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Howletts Wild Animal Park

4.5
·5k reviews·Bekesbourne, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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Sumatran tiger

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(5k reviews)

"Brilliant well laid out zoo with amazing close-up views of gorillas and elephants."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gorilla Encounters

Gorilla Encounters

Gorilla Rainforest

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

Elephant Viewing Platforms

Elephant Viewing Platforms

Elephant enclosure

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

Big Cat Habitats

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

Ice Age Animal Exhibitions

Exhibition areas

Explore fascinating displays that bring prehistoric creatures to life, a unique and engaging experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Smooth Entry

Pre-booking your tickets online is highly recommended for a hassle-free experience. This saves time at the entrance and ensures you don't miss out, especially during peak seasons. Plenty of parking is usually available.

Embrace Animal Encounters

Howletts is known for its close-up animal viewing, particularly gorillas and elephants. Consider booking a keeper experience for a truly memorable and educational visit. Check feeding times for extra excitement.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
During feeding times
Why
Engaging animal behavior
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring/Autumn afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of the times the trust built up enabled me to treat a nasty cut on Spottys side better than a rescue coming catching him stressing him out !!! These animals are not nasty if you dont threaten them ! X people feed foxes but
@wildwestwildlifecafe
213.9K likes • 13.4M views

🎯 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:

Come see what the Wild has to offer during our off season! The park may be closed, but there are still so many opportunities to see our animals up close and personal. Meet our rhinos, feed the capybaras, or hold Sebastian our sloth. Between 6 different animals species, there is something for everyone 🦒Book your encounter today! https:// www.thewildpark.com
@thewildanimalpark
63K likes • 1.2M views
📍Today we visited Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent: a sanctuary for endangered species, working to protect and reintroduce them into their natural habitat. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦A nice time with my family #kent #visitkent #ukstaycation #tripinkent #visitengland
thevariosfamilyadventure
12 likes • 655 views

🐘 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:

🦍HUGE NEWS FROM OUR TEAM IN GABON🇬🇦 A gorilla we rewilded to Gabon in collaboration with our partners at Howletts Wild Animal Park has successfully bred and produced not one, but TWO offspring with wild-born gorillas. You can see the beautiful young family in this camera trap clip recently shared by our team in the field. The impressive silverback you can see is none other than little Ima, who wa...
theaspinallfoundation
818 likes • 22.5K views

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

4.5
(5k reviews)

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

Close animal encounters
Spacious and clean park
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Some empty enclosures

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the park is very accessible for wheelchairs and scooters, with well-maintained paths throughout. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Pre-booking tickets online is generally recommended as it's often more cost-effective and guarantees entry, especially during busy periods. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, animal adoption is available and makes a great gift or way to support conservation efforts. It can also enhance your visit experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the close encounters with gorillas and elephants. Big cats and the Ice Age exhibitions are also highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, Howletts often hosts keeper talks and feeding demonstrations, which are fantastic opportunities to learn more about the animals and see them up close. Reddit

The park is very family-friendly with spacious grounds, accessible paths, and a playground (which was being revamped in May 2025). Reddit

Absolutely! There are plenty of spaces and benches available for picnics, making it a great option for families. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are cafes and a restaurant on-site offering various food and drink options. Reddit

Expect typical park fare like sandwiches, snacks, hot meals, and drinks. Options cater to a range of tastes. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own picnic is a popular and cost-effective option, with many designated picnic areas. Reddit

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. Reddit

Food prices are comparable to other attractions. Bringing your own picnic can be a more budget-friendly choice. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The elephant viewing platforms and the close-up gorilla enclosures offer fantastic photo opportunities. Look for natural light and clear views. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of signage and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. Reddit

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. Reddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited at wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals and for safety reasons. Always check the park's specific policy. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Howletts is a top choice for families thanks to its spacious layout and accessible paths, perfect for strollers and little legs. Reddit The close encounters with animals like gorillas and elephants are a huge hit with children, offering exciting and educational experiences. Don't forget to check out the playground facilities for extra fun! Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, Howletts offers great value. Pre-booking tickets online can often secure better prices than buying on the day. Reddit Bringing your own picnic lunch is highly encouraged, as there are numerous spots to enjoy your meal, significantly cutting down on food expenses. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Howletts a rewarding destination due to its close-up animal viewing opportunities. The gorilla and elephant enclosures, in particular, offer fantastic chances for capturing stunning shots. Reddit Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best light and more active animals. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Animal Welfare and Conservation at Howletts

Howletts Wild Animal Park places a strong emphasis on animal welfare and conservation. The enclosures are designed to be spacious and naturalistic, providing animals with environments that mimic their wild habitats as closely as possible. This focus is frequently highlighted by visitors who note how well-cared-for and happy the animals appear. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Family-Friendly Experience

Howletts Wild Animal Park is consistently praised as a fantastic day out for families, especially those with young children. The park's layout is spacious, with well-maintained paths that are easily navigable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it accessible for all ages. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Unique Viewing Opportunities

One of the standout features of Howletts Wild Animal Park is the unique viewing opportunities it offers. Unlike many zoos where animals are distant, Howletts excels at bringing visitors incredibly close to its inhabitants. The gorilla enclosures are particularly renowned for allowing visitors to see these powerful primates at a very intimate distance, creating a profound sense of connection. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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