The UK’s best safari parks, revealed

Have you ever dreamt of experiencing an African safari, seeing some of the most famous members of the animal kingdom up close?

Sadly, not all of us have the chance to see the ‘Big Five’, which includes lions, tigers, rhinos, and elephants, in their natural habitats without spending huge sums. But luckily, you can get the experience a lot closer to home, at one of the amazing safari parks we have right here in the UK!

Take a walk on the wild side at these top safari parks found across the UK, as chosen by lettings company and travel experts holidaycottages.co.uk.

West Midland Safari Park, Worcestershire

Take a drive through West Midland Safari Park and you’ll soon feel like you’ve been transported from the winding country roads of Worcestershire to the wild African plains.

The world’s greatest hunters, including lions, tigers, and cheetahs, as well as majestic herds of savannah grazers such as zebra, giraffe, ostrich, buffalo, the swamp-dwelling red lechwe, and southern white rhino, can all be spotted here. You’ll also fall in love with the elephants: mother Five and her gorgeous baby, Sutton.

This winter, the park will also feature a Santa’s grotto, elves’ workshop and Mrs Claus’ Kitchen for a little extra Christmas magic.

Knowsley Safari Park, Merseyside

Boasting the longest drive-through safari park in the UK at 5 miles, Knowsley Safari Park in Merseyside has lots for all the family to see. With 11 different zones throughout the park, including a boating safari, one minute you could be awestruck at the formidable lions and the next, giggling at the cheeky meerkats.

On weekends and school holidays, climb aboard the Baboon Bus and enjoy the monkeys’ hilarious antics – a great way to see the baboons without worrying about damage to your own car!

If you’re visiting this winter, Knowsley is putting on a magical show with their Enchanted light trail after the sun sets.

Woburn Safari Park, Bedfordshire

Venture through many different safari zones at the Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, beginning your journey at the Northern Plains, where you’ll see bison, camels, and wildebeest. Continue your adventure past rhinos and zebras in the Savannah Grasslands, through to the Kingdom of the Carnivores, home to the big cats, and the African Forest, where monkeys playfully sway through the trees.

Over 80 species of animal live here, making this one of the best zoo and safari parks in the UK. Over the winter it’s open from Thursday-Sunday, with pre-booking essential.

Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling

Blair Drummond opened its doors in 1970, and is Scotland’s only drive-through safari park, with four reserves to drive through on your safari journey: the African, Asian, lion, and macaque areas.

The fun doesn’t end there; swap your car for the park’s boat tour around Chimp Island to see cheeky chimpanzees monkeying around, or sit back and enjoy the popular and informative sea lion and bird of prey shows.

This winter the park is also hosting their Christmas Spectacular, featuring dinosaur illuminations, a festive fairground, a Christmas market, and Scotland’s biggest Christmas tree. You may even be able to catch a glimpse of Santa driving by in his sleigh!

Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire

Exploring by road, rail, waterway and foot, Longleat is a popular safari experience in the South West.

Say hello the giraffes and zebra in the African Village, observe the kings of the jungle in Lion Country, and for a different adventure, hop on the Jungle Cruise to get a glimpse of Spot and Sonia, the lake’s resident hippos, as well as sea lions leaping out of the water in search of some tasty fish.

If you’re visiting this Christmas, you can also enjoy the Enchanted Christmas Tree show, Flight Before Christmas light show, and Santa Train.

Port Lympne Safari Park, Kent

Come face to face with one of Africa’s ferocious ‘big five’ at Port Lympne Safari Park. More than 900 animals can be found here across 600 acres of gorgeous Kent countryside, including the critically endangered Rothschild giraffes and the single largest herd of black rhinos around.

A Safari Truck will take you around the entire African Experience, where you’ll be within roaring distance of dozens of different species from clouded leopards to western lowland gorillas, European wolves, and spectacled bears.