
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Discover gorillas, tigers, and more at Howletts Wild Animal Park, a 90-acre haven focused on animal welfare and conservation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity

Howletts Wild Animal Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover gorillas, tigers, and more at Howletts Wild Animal Park, a 90-acre haven focused on animal welfare and conservation.
"Brilliant well laid out zoo with amazing close-up views of gorillas and elephants."

🎯 Pre-book Tickets Online
Save time and hassle by booking your admission in advance. Easy and stress-free entry! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the 90-acre park. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gorilla Encounters
Gorilla Rainforest
Get incredibly close to these magnificent primates in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. A truly awe-inspiring sight.

Elephant Viewing Platforms
Elephant enclosure
Enjoy unique vantage points, even dining nearby, to observe elephants in their impressive habitat.

Big Cat Habitats
Various enclosures
See tigers, lions, and other big cats in well-maintained spaces designed for their welfare and visitor viewing.

Ice Age Animal Exhibitions
Exhibition areas
Explore fascinating displays that bring prehistoric creatures to life, a unique and engaging experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Smooth Entry
Embrace Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pre-book Tickets Online
Save time and hassle by booking your admission in advance. Easy and stress-free entry! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the 90-acre park. :athletic_shoe:
🐘 Get Close to Elephants
The viewing stands offer amazing, close-up experiences. :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Spots Galore
Plenty of spaces and benches for a relaxed picnic lunch. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pre-book Tickets Online
Save time and hassle by booking your admission in advance. Easy and stress-free entry! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the 90-acre park. :athletic_shoe:
🐘 Get Close to Elephants
The viewing stands offer amazing, close-up experiences. :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Spots Galore
Plenty of spaces and benches for a relaxed picnic lunch. :sandwich:
👶 Toddler-Friendly Paths
Spacious, well-maintained grounds perfect for little ones to explore. :stroller:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Howletts Wild Animal Park for its incredible close-up animal encounters, particularly with gorillas and elephants, and its spacious, well-maintained grounds. The park's commitment to animal welfare and conservation is evident, making it a feel-good destination. While some areas might appear empty at times, the overall experience is highly positive, especially for families.
"We recently visited Howletts Wild Animal Park and had a fantastic time from start to finish. Pre booking our tickets was easy and hassle free, and there was plenty of parking available when we arrived.
The park itself was brilliant… so many animals to see, from big cats to playful primates. We loved watching them in spacious, well-kept enclosures that clearly prioritise animal welfare. One of the highlights of our visit was deciding to adopt a wolf, which made the experience even more memorable.
Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the whole place had a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back soon for another adventure!"
Dan Warman
"We had a truly amazing time at Howletts Wild Animal Park! It's a fantastic day out and felt very safe and family-friendly, especially for little ones. Our toddler (under 2) was able to run around freely, with plenty of open space and well-maintained paths. There’s a great variety of animals to see, including elephants, which were a real highlight. The park is spacious, clean, and clearly focused on animal welfare and conservation. A perfect spot for young families!"
Suzanne Lapira
"Brilliant well laid out zoo. Each zoo we feel has a major positive over similar close by and this one was the amount of gorillas you can see up close and how close you can get to the the elephants. The stands by the elephant enclosure are fantastic and a great viewing point. Not every day do you get to eat lunch a few feet away from elephants. Great parking , plenty of cafes and toilets , play park for kids, easily accessible for wheelchairs, clean and tidy, lovely grounds."
Dan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Howletts is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Use your GPS with the postcode CT7 0NH. Many visitors mention the ease of parking upon arrival.
While driving is most common, check local bus routes that may service the area. It's advisable to verify schedules in advance as public transport frequency can vary.
Yes, the park is very accessible for wheelchairs and scooters, with well-maintained paths throughout.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Howletts Wild Animal Park website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Unfortunately, pets are generally not allowed inside the park to ensure the welfare of the resident animals. Assistance dogs may be permitted, so it's best to contact the park directly for clarification.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's often cheaper to book online in advance. Check the official Howletts website for current pricing and any special offers.
Pre-booking tickets online is generally recommended as it's often more cost-effective and guarantees entry, especially during busy periods.
Look out for potential discounts for groups, families, or specific membership schemes. The park's website is the best place to find current discount information.
Yes, animal adoption is available and makes a great gift or way to support conservation efforts. It can also enhance your visit experience.
Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets online or contact the park directly for specific details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the close encounters with gorillas and elephants. Big cats and the Ice Age exhibitions are also highly recommended.
Yes, Howletts often hosts keeper talks and feeding demonstrations, which are fantastic opportunities to learn more about the animals and see them up close.
The park is very family-friendly with spacious grounds, accessible paths, and a playground (which was being revamped in May 2025).
Absolutely! There are plenty of spaces and benches available for picnics, making it a great option for families.
The park is well-laid out, and signage is generally good. Grab a map upon arrival or use your phone to plan your route between enclosures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and a restaurant on-site offering various food and drink options.
Expect typical park fare like sandwiches, snacks, hot meals, and drinks. Options cater to a range of tastes.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a popular and cost-effective option, with many designated picnic areas.
While specific menus can change, most park cafes offer some vegetarian choices. It's worth checking with the staff on the day for vegan options.
Food prices are comparable to other attractions. Bringing your own picnic can be a more budget-friendly choice.
📸 📸 Photography
The elephant viewing platforms and the close-up gorilla enclosures offer fantastic photo opportunities. Look for natural light and clear views.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of signage and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
A zoom lens can be useful for capturing animals from a distance, but many enclosures allow for close-up shots. A standard DSLR or even a good smartphone camera will work well.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals and for safety reasons. Always check the park's specific policy.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bringing a picnic is a great way to save money and enjoy a relaxed meal amidst the park's beautiful grounds. The variety of animals ensures that kids of all ages will find something fascinating to see, making it a truly memorable family day out.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While some experiences like keeper talks might have associated costs, simply exploring the park and observing the diverse range of animals provides a full day's entertainment without additional spending. Focus on the free viewing opportunities and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While a zoom lens can be helpful, many areas allow for excellent shots with standard camera equipment or even smartphones. Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid flash photography that could disturb them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare and Conservation at Howletts
The park is part of the Aspinall Foundation, which is dedicated to breeding endangered species and reintroducing them into the wild where feasible. This commitment to conservation means that a visit to Howletts directly supports vital work in protecting wildlife. Visitors can learn about these efforts through signage and potentially keeper talks, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.
From the close-up views of gorillas to the expansive elephant habitats, the design of the park clearly prioritizes the well-being of its residents. This dedication to conservation and welfare is a significant draw for many visitors looking for an ethical and impactful wildlife experience.
Family-Friendly Experience
Toddlers can enjoy the open spaces, and the variety of animals ensures there's something to capture the imagination of every child. The close proximity to many animals, like the gorillas and elephants, provides exciting and memorable moments for younger visitors. The presence of a playground (though noted as being revamped in May 2025) further enhances its appeal as a family destination.
Parents often comment on the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to manage a day with little ones. The option to bring picnics also adds to the convenience and affordability for family outings.
Unique Viewing Opportunities
Similarly, the elephant viewing platforms provide an exceptional perspective, with some visitors even mentioning enjoying lunch just a few feet away from these gentle giants. This proximity allows for unparalleled photographic moments and a deeper appreciation of the animals' behavior and presence.
Beyond the main attractions, the park's layout and design ensure that many other animals are also visible with remarkable clarity. This focus on accessible and close-up viewing experiences is a key reason why visitors find Howletts so engaging and memorable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit