A visit to Howletts Wildlife Park offers a chance to see some of the most remarkable creatures on the planet while supporting vital conservation efforts. Located just outside Canterbury, this 90-acre sanctuary is home to the UK’s largest herd of African elephants and hosts an array of other captivating animals like gorillas, tigers, and lemurs. For around $36 per person, you can spend anywhere from 2 to 6 hours wandering through lush grounds filled with animals in spacious enclosures. What we particularly love about this experience is how it combines family-friendly fun with a genuine conservation message. The grounds are stunning, and the opportunity for animal encounters makes it even more memorable.
However, a potential consideration is that some reviews point out that enclosures may appear less active or partially empty, which might momentarily dampen the experience. Given the size of the park and its focus on education and conservation, it’s best suited for visitors who appreciate a more authentic, less commercial zoo experience. Whether you’re traveling with kids, wildlife enthusiasts, or supporters of conservation, Howletts promises a meaningful day out.**
Key Points
- Conservation Focus: The park is dedicated to breeding and reintroducing endangered animals, making your visit impactful.
- Family Friendly: The park’s manageable size and engaging animal encounters make it ideal for families with young children.
- Animal Encounters: Opportunities to feed lemurs and gorillas add a special, hands-on element to your visit.
- Well-Reviewed Guides: Visitors praise knowledgeable rangers who enhance the experience.
- Mixed Reviews on Enclosure Activity: Some visitors note enclosures seem less lively and cafes may be closed during certain times.
- Good Value: With tickets around $36, the park offers a rewarding experience for animal lovers and conservation supporters alike.
In-Depth Review of Howletts Wildlife Park
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Location and Accessibility
Located near Canterbury in southeastern England, Howletts Wildlife Park is conveniently accessible for day-trippers staying in Kent or nearby regions. The park’s opening hours run from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm daily, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your visit. The park is situated in large, beautiful ancient parkland, making the approach as pleasant as the experience itself. While parking is not detailed explicitly, some reviews mention issues with parking organization, especially during busy days like Mothers Day, which could be something to keep in mind.
Ticketing and Pricing
The day ticket costs approximately $36 per person, which is reasonable considering the size of the park and the opportunity to see rare and large animals like elephants and gorillas. We love that this ticket provides access to the whole 90-acre grounds, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The ticket is delivered via a mobile option, making entry straightforward and contactless—another plus in today’s world.
What’s Included
Once inside, your experience revolves around wandering through open, spacious enclosures—many with naturalistic surroundings—and encountering a diverse array of animals. The park is committed to conservation, breeding, and reintroduction, so your visit supports global efforts to protect these species. Optional animal feeding encounters are available, allowing a closer look at lemurs and gorillas, which many reviews found to be a highlight.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Stop 1: Howletts Wild Animal Park — Spread over 90 acres of scenic grounds, the main focus here is on educating visitors about conservation while offering engaging animal sightings. Visitors often mention the well-maintained enclosures, which appear spacious and thoughtfully designed. The park isn’t overly crowded, especially during off-peak times, giving you space to enjoy the animals without feeling overwhelmed.
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Highlights of the Park
The African elephants are undoubtedly the star attraction—home to the largest herd in the UK. Watching these giants in a habitat that emphasizes their needs is impressive. Several reviews rave about the animal well-being and spacious enclosures, which are designed to mimic their natural environment.
Gorillas and primates are also a major draw. Visitors have been delighted by the characterful gorillas and the chance to get close during feeding encounters. The park’s commitment to animal welfare shows, with many visitors noting how healthy and active the animals appear.
Other notable species include tigers, lemurs, and various monkeys. The park keeps a good mix of large and small animals, which helps break up the day and keeps younger visitors engaged.
Visitor Experiences and Authentic Encounters
The reviews paint a picture of a park that’s well-loved for the chance to get up close. One visitor shared that feeding lemurs and gorillas was a “brilliant” experience, and that the guides, like Tillie and Matt, helped make these moments memorable. Another reviewer called their day “amazing,” emphasizing the well-organized wildlife encounters.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
What visitors love most is the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see animals in naturalistic environments. The park’s dedication to conservation adds a meaningful layer to the visit—knowing that ticket sales support global endangered species programs.
On the flip side, some reviews mention enclosures that appear less active or temporarily empty. While staff reassure visitors that the animals are in their enclosures, the perceived lack of activity can be a minor disappointment. Plus, during busy periods, certain cafes like the Elephant Café and Kifu Café may be closed, and parking can become chaotic, which could impact a smooth visit.
Food options are available but can be pricey, so bringing your own snacks or picnic might save you money and provide a more relaxed experience.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Book in advance: The park is usually booked about 5 days ahead, so plan ahead to secure your preferred day.
- Arrive early: To avoid crowds and see the animals at their most active, aim to arrive when the park opens.
- Bring appropriate footwear: The park covers a large area, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Consider animal encounters: If you want a more immersive experience, add encounters like lemur or gorilla feeding.
- Pack a picnic: Facilities are available but can be expensive; bringing your own sustenance keeps things simple.
- Check for special events: Occasionally, the park hosts themed days or conservation talks that can add value.
Who Should Visit Howletts?
This wildlife park is best suited for families with young children, as the manageable size and engaging animals make it a fun and educational outing. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the focus on endangered species and the chance to support meaningful conservation work. If you’re looking for an authentic, less commercial zoo experience where the animals are the stars, Howletts delivers.
However, those seeking a highly active or bustling zoo might find some enclosures less lively than expected, and food options could be better value. Nature lovers who enjoy a peaceful walk through well-kept grounds will find this a relaxing and rewarding day.
The Sum Up
In summary, Howletts Wildlife Park offers an authentic and impactful wildlife experience that combines animal viewing, conservation education, and interactive encounters. The park’s focus on big, endangered species like elephants and gorillas makes it a highlight for animal lovers. While some visitors mention enclosure activity concerns and amenity closures, the overall experience remains positive, especially with knowledgeable guides and the chance to support important conservation projects.
This tour is a fantastic choice for families, wildlife supporters, and those who value seeing animals in naturalistic settings while contributing to global efforts. It’s a solid value for the price, especially considering the quality of encounters and the park’s size. For a day filled with interesting animals and meaningful conservation, Howletts is hard to beat.
FAQs
Is the ticket price inclusive of any special experiences?
The standard day ticket covers general admission; animal feeding encounters are available as extras and can be booked separately.
Are there discounts for children or seniors?
The provided info does not specify age-based discounts, so check directly with the park or ticket provider for details.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, bringing your own food is recommended if you want to save money, as cafes can be pricey and some may be closed during certain times.
How long should I plan to stay?
Visitors typically spend 2 to 6 hours exploring the grounds, depending on their interest level and whether they participate in animal encounters.
Is transport to the park easy?
While parking details are not explicitly provided, being near Canterbury makes it accessible by car. Arrive early to avoid parking issues.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
What’s the best time to visit?
Arriving at opening time maximizes animal activity and helps avoid crowds, especially during weekends or holidays.
Is the park suitable for people with moderate physical fitness?
Yes, but be prepared for walking across the large grounds; some reviews note a moderate fitness level is advisable.
In a nutshell, Howletts Wildlife Park offers a genuine and rewarding wildlife experience that highlights conservation and animal welfare. It’s perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone keen to support endangered species while enjoying a day outdoors.