids.
Great ideas! We are regular visitors to Drayton Manor and I love our local safari park too, West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley. I went on a safari in Africa once and fully intend to take my children when they are old enough to benefit from it. But for the next few years we’ll be sticking with some of your lovely UK ideas.
What a fab post – such great choices. We know that we are unlikely to ever go on a “real” safari, but we loved our trip to Woburn Safari park a few years ago, especially the monkeys on the cars, so there really are lots of animal options here, which I think the whole family will love.
I’ve only heard of a couple of these places and have only been to Howletts but quite a while ago now. What a useful list for anyone contemplating an animal holiday!
I have been to Howletts but actually prefer its sister site Port Lymph for a more safari type experience
Great places to visit with young families as not only are the visits fun they are educational too.
Knowsley Safari Park is my favourite family day out – we’ve had a few amazing trips there x
we love Longleat for Safari, it’s close to home and there’s so much to do there.
What a great post! I’d never thought of the UK for a safari holiday, but you’re right, you can see some very interesting wildlife here (and they’re often much better cared-for than in some other countries). Brilliant idea for a post.
So lovely to see the Monkey Sanctuary (Wild Futures) featured. It’s just up the hill from us and is so wonderful. It’s little known though and needs a boost. A hidden gem in a gorgeous quiet corner of Cornwall
I am from down south and love visiting the local parks and catching up with the Wildlife. I will keep in mind these fabulous options. Thank you.
Belfast Zoo has some amazing animals as well, Emma loves it there!xx