Looking for a wild day out without leaving the UK? Drive-through safari parks offer a unique way to experience incredible wildlife up close from the comfort of your car.
From lions roaming open plains to curious giraffes peeking through windows, these parks bring you face-to-face with nature in a truly memorable way. In this guide, we’ll explore five of the top drive-through safari parks across the UK, covering key attractions, featured animals, opening times, amenities, and driving tips, everything you need to plan your perfect safari adventure.
Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the wild!
1. Longleat Safari Park
Safari Magic in the Heart of Wiltshire
Nestled in Wiltshire, Longleat Safari Park offers wildlife encounters across a 9,000-acre estate that combines animal experiences with historic Elizabethan architecture.
The safari drive spans 3 miles, taking approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete. From your vehicle, encounter African lions, playful macaques, and towering giraffes. The route includes East African Game Reserve, Tiger Territory, Wolf Wood, Big Game Park, Lion Country, and the entertaining Monkey Jungle.
Beyond the Drive-Through Safari
Walk-through areas include Koala Creek, where visitors can get up close to Australia’s iconic marsupials, and Jungle Kingdom, home to playful meerkats, curious anteaters, and exotic birds. Animal Adventure offers hands-on experiences with smaller creatures, perfect for younger visitors.
For a step back in time, explore the stunning Elizabethan Longleat House (built in 1580), where guided tours reveal grand rooms filled with historical artworks, opulent interiors, and stories of aristocratic heritage passed down through generations.
Facilities for Visitors
Visitors can enjoy a range of dining options, including the Watering Hole Cafe, offering views of the African Village, and the cozy Lodge Café, perfect for a relaxing bite. Scenic picnic areas are also available throughout the park for those who prefer to bring their own food.
Gift shops are stocked with unique souvenirs, wildlife-themed merchandise, and locally sourced products, ideal for taking home a piece of the adventure. To let the little ones burn off some energy, children’s areas feature the towering Adventure Castle, the Jungle Kingdom play zone, and the ever-popular Splash Pad open during the summer months, guaranteeing fun away from the car.
Unique Attractions
Highlights of Longleat Safari Park include the Jungle Cruise boat safari, where passengers can spot playful sea lions and even glimpse gorillas on their island.
The park is also home to one of the world’s largest hedge mazes, a leafy labyrinth that challenges and delights all ages. The nostalgic Longleat Railway offers a scenic miniature train ride through woodlands and past lakes. Throughout the year, Longleat hosts an array of seasonal events, with the Festival of Light standing out as a spectacular winter celebration featuring dazzling lantern displays and immersive themed experiences.
Additional highlights include interactive animal feeding sessions, educational keeper talks, and pop-up activities that make every visit memorable.
Getting There
Longleat, Warminster, BA12 7NW
Longleat Safari Park is conveniently located just off the A36 between Bath and Salisbury, with clear signposting from major routes.
Key Information
2. Woburn Safari Park
Get Closer to Wildlife in Bedfordshire’s Hidden Gem
Set within the grounds of historic Woburn Abbey, Woburn Safari Park offers an immersive wildlife experience across 300 acres of Bedfordshire parkland, providing a home to over 1,000 animals representing more than 80 species.
The 5-mile Road Safari takes approximately 1-1.5 hours and forms the heart of the Woburn experience. From your vehicle, observe magnificent predators including lions, tigers, and bears in expansive, naturalistic enclosures.
The Northern Plains section features bison, wild horses, and rare Przewalski’s horses, while the Savannah Grasslands hosts rhinos, giraffes, and various antelope species. The Kingdom of the Carnivores brings you face-to-face with tigers, lions, and wolves, while the Monkey Jungle provides entertaining encounters with Barbary macaques.
Beyond the Drive-Through Safari
After driving through the animal reserves, the Foot Safari invites closer encounters with numerous species.
Walkthrough exhibits include the Australian Walkabout with wallabies and emus, Desert Springs’ meerkats, Humboldt penguins at Penguin World, and the immersive walk-through squirrel monkey enclosure. The Sea Lion Cove features daily educational demonstrations, while Elephant Meadow houses a small herd of Asian elephants.
Facilities for Visitors
Family needs are well catered for throughout Woburn Safari Park. The Safari Restaurant offers hot meals and panoramic views, while the Safari Lodge provides light refreshments. Several kiosks are strategically placed around with picnic areas with scenic views, allowing visitors to bring their own food.
Shopping opportunities include the Safari Superstore at the park entrance/exit and smaller gift outlets around the Foot Safari. All offer wildlife-themed souvenirs, toys, and branded merchandise. Children will enjoy multiple play zones, including the indoor soft play area Go Bananas, the outdoor adventure playground Jungle Jamboree, and the water-based Elephant Sprinkle during summer months.
Unique Attractions
Woburn distinguishes itself with several exceptional attractions. The VIP Experience allows guests to accompany keepers behind the scenes, while regular keeper talks and feeding demonstrations provide educational insights throughout the day. The Swan Boats on Swan Lake offer relaxing pedal-powered exploration, and the Great Woburn Railway provides a leisurely tour of parts of the park.
Getting There
Crawley Road, Woburn, Ridgmont, Bedford, MK42 0TU
Woburn Safari Park is conveniently located near the M1 (Junction 13) and is well signposted from major routes.
Key Information
3. Knowsley Safari
Roar Through Merseyside on a Thrilling Safari Drive
Located just outside Liverpool, Knowsley Safari Park offers an exciting wildlife adventure across 550 acres of Merseyside countryside. Home to over 700 animals, this well-established safari park combines drive-through experiences with walk-through attractions for a memorable day out.
The 5-mile Safari Drive takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on animal activity and visitor numbers. From your vehicle, encounter some of Africa’s most impressive species including the park’s famous Amur tiger habitat, one of the UK’s largest lion prides, and the impressive Tower Herd of white rhino.
The Savannah section houses giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species, while the lively baboon enclosure (optional drive-through) guarantees entertainment as these intelligent primates interact with vehicles.
Beyond the Drive-Through Safari
Beyond the driving route, Knowsley’s Foot Safari area provides closer animal encounters through well-designed walkways and viewing areas. Visit the Elephant House to observe the Asian elephant family, meet bush dogs and meerkats in their specially designed habitats, and walk through the spacious Wolf Country exhibit.
The Bird of Prey display showcases magnificent raptors in daily flight demonstrations, while the sea lion pool offers regular educational presentations.
Facilities for Visitors
Families will find comprehensive facilities throughout Knowsley Safari Park. The Safari Restaurant provides hot meals and panoramic views of the lake, while the Coffee House offers lighter refreshments. Oasis Kiosks scattered around the park serve snacks and drinks. Designated picnic areas with benches accommodate those bringing their own food.
The Safari Shop near the exit stocks wildlife-themed gifts, toys, and branded merchandise. Children will enjoy the extensive Woodland Play Area with its climbing frames and adventure equipment. For younger visitors, the indoor Tiger Trail play zone provides all-weather entertainment.
Unique Attractions
Knowsley stands out for several distinctive attractions. The Safari School offers educational sessions for younger visitors, while the Bat Forest walk-through exhibit creates an immersive nocturnal experience.
The Amur Tiger Trail provides uniquely close viewing opportunities of these magnificent big cats. During school holidays, special events often include conservation talks, face painting, and themed activities.
Getting There
Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AN
Knowsley Safari is easily accessible from the M57 (Junction 2) with clear signage from major routes.
Key Information
4. West Midlands Safari Park
Enjoy Family Fun and Fierce Creatures
Nestled in the heart of Worcestershire near Bewdley, West Midlands Safari Park spans 200 acres of countryside and houses over 165 species of exotic animals. This popular attraction combines a comprehensive drive-through safari with an adventure theme park, offering a full day of entertainment for visitors of all ages.
The 4-mile Safari Drive takes approximately 1-1.5 hours and allows visitors to observe animals in naturalistic habitats from the comfort of their vehicles.
The journey takes you through several distinct zones, including the African Plains where white rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roam freely; Asian Plains featuring water buffalo and antelope; Carnivores territory with Sumatran tigers and African lions; and the famously interactive Lemur Woods and African Wild Dog reserves.
The elephant valley provides impressive views of the park’s African elephant herd, while the cheetah habitat showcases these magnificent sprinters.
Beyond the Drive-Through Safari
After completing the driving section, visitors can explore the extensive Walk-Through Discovery Trail.
Highlights include the Penguin Cove with its colony of Humboldt penguins, the colourful Lorikeet Landing walk-through aviary, Land of the Living Dinosaurs featuring life-sized animatronic prehistoric creatures, and the popular Mark O’Shea’s Reptile World housing various species of snakes, lizards, and crocodilians.
The Sea Lion Theatre presents educational shows throughout the day, while the Twilight Cave offers encounters with fruit bats and nocturnal creatures.
Facilities for Visitors
The park provides comprehensive visitor amenities. Multiple dining options include Burger Co. and Pizza Piazza for hot meals, alongside various kiosks and snack stops throughout the park.
The Safari Shop and Trading Post offer souvenirs, toys, and wildlife-themed merchandise. For those bringing food, designated picnic areas provide comfortable seating and scenic views.
Children are particularly well catered for with the Adventure Theme Park section featuring rides such as the Congo Carousel, Jungle Swinger, and Wild River Rafting. The Boj’s Giggly Park offers activities for younger visitors, while the African Village play area provides climbing equipment and interactive elements.
Unique Attractions
West Midlands Safari Park distinguishes itself with several exceptional attractions. The four-mile Safari Drive is one of the UK’s longest, while the Ice Age exhibit featuring animated woolly mammoths offers educational prehistoric insight.
The Animal Encounters programme allows visitors to meet specific species up close with keeper guidance. During winter months, the popular Land of Light illuminated trail transforms the park into a magical evening experience.
Getting There
Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF
West Midlands Safari Park is easily accessible from the A456 between Kidderminster and Bewdley, with clear signposting from major routes.
Key Information
5. Blair Drummond Safari Park
Scotland’s Ultimate Safari Day Out
Situated near Stirling against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish countryside, Blair Drummond Safari Park offers a unique wildlife experience across 120 acres. As Scotland’s only safari park, it combines drive-through reserves with walk-through attractions, providing visitors with close encounters with over 350 animals from six continents.
The 3-mile Safari Drive typically takes 45-60 minutes and allows visitors to observe many magnificent species from the safety of their vehicles. Journey through the African reserves where lions patrol their territory and the impressive rhino enclosure housing white rhinoceros.
The Antelope Plains section features zebras, ostriches, and various antelope species coexisting in a spacious savannah setting. The Monkey Jungle, home to Barbary macaques, provides entertaining interactions, though a bypass route is available for those preferring to protect their vehicle!
Beyond the Drive-Through Safari
Beyond the driving section, Blair Drummond offers numerous walk-through areas for closer animal encounters. The Sea Lion Habitat features educational presentations throughout the day, while Lemur Land allows visitors to walk among free-roaming ring-tailed lemurs.
The Birds of Prey Centre houses impressive raptors with daily flight demonstrations, and the Pets Farm area offers interactive experiences with domestic animals. The Elephant Habitat provides excellent viewing of the African elephant residents, while the Giant Tortoise area showcases these fascinating, long-lived reptiles.
Facilities for Visitors
Comprehensive facilities ensure visitor comfort throughout the park. The Lakeview Restaurant offers hot meals with scenic views across Loch Lomond, while the Safari Coffee Shop provides lighter refreshments. Several kiosks throughout the park serve snacks and drinks. Large picnic areas with benches accommodate those bringing their own food, with covered picnic shelters available for rainy days.
The Safari Gift Shop stocks a wide range of souvenirs, toys, and Scottish-themed merchandise. Children will enjoy the extensive Adventure Playground featuring slides, climbing frames, and zip lines. The Pedal Boat Safari on Blair Drummond’s lake offers a relaxing activity between animal encounters.
Unique Attractions
Blair Drummond distinguishes itself with several special attractions. The Chimp Island houses Scotland’s only chimpanzee group on a naturally forested island accessed by keepers via boat.
The Astroglide Giant Slide provides exhilarating fun, while the Flying Fox zip line spans part of the park. During the summer months, the daily Elephant Washing sessions offer fascinating insights into animal care. Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre provides an educational context about native Scottish wildlife and conservation efforts.
Getting There
Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4UR
Blair Drummond Safari Park is conveniently located just off the A84 near Stirling, approximately 5 miles from Stirling city centre. It’s well signposted from major routes, including the M9.
Key Information
Planning your Safari Park Trip
Before you head off on your wild adventure, take time to plan your visit. Check the park’s schedule for animal talks, feeding times, and special events, these extras can make your day even more memorable.
Parking – There is ample free parking with designated disability spaces near the entrance. For environmentally-conscious visitors, the park has installed multiple electric vehicle charging points in the main visitor car park.
Booking – Book early to avoid disappointment. The last thing you want to do is disappoint the kids, so book your tickets in advance either online or over the telephone. Don’t forget to pack snacks, water, binoculars, a camera, and a full tank of fuel.
Safari Tip – It’s always a good idea to start with the safari drive, then visit the walk-through areas, as most parks offer a second trip around for free. Worth doing if some animals had a sleepy lie-in, and you might catch them prowling around before you head home.
VIP Experiences – Also, consider booking VIP experiences or adopting an animal to support conservation and get closer to your favourites. Some parks also offer live webcams, so you can start getting excited from home!
Staying Safe – Remember to follow park rules: stick to speed limits, stay in your vehicle, and never feed the animals. If your car breaks down, stay inside and wait for help; staff are trained and ready to assist.
Whether you’re planning a family day out or a unique road trip adventure, the UK safari parks offer a wild escape like no other – just don’t forget your camera!
This information was accurate at the time of writing.