🦍Howletts Wild Animal Park

zoo

Howletts Wild Animal Park is a 90-acre zoo and conservation center near Canterbury, Kent. It is home to one of the largest herds of African elephants in the UK, along with a world-renowned primate collection including western lowland gorillas, orangutans, and lemurs. The park focuses on breeding endangered species and offers close-up encounters with animals in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.

For families, highlights include daily keeper talks, a walkthrough lemur enclosure (seasonal), and a giant indoor play area called The Clubhouse. There are also adventure playgrounds, a train ride around the park, and picnic spots. The park has accessible paths and buggy-friendly routes, though some areas have slopes.

Facilities: baby-changing rooms, parent and child parking, high chairs in the restaurant, and a dedicated quiet room for breastfeeding. Food options include a restaurant, café, and kiosks serving kids' meals. Under-3s go free.

Practical tips: booking online in advance saves up to 10%. Allow 3-4 hours for a visit. The park is open daily except Christmas Day. Dogs are not allowed. Wellies recommended in wet weather as some paths can get muddy.

Cost£££ Expensive

Rainy dayNo

SettingOutdoor

AddressBekesbourne Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT4 5EL

CountyKent

CountryEngland

Ages0–18+

Website

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Travel tips

Book online to save money
Booking in advance online saves up to 10% on admission prices.
Under-3s get in free
Children under 3 years old do not pay admission, making it excellent value for families with babies and toddlers.
Plan for 3-4 hours
Allow at least 3-4 hours to see the main attractions without rushing, including keeper talks and play areas.
Wear wellies in wet weather
Some park paths become muddy in wet weather, so wellies are recommended for rainy days or after rain.
Baby changing facilities available
Dedicated baby-changing rooms are on site, plus a quiet room for breastfeeding parents.
Buggy-friendly routes exist
Most paths are buggy-friendly and accessible, though some areas have slopes worth being aware of.
Parent and child parking available
Dedicated parent and child parking spaces are provided, making drop-off with buggies easier.
Visit for keeper talks
Daily keeper talks provide educational insights into the animals and breeding programmes—check times on arrival.
The Clubhouse for energy release
The Clubhouse is a giant indoor play area where children can burn off energy between animal viewings.
Train ride around the park
A train ride operates around the park, useful for tired legs or families wanting a different perspective of the site.
Lemur walkthrough is seasonal
The walkthrough lemur enclosure operates seasonally, so check availability before planning your visit around it.
Bring food or use on-site options
A restaurant, café, and kiosks serve food including kids' meals, but bringing a picnic gives more flexibility and value.
High chairs available in restaurant
High chairs are available in the restaurant, helpful for families with infants or very young toddlers.
Multiple playgrounds to choose from
Several adventure playgrounds are scattered throughout the park, giving children variety and breaks from animal viewing.
No dogs allowed in the park
Dogs are not permitted, so arrange care for pets before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Open daily except Christmas
The park is open every day except Christmas Day, making it reliable for school holidays and weekends.
Famous for African elephants
The park houses one of the UK's largest herds of African elephants—a highlight for many children.

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