Ready For A Wild Day Out? 6 Of The Best Safari Parks In The UK
This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.
Looking for something a little different to do this weekend or in the upcoming school holidays?
Once in a while, you may be craving an escape from the capital.
Whether that’s a fun day out or a staycation, there are some fantastic safari parks in the UK, many of them near London, accessible by train, coach and car.
What are Safari Parks?
Safari parks are drive-through attractions rather than traditional zoo experiences. They mimic that of a wild safari in exotic destinations like Africa.
At some parks, you drive your car around the safari; some have trucks provided for you, and others have larger vehicles with a driver where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the safari.
Often, it’s best to bring your car because many UK safari parks are drive-around only. Many UK safari parks also have on-site accommodation if you’re travelling further afield.
We’ve taken the kids to a few over the years and we find a day trip to a safari park a great way to blend education and entertainment.
Best Safari Parks: UK
Safari parks in the UK are some of the best available in Europe. You can be near to animals you wouldn’t usually see in the UK.
The animals may get up close to your car window rather than you viewing them from a viewing area.
Here’s the roundup of the best safari parks in the UK:
| Safari Park | Driving Time from Central London | Nearest Train Station | Own Car Needed | Safari Highlights |
| Woburn Safari Park | 1 hour, 25 minutes | Flitwick | Yes | A self-drive safari and walking section. Special holiday visits from Peppa Pig, Bluey and Hey Duggee. |
| Chessington Safari Resort | 1 hour, 6 minutes | Chessington South | No | Go on the ZUFARI safari ride and see giraffes up close. |
| Port Lympne Safari Park | 1 hour, 43 minutes | Ashford International | No | Over 650 animals across 600 acres with truck safaris and ranger-led encounters. |
| Longleat Safari Park | 2 hours, 47 minutes | Frome | No | UK’s first drive-through safari. Combine your visit with Longleat house. |
| West Midlands Safari Park | 3 hours, 5 minutes | Kidderminster | Optional | Offers a 4-mile drive-through experience. A children’s adventure playground is also on-site. |
| Knowsley Safari Park | 4 hours | Prescot | Optional | The UK’s longest safari drive. There is also a large walking area. |
Location: Crawley Rd, Woburn, Ridgmont, Bedford MK43 0TU
Distance from Central London: 48.7 miles
Woburn Safari Park is an excellent option for a day trip from London.
Enjoy being together as a family as you enjoy repeat circuits of the Woburn safari drive.
The driving section is ONLY accessible in your vehicle, and you won’t be allowed to enter on foot.
See animals like the Przewalski’s horse, North American bison, and Bactrian camel. Continue to the Savannah Grasslands to see the Southern white rhinos and Ankole cattle.
There is also a foot safari area. There are walk-through enclosures and close encounters with meerkats, elephants, and more, as well as daily keeper talks.
For children of 10 and up (and a minimum of 1.4m tall), try the Go Ape high ropes challenge. Let loose in the treetops and see animals roaming below.
Look out for special school holiday events – Peppa Pig, Hey Duggee and Bluey often visit the safari park.
How to Get There:
- Driving: 1 hour, 25 minutes from central London.
- Nearest Train Station: Flitwick
2. Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Location: Surrey, KT9 2NE
Distance from Central London: 17.3 miles
Chessington Safari Resort is part of the larger Chessington World of Adventures theme park, zoo, aquarium and safari park all rolled into one. There are over 1,000 animals to spot and over 40 rides.
The safari attraction is the ZUFARI ride into Africa. You can have a giraffe feeding experience from a safari truck.
This experience is for kids aged 5+ and can be booked for groups of two to eight (and shared with other guests). You will also need to purchase an entry ticket on top of this experience.
Chessington World of Adventures also has the on-site Azteca and Safari Hotel and the explorer glamping experience. Staying overnight will give you 20% off VIP animal experiences like the Giraffe Safari.
How to Get There:
Driving: 1 hour, 6 minutes from central London
Nearest Train Station: Chessington South
Location: Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR
Distance from Central London: 65.8 miles
Port Lympne Safari Park is huge. You’ll have the chance to spot over 650 animals across 600 acres and learn about conservation efforts like the breeding programmes.
Safaris are included in your entry ticket. You can go on a truck safari or book a ranger-led encounter.
If you upgrade to the ranger encounter, you will go offroad and have the opportunity to hand-feed some animals, like rhinos and giraffes.
Every visit supports The Aspinall Foundation’s global conservation efforts.
If you need a weekend away, the stay options include the lavish Lion Lodge and the Pinewood Pods.
How to Get There:
- Driving Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
- Nearest Train Station: Ashford International
The Best Safari Parks in the UK: Further Afield
Whether you’re after thrills, education, or a bit of both, the UK’s safari parks offer it all.
All that’s left is to pack a picnic, hit the road, and embark on your wild English adventure!
Location: Longleat, Warminster BA12 7NW
Distance from Central London: 125 miles
From the roars of lions to the calls of tropical birds, Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire is an extraordinary experience beyond the typical day out.
The first drive-through safari in the UK introduces you to various animals, including monkeys and cheetahs.
Main attractions include the deer park, the woolf wood, the African village and the big game park. Other attractions on site include a giant hedge maze and jungle boat rides.
You can upgrade your visit with a VIP tour, such as the tiger feeding experience or the immersive private safari.
Combine this with a visit to the on-site Longleat House, and you have a day full of wonders.
How to Get There:
- Driving Time: 2 hours, 47 minutes
- Nearest Train Station: Frome
Location: Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF
Distance from Central London: 130 miles
West Midlands Safari Park has a fantastic 4-mile drive-through experience, which will introduce the kids to magnificent creatures.
There are also walk-through areas like the reptile house, penguin cove, and twilight cove. You can self-drive around the safari or book a guided minibus tour.
Walk-through sections are also at the park. Enjoy the giraffe viewpoint on the African walking trail.
Younger kids will love Giggly Park, an exciting children’s play zone. Your admission also grants you a feast of daily shows, from Sea Lion spectacles to lemur talks.
Book a stay at award-winning Safari Lodges for a fantastic UK staycation, which combines luxury with unmatched animal views.
Your escape to the wild awaits!
How to Get There:
- Driving Time: 3 hours, 5 minutes
- Nearest Train Station: Kidderminster
Location: Prescot L34 4AN
Distance from Central London: 208 Miles
Spanning 550 acres and home to 700 animals, Knowsley is a safari of wonders. The park offers the UK’s longest safari drive at 5 miles long.
Whether you self-drive or hop on the park’s Baboon Bus, you’re in for a treat.
Don’t miss the thee monkey jungle, with its cheeky baboons, which promises laughs and delightful interactions.
But the experience continues after the drive. The Foot Safari beckons next.
Walk through woodlands and encounter mischievous meerkats, tall giraffes, and cheeky Sea Lions.
Challenge yourself with the ‘Dinner Dash’ sprint game and see if you can outrun an Amur Tiger!
How to Get There:
- Driving Time: 4 hours
- Nearest Train Station: Prescot
Whether you’re looking for the perfect day trip from London or a short break away from the city, these are some of the best safari parks in the UK to visit.
Kids will have an unforgettable experience observing lions, watching the mischievous antics of baboons and having a closeup experience that’s different to what you might find at a zoo.
Now, all that is left is to plan your trip.
If you’re looking for more animal experiences in and around London, read our guide to the best farms and zoos in London or discover more of the best day trips from London or kids’ days out in London.
Have you visited any of these UK safari parks recently?