west midlands safari park membership

West Midland Safari Park

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Experience Overview

Meet and feed our incredible pride of lions!

Speak to our Experiences Team regarding what dates and times are available. Phone 01299 406461 or Email  [email protected]

£175.00 per person (aged 6+ years. Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full paying adult).

What's Included

• Meeting and feeding our lions
• Admission to the Safari Park
• Box of animal food
• Pictures from your day on a memory stick, taken by your guide
• A Free Return Code, allowing you to visit the Park again within 6 months
• Arrive at WMSP, turn right at the island on the drive and enter through the black gates.
• Follow the signs for the Safari drive-through and then Park in the tarmac bays near the Main Reception. Your VIP Guide will meet you here.
• Arrive at our African Lion House. Your VIP guide will give you a tour behind the scenes. You will see the lions in their outdoor compound and have an opportunity to feed them. Afterwards, some of the other pride  members will be released onto the Safari.
• You are now free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the Safari Park.
• Don’t forget to call in at Reception to pick up your memory stick and Free Return Ticket.

Important Information

• Minimum age for participants is 6 years.
• This Experience is available on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays during our Summer Season, and Saturdays and Sundays during our Winter Season, subject to availability.
• Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full paying adult
• VIP Experiences can either be booked for a specific date or on an open-dated basis valid for the season. Whilst we will always try to accommodate changes in date, this is subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed.
• Once an experience has been purchased refunds will not be considered.

WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK REVEALS NEW LOOK…

West Midlands Safari Park has announced it will be having a new look this year, by teasing a brand-new logo, with the help of some of its resident animals.

The award-winning tourist attraction celebrated its 50 th anniversary last year, so the Park felt like it was the right time to embark on a rebrand and truly mark the start of a new era.

Since being taken over by the Looping Group in 2018, the Park has grown substantially, with the addition of unique onsite accommodation, upgraded animal habitats and brand-new attractions.

The Park’s logo has had a complete revamp, with a new, fun font, vibrant colours and the addition of a giraffe icon, which reflects the attraction’s exciting offering of up-close animal experiences.

Head of Marketing, Rochelle Zare, explained, “ We have grown so much as an organisation, especially in the last four years, so we felt that we needed a new logo and brand identity, that can grow with us into the future.

“After thorough research, in which we invited feedback from various stakeholders, including regular guests to the Park and prospective customers, we gained valuable insight into why people love our attraction and why guests want to visit. This showed we have one of the best, immersive animal experiences in the country, so we wanted our new brand identity to reflect that, hence the addition of a giraffe icon.”

She continued, “ As a family attraction we wanted to get the seal of approval from our core audience, so we tested the new logo with hundreds of local school children, aged 4-11 and it was a big hit! We hope all our guests love it as much as we do.”

Ahead of unveiling the new logo to the public, the Park gained important feedback from some of its esteemed judges – the animals!

It was a hit with the lemurs, with the whole troop running straight over to investigate, whereas Rhianna, the reticulated python, was a bit slower to approach, but quickly gave it the ‘ssssssseal’ of approval by using it as a resting stop.

The new logo’s ambassadors showed appreciation the only way giraffes can – with prolonged staring, although Henry did give it a big lick!

Finally, the logo was presented to the family of Sumatran tigers and first to approach was dad, Nakal, who took a big swipe at it, knocked it over, then sat on it, fiercely protecting it with snarls and growls.

When he finally moved on, mum, Dourga approached with baby, Lestari. The logo was such a hit with Dourga, she picked it up and dragged it into her sleeping quarters, expertly navigating it through the entrance hatch.

When keepers managed to retrieve the logo, it was left with the memento of four magnificent tiger teeth impressions!

Alongside the logo, the Park will adopt a new brand identity and although their name is not largely changing, they have added the ‘s’ back into Midlands (it was West Midland Safari Park for 50 years)!

From next month, guests can expect to see the logo change across the Park’s signage and digital channels, including a brand-new website, shortly followed by the release of a range of new retail products as well as staff uniforms.

As well as the rebrand, the Park has announced new attractions and events for 2024, including a family ride called Jungle Jeeps, a refresh of its playground, the chance to see cheetahs on foot in an extension of the Park’s African Walking Trail as well as new hippo and wild dog lodges.

There will also be the chance to see the Park’s latest arrivals, including tiger cub, Lestari, month-old rhino calf Malaika and a troop of tiny pygmy marmosets, who will be venturing outside for the first time this Spring.

Managing Director for West Midlands Safari Park, Chris Kelly, added, “ This is an exciting time for all of us here at the Park and we’re delighted to be sharing our new look after months of hard work behind the scenes. This definitely signifies a new chapter and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all our guests, past and present for supporting us. Without them, we couldn’t continue to take the best care of the animals who call the Park home and all the conservation efforts we support for their counterparts in the wild .”  

MEET BLUEY AT WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK THIS HALF TERM…

West Midland Safari Park is excited to announce that popular children’s character Bluey, will be entertaining guests during February half term.

Bluey will be making personal appearances with her sister Bingo, at intervals throughout the day from 12 to 16 February.

Fans will be able to take part in ticketed ‘Meet and Greet’ sessions, at selected times in the Safari Academy, in the pedestrianised area of the Park.

PR & Events Officer, Bethan Davis, said, “ We’re really excited that Bluey and Bingo are returning for five days this half term. Bluey is a favourite for both children and parents and it’s great that we can allow guests to meet the characters, included as part of their day out.

“Bluey and Bingo will be making five appearances throughout the day for ‘meet and greets’, where families will have the opportunity to interact and take photos. Due to this event being so popular last year, we have introduced a ticketing system, so guests can guarantee meeting Bluey and Bingo.”

As well as the opportunity to see Bluey this half term, the Park will be opening daily again for its summer season, including the Adventure Theme Park.

There will also be the chance to see the newest arrivals, including some tiny pygmy marmosets and the latest babies.

Bluey appearances, the four-mile safari, walk-through exhibits, animal talks and encounters, are all included in the admission charge.

Guests are encouraged to book online in advance for the best prices, and a pre-booked time slot for the meet and greet sessions is essential.

WATCH THE MOMENT A RARE BABY RHINO IS BORN ON CCTV…

The amazing moment a rare baby southern white rhino was born at West Midland Safari Park, has been caught on CCTV.

Keepers watching the live footage behind-the-scenes, saw the female calf arrive at 1:48am on 11 January 2024, following a tricky breach birth, for 15-year-old mum, Keyah.

After a few attempts, keepers noticed that the calf was struggling to get to her feet, so stepped in quickly to get her standing, enabling her to tentatively walk to her mum to have her first feed.

Now at a week old, the calf is doing really well and has been given the African name Malaika, meaning ‘angel’.

Head Keeper of Ungulates, Lisa Watkins, said, “ The team are absolutely over the moon with the safe arrival of a female white rhino calf. After a long wait, having had two male calves born in 2021, a female was a very welcome addition to the crash. Mum, Keyah, is doing a fantastic job of caring for the newborn with older brother Jumani eager to meet his little sister.

“I am really proud of the team for all their daily hard work and dedication, to allow this calf to arrive safe and healthy. We all look forward to showing the new arrival off in the near future, but for now, both mum and calf are spending some important time bonding in the warmth and comfort of their house.”

Malaika is the sixth baby white rhino to be born at the Park in the last eight years, marking another success for the Park’s involvement in a collaborative European breeding programme, conserving threatened species.

Katie McDonald, Research and Conservation Officer, said “Like all wildlife attractions, we believe it is extremely important for us to contribute to the conservation of the species we hold. White rhinos are one of the species for which there is a European-wide breeding programme and WMSP has been a strong contributor. This is the sixth white rhino calf born since 2016.” 

She continued , “Having safe and healthy populations in zoos and parks is extremely valuable when the situation in the animal’s natural habitat is precarious. White rhinos are threatened in the wild by poachers, who kill them so they can sell rhino horn on the black market. 

“Through our amazing conservation partner, Save the Rhino International, we actively support rhino conservation by helping to fund anti-poaching activities in uMkhuze Game Reserve, South Africa, where dedicated ranger teams work every day to monitor and protect rhinos across the reserve.”

Southern white rhinos are classed as ‘near threatened’ by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), with around 16,000 remaining individuals.

The population of white rhinos has recovered greatly since almost becoming extinct in the early 1900s, but despite being somewhat of a conservation success story, they are the subspecies of rhinos most threatened by poaching.

Malaika will be kept in the warmth of the house while she settles in, then will slowly be introduced to the rest of the herd, including brother Jumani, half-brothers Granville and Jambo and dad, Barney.

She brings the number of white rhinos at the Park to nine, who can be seen on the safari drive-through.

BOOKINGS OPEN FOR SAFARI PARK’S WILD NEW LODGES…

Bookings are now being taken for West Midland Safari Park’s brand-new luxury lodges, which include overnight stays with views of hippos and African wild dogs.

Following planning being granted last month, work has now started on the development, which will see the instalment of eight lodges, alongside new habitats for the animals.

First of its kind in Europe, four lodges will offer incredible views of African wild dogs, whereas four more lodges will be the only place in the UK where you can stay overlooking hippopotamus.

The African Wild Dog Lodges will be single-storey and can sleep up to six guests, offering incredible views into the dogs’ habitat through the huge windows spanning the bedrooms, living spaces and outside decking area.

The Hippo Lodges will be two-storey, with open-plan living spaces, covered outdoor viewing areas, spacious balconies and two bedrooms, sleeping either five or six people.

Two of the Hippo Lodges will be accessible for wheelchair users, with a double or twin singles downstairs, as well as a wet room, wide doorways and car parking outside the lodge.

Neil James, Project Manager, said, “ As with all our lodges, we take influence from the animals themselves when it comes to the designs and the interiors. For the African wild dog lodges, we wanted to create a different style to represent the world’s most prolific land predator. These animals are perfectly designed to cope with the harsh African environment and these lodges will feel like they are born from the earth, but with a chic finish.

“Overlooking the pool and natural landscape, the tones throughout the Hippo Lodges will really complement our group of hippopotamuses. We have blended a natural and neutral palette with African textures and patterns. These lodges are warm, welcoming and stylish and the perfect place to sit back and relax whilst watching the charismatic animals.”

Guests will be able to watch the UK’s largest pod of hippopotamus, from the comfort of their lodges, as the four animals explore their new environment, which will be upgraded with 24-hour access to both their indoor and extended outdoor habitats.

The new hippo house will also be suitable for future breeding programmes, with an indoor pool, mud wallows and evening pools which offer close access viewing for guests from their lodge balconies.

The wild dogs’ habitat will be expansive, allowing the pack of four dogs to explore, socialise and play, with integrated enrichment points to stimulate natural behaviours.

Both habitats will integrate into the Park’s pedestrianised African Walking Trail, which will allow day guests to view the wild dogs from a split-level viewing point, with additional viewing along the trail for the hippos.

This will be the first time in the Park’s history, that guests will be able to see the African wild dogs on foot.

African wild dogs are classified as ‘endangered’ and common hippos ‘vulnerable’, by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), with both species facing threats in the wild such as poaching and habitat loss.

Both species are part of an EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme), a breeding programme supporting the conservation of their wild counterparts by creating a reserve population. The new facilities will enable the Park to continue its important work with the EEP.

Safari Lodges short breaks include breakfast and dinner, spectacular views of the animals, admission to the Park for two days and Theme Park wristbands, during the summer season.

Guests can now book their Hippo Lodge or African Wild Dog Lodge stay, via the Safari Lodges website, where they can choose dates from 19 July to 30 September 2024. Prices will start from £515 per night, based on two guests.

TREE-MENDOUS TREAT FOR CUB’S FIRST CHRISTMAS…

A Sumatran tiger cub at West Midland Safari Park has been involved in the festive celebrations by being given her very first Christmas tree.

Five-month-old Lestari will be experiencing her first Christmas at the Park and will be spending it with her mum, Dourga and her keepers, who at this time of year are often using seasonal items as forms of enrichment, for the animals in their care.

This may be stockings full of hay for the rhinos, bauble pits for the meerkats, or in this case, offering the textures and scents of a small, tiger cub-sized Christmas tree, donated by the Park’s events team.

Head Keeper of Carnivores, Chris Hodgkins, said, “ As it’s Lestari’s first Christmas, to make it extra special she was given a Christmas tree as enrichment. Enrichment is important for all our animals, as it gives them something to explore and encourages natural behaviours.

“Lestari loved the tree and it didn’t take her long to realise she could play with it, especially after her mum had pulled it out the ground! We loved watching her stalk and pounce on it, then drag it around her habitat. I think it’s safe to say she has been a good girl this year and will be getting a nice present from Santa! The keepers are thrilled to see how much she has grown and developed her own little personality! ”

At this time of year, there are over 300 trees at the Park, being using as decorations for the Park’s Santa Safari and Safari Skating events.

In the new year, the trees will either be donated as enrichment for the animals or recycled as part of a ‘treecycling’ campaign for the Park’s partnership with local charity, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

Volunteers, including staff members from the Park, will be collecting used Christmas trees from people’s homes and dropping them at the Park where the trees will be chipped on site to be used as bedding for some of the animals.

Donations from the treecycling service will support children and their families in the area, fighting childhood cancer. More information can be found here: www.gkcct.org/treecycle

The Park will be open daily over the Christmas period until 7 January 2024, closing only for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Guests can see the animals on a winter safari, or on foot in the Park’s pedestrianised areas, including Lestari and Dourga in Tiger Tropics.

SAFARI PARK PRESENTS TO PARLIAMENT…

A member of staff at West Midland Safari Park has had the honour of presenting to members of parliament, about the amazing work the Education Team do at the tourist attraction.

Chloe Walton-Stenson, Senior Education Officer, was invited to speak at the All-Party Parliamentary Group, on behalf of BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and chaired by Labour MP, Sarah Champion.

Peers and MPs listened to how the Education Team at the Park, actively engage learners of different ages, why there is a need for age-diverse education within zoos, with the example of Chloe’s award-winning Amateur Zoologist Club.

Chloe’s award came from BIAZA for the Education Team’s Amateur Zoologist Club, which was set up in 2022, working with the Park’s local ‘University of the 3 rd Age’, providing members with chances to learn a variety of zoological topics and get closer to nature.

Chloe said, “Being invited to share the fantastic work we do as part of education at West Midland Safari Park, with members of parliament was an honour and a very exciting opportunity. Bringing conservation education to learners of all ages, but especially mature learners, is one of my favourite parts of my job role, so it was incredibly special to share this with a new audience. It is vitally important that zoos value everyone who wants to learn about biodiversity, as we can all play in part in protecting the natural world.”

Alongside Chloe, there were presentations from Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm on their fantastic work, improving accessibility at their site and Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA, lead discussions on behalf of the zoo members present.

Dr Jo Judge said, “ The extinction and climate crisis means it’s more important than ever our politicians are thinking about how to empower people of all ages to take action. Chloe did a fantastic job representing the work of good zoos and aquariums, to inspire people to take care of the natural world and then help them to take action to protect the planet. BIAZA members such as West Midland Safari Park are committed to creating a better world through conservation and education .”

As well as the Education Team’s involvement with mature learners, Chloe also talked about the Park’s commitment to supporting local schools and charities, and opportunities for the Park’s animal care students, who take part in courses onsite at the Park’s Safari Academy.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group was held at Portcullis House, a government office for Parliamentary staff, in London, on 5 December.

SAFARI PARK’S SANTA AND SKATING SPECTACLE UNVEILED…

West Midland Safari Park is pleased to announce that its popular Christmas event starts tomorrow and this year there is an exciting new feature – Safari Skating. 

From 24 November and running daily until Christmas Eve, guests will have the chance to see Santa in his magical grotto during the day, or on selected dates, visit Santa during the evening. 

Alongside seeing the big man himself, the Park is inviting guests to try out their skating skills on its brand-new Glice® rink, which is open until 7 January 2024.

This eco-friendly ice rink alternative is suitable for all the family and doesn’t require any water or energy, meaning it’s more sustainable (and not a soggy bottom in sight!). 

Ahead of opening, who better to test the new feature than Santa, who grabbed his Head Elf (and a stability aid), then was seen zooming around the rink and enjoying the frequent ‘snow’ flurries.

Head of Marketing, Rochelle Zare, said, “ Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit West Midland Safari Park, and this year is no exception. After the tremendous amount of work that’s been put into this year’s event, the team here cannot wait to see the faces of families entering the Park, seeing the beautiful winter wonderland we’ve created, and experiencing our magical grotto and new Glice ® rink. ”

Guests looking for some extra festive fun, can choose to purchase a skating only ticket or add Safari Skating on to their Santa Safari or winter visit to the Park.

There will also be the opportunity to purchase some winter gifts or some festive food and drinks, at the new outlets next to the rink.

For the Christmas season, the Park has been magically transformed into a winter wonderland, with over 300 Christmas trees, new illuminated characters, lights, baubles, photo points and even thick layers of ‘snow’. 

Guests to the grotto will be greeted by Santa’s team of friendly elves who will magically transport families to the North Pole on Santa’s newly refurbished sleigh featuring a talking owl and enchanting northern lights.

Disembarking the sleigh, they will follow a path through a magical winter wonderland, busy elf workshop and reindeer stables, finally reaching the grotto to pay a visit to the big man himself. 

Children will receive a memento of their day by having a picture taken of themselves with Santa which they can then take home, alongside being able to choose their very own present from the elves’ workshop. 

Also included in the package is a visit to Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, where children can enjoy a drink and cookie, whilst adults are treated to a hot drink and festive treat. 

There will be a chance for children to write their letters to Santa and post them in his friendly talking postbox, with a chance of winning a family annual pass. 

Additionally, guests visiting this winter can add on a virtual reality sleigh ride – a magical 4D adventure to the North Pole, helping Santa to test out his sleigh before his big journey on Christmas Eve. 

PAW-SOME PUMPKIN PLAY FOR PARK’S BABIES…

Something spooky is in the air at West Midland Safari Park, as the animal keepers have been treating the Park’s newest cubs and pups to their own pumpkins.

For Sumatran tiger cub, Lestari, red panda cub, Lushan and meerkat pup, Lily, this is the first time they have experienced pumpkins and there were mixed reactions to the large, seasonal fruits!

Lushan and Lestari seemed to be very wary to start with, approaching the pumpkins with extreme caution and then retreating hastily, leaving their mothers to enjoy them instead.

Lily the meerkat pup however, had her paws straight on the prize, led by the rest of the mob, who were very excited to see this novel form of enrichment and frantically started to scratch and nibble at the tasty, orange flesh.

Katie McDonald, Research and Conservation Officer, explained, “ We use enrichment to allow our animals to exhibit natural behaviours. This might be to give the animals different foraging opportunities, or sometimes it exercises muscles they might not always use. It may also increase exploration of the environment by using interesting scent trails. 

“Novel objects such as pumpkins allow our animals to investigate something that looks, smells and feels different. Some species, like our meerkats can use their cognitive skills to find food inside them, whilst other animals such as our tigers, like to stalk and capture them! Enrichment is very important for our young, developing animals. They need varied environments to develop their movement and thinking skills, just like human babies, so it was great to see how each one reacted.”

For the red pandas, keepers hollowed out their pumpkin and filled it with bamboo, which was enjoyed by Lushan’s mum, Mei Lin, whereas the meerkats’ was filled with wriggly meal worms.

As the Park is currently themed with hundreds of pumpkins for their Spooky Spectacular Halloween event, any surplus are donated to the animals, so the tiger keepers also offered Lestari a complete, uncarved pumpkin.

Presented in this way was an instant hit and the four-month-old cub ‘stalked’ the pumpkin before pouncing on it and attacking it with her tiny claws, teeth and feet!

She was also seen fiercely protecting her precious plaything from her mum, Dourga, who was warned off with a few playful pats to the face.

Guests to the Park may spot pumpkins in some of the other animal habitats, on the safari and in the pedestrianised areas, some of which make up spooky photo points for guests to snap a picture.

During Spooky Spectacular (running until 5 November), guests can take part in a trail to win a tasty treat, enter a competition to win a Rhino Lodge stay, meet Patch the pumpkin-headed scarecrow, or take part in a brand-new ‘silly science show’ with new mascot, Mitzy Monster (from 28 October).

Lestari, Lushan and Lily can be seen in the walk-through areas of the Park and along with Spooky Spectacular activities, are included in the admission charge.

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From birmingham:.

Take the main Hagley Road to the Quinton Expressway A456 through Hagley and Blakedown following Safari Park signs through Kidderminster to Bewdley.  

From Wolverhampton:

Take the A449 to Kidderminster. Take the A456 to Bewdley. From the North: Take the M6 South, leave on exit 8 and join the M5. Take the M5 to exit 3 and follow the A456 through Kidderminster to Bewdley.  

From the South: 

Take the M5 North, leave on exit 6 and follow the A449 to Kidderminster. Take the A456 to Bewdley

WORK STARTED ON SAFARI PARK’S SECOND PHASE OF LUXURY LODGES…

Work has started at West Midland Safari Park for their second phase of luxury accommodation, including overnight stays with giraffes and white rhinos.

Following planning being granted last week, the Park can now go ahead with building eight two-storey lodges, integrated into the white rhino and giraffe habitats, giving guests a truly unforgettable and immersive experience.

The white rhino lodges will sleep four people and will be the only experience of its kind in the UK. The ground floor will provide an open-plan living space with a balcony offering ground-level views of the rhinos. Two bedrooms and a bathroom will be located on the first floor, along with a balcony providing panoramic views of the rhinos and Safari.

In the giraffe lodges, guests will be able to come eye-to-eye with the Park’s charismatic tower of eight giraffes from the balcony on the first floor, which is where the living room, kitchenette and dining room are situated. A bathroom and two bedrooms will be downstairs, providing accommodation for four people.

The introduction of the new lodges also enables the Park to update and improve the habitats of the animals, giving them 24-hour access to both their indoor and outdoor environments.

Managing Director, Chris Kelly said, “ We’re thrilled that planning has been granted for the next stage of our development. This will see new habitats, housing and facilities being built for our giraffes and white rhinos, enabling our brilliant team of wildlife keepers to continue the high standard of care they provide for our animals.

“Alongside the new animal facilities, we will be installing eight new lodges, four of which will offer spectacular views of the white rhinos, with the other half bringing you face-to-face with our beautiful giraffes, from the second-storey balconies. 

“We’re hoping that we have the same guest reaction for the new lodges as we had for our elephant and cheetah lodges and our Red Panda Cottages, which has been outstanding. We look forward to releasing more information on booking and an opening date, later in the year.”

White rhino and Rothschild’s giraffe are classified as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), with both species facing threats in the wild such as poaching and habitat loss.

The Park’s white rhino and Rothschild’s giraffe are both part of an EEP (European Endangered Species Programme), a breeding programme, supporting the conservation of their wild counterparts by creating a reserve population. The new facilities will enable the Park to continue their important work with the EEP.

As well as the new accommodation and habitats for the animals, the Park will also be installing pathways so that day guests can go to see the giraffes and African elephants on foot – a first for the Park in its 44-year history. These will be accessible from the Park’s current walk-through areas.

The new lodges will be integrated into the four-mile Safari and will sit alongside the elephant and cheetah lodges which opened earlier this year and quickly sold out. More recently, the Park opened two Red Panda Cottages, which still have some dates available for 2022.

Bookings for the new lodges will hopefully be available at the end of the year, but guests can book the Red Panda Cottages and find further information on the Safari Lodges website: www.safari-lodges.co.uk .

Sign up to our email list to be the first to hear when bookings go live and receive news of all the latest Safari Lodges developments.

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Annual Passes in the West Midlands

Are you looking to save money on days out across the year? Then look no further, these fantastic annual passes in the West Midlands allow you and your family to enjoy a year of adventure, exploration, and fun at some of the region's most beloved attractions. From zoos and theme parks to museums and gardens, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a closer look at the best annual passes for families in the West Midlands, highlighting their features, benefits, and pricing options. So, let's dive in and discover the perfect pass for you!

Please note that prices and details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the respective websites.

The Best Memberships and Annual Passes for Families

1. merlin annual pass.

The Merlin Annual Pass is a fantastic opportunity for adventure seekers and thrill enthusiasts looking to explore a wide range of attractions and experiences in the Midlands. With the Merlin Annual Pass, visitors gain unlimited entry to an array of renowned Merlin Entertainment destinations such as Alton Towers Resort, SEA LIFE Birmingham, Warwick Castle, Cadbury World, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham. With a Merlin pass, you can book activities such as high ropes, climbing, shooting and archery for free at The Bear Grylls Adventure. Other activities at Bear Grylls Adventure can be booked at up to 50% off. Although outside of the Midlands, you can also travel down south and visit Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park as part of your membership.

This pass not only offers year-round access to these incredible attractions but also provides exclusive discounts and perks, making it an excellent choice for those seeking memorable experiences in the heart of the Midlands.

2. West Midland Safari Park

If you're a nature lover and thrill-seeker, a West Midland Safari Park Annual Pass is a must-have. Encounter some of the world's most beautiful and endangered animal species as you journey through the park. From majestic lions to playful giraffes, the safari drive-through offers an up-close and personal encounter with wildlife.

There are four annual pass options ranging from bronze (£59pp) to platinum (£175pp). The platinum pass includes a multi-ride wristband, free entry to Drayton Manor Resort, 20% off in WMSP shops and food outlets, 20% off VIP experiences, and 10% off safari lodges bookings.

For more information and to purchase your pass, visit the West Midland Safari Park website.

3. Warwick Castle

Step back in time and immerse yourself in history with the Warwick Castle Annual Pass. As an annual passholder, you get unlimited access to Warwick Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the Midlands. Explore the castle's magnificent grounds, visit the beautiful gardens, and discover the rich history that spans over 1,000 years.

The Warwick Castle Annual Pass offers a range of benefits, including year-round access to the castle, gardens, and grounds. Members also receive exclusive offers to special events and discounts on overnight stays at the Knights Village.

Pricing for the annual passes is as follows:

Silver Pass: From £49pp

Gold Pass: From £69pp

With the Gold Pass, you can enjoy all that Warwick Castle has to offer for 345 days of the year, as well as half-price Castle Dungeon entry, and free car parking.

To purchase your pass and start your historic adventure, visit the Warwick Castle website.

4. Drayton Manor

With this yearly membership, visitors can enjoy a year's worth of adventures at Drayton Manor Theme Park, a renowned destination known for its thrilling rides, captivating shows, and captivating attractions suitable for all ages. The pass offers unlimited access to the park, allowing you to experience adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like Shockwave and Apocalypse, as well as Thomas Land, a beloved area designed especially for younger children featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. The theme park has a brand-new three-tiered pass structure, with prices starting from £99.

For more information about the three memberships on offer, head here .

5. Alton Towers

With an Alton Towers Resort membership visitors can revel in a year's worth of thrilling experiences. This includes access to an array of adrenaline-pumping rides, such as the iconic Galactica, the record-breaking Wicker Man, and the family-friendly CBeebies Land (Excludes peak dates). Other benefits include up to 20% off retail, food and drinks.

For more information and to purchase your pass, visit the theme park's website here .

6. Black Country Living Museum

The Black Country Living Museum's membership is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich industrial history and cultural heritage of the region. This pass gives you unlimited access to this unique open-air museum, priority booking and 20% off special events, 25% off entry for friends and family, 20% discount on food and drink outlets and in the shops, and exclusive experiences and behind-the-scenes tours. The museum is easily accessible by car and is just a short distance away from Dudley bus station.

Head to the museum's website for more info!

7. Birmingham Museums

The Birmingham Museums annual membership offers an incredible opportunity for art and culture enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant creativity of Birmingham. This pass provides 12 months of free entry to a diverse array of world-class museums and galleries, including the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Thinktank Science Museum, and more. The Thinktank Museum provides an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages (Mini Brum, the unique play village, is our favourite part). Birmingham is easily accessible by West Midlands Railway train, National Express buses, and West Midlands Metro tram. Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham New Street are short distances away, but make sure to check for National Rail strikes before travelling.

The Annual Pass is priced at £35 per adult and £95 per family (2 adults and up to 3 children). To purchase your pass, visit the Birmingham Museums website .

8. Ironbridge Gorge Museums: The PASS

This is a super-value pass that gets you unlimited entry to all Ironbridge Gorge museums for a whole year, including Blists Hill Victorian Town and Enginuity. A family pass (2 adults and up to 4 children) is £86. For more information about this membership and The PASS PLUS option on the Ironbridge Valley of Invention website.

9. Dudley Zoo

A Dudley Zoo annual membership allows you to enjoy unlimited visits to one of the West Midlands' most beloved zoological attractions. Membership holders also get 10% off all retail purchases over £5, 10% discount on animal experiences and zoo keeper experiences, discounts on exclusive events, discounted parking, and the satisfaction of knowing they contribute to the conservation efforts undertaken by the zoo. The zoo is easily accessible by car and is just a short distance away from Dudley bus station.

Dudley Zoo's annual membership costs £56 per adult and £37 per child. You can find out more information here .

10. Botanical Gardens Annual Pass

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Botanical Gardens. These stunning gardens offer a peaceful oasis where you can connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of various plants and flowers.

With a Botanical Gardens Annual Pass, you can get unlimited entry to the serene gardens throughout the year, as well as free and special offers to many other celebrated Gardens across the UK including Kew, Westonbirt Arboretum, and more.

Family: £70 (includes two adults and up to three children (aged 5-16 years), under 5s visit for free.

To purchase your Botanical Gardens Annual Pass and start enjoying the natural wonders of Birmingham, visit the Botanical Gardens website .

Pay for a day visit free for 12 months

Twycross Zoo

Black Country Living Museum: UnChained Annual Pass

British Motor Museum

Other Memberships

In addition to the above options, there are several other fantastic annual passes and season tickets available in the West Midlands. These include:

Weston Park

Arley Arboretum

National Trust

English Heritage

Attwell Farm Park

Cotswold Wildlife Park Season Ticket

Hatton Adventure World

Ironbridge Museums

Trentham Monkey Forest

All Things Wild Season Pass

Birmingham Wildlife and Conservation Centre

Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham

Lower Drayton Farm PLAY@ membership

Round Up of Annual Passes in and near the West Midlands

These are just some of the best annual passes for families in the Midlands. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or thrill-seeker, there's something for everyone to enjoy. If you're not sure if a season ticket or annual pass is for you, why not check out an attraction with a day ticket first? You could also give the gift of adventure this Christmas with an annual pass or membership to one of these fantastic attractions.

Start exploring the West Midlands today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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West Midlands Safari Park

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

West Midlands Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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OPENING IN 2021!

Check availability…, lodges on sale until september 2024, register for the latest updates and booking exclusives.

Be the first to know all the latest details & availability!

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE

Introducing the award-winning Safari Lodges at West Midlands Safari Park. A mixture of beautiful lodges and premium cottages, designed to give you an up-close and immersive overnight wildlife experience like no other.

Safari Lodges short breaks include dinner and breakfast, spectacular views of the animals, admission to the Park during the day and Theme Park ride wristbands*.

*Summer season only. Generally from mid-February to end of October. Please see wmsp.co.uk for exact dates.

WATCH THE VIDEO…

Eight exclusive, luxury lodges, designed to give you an up-close and personal overnight wildlife experience like no other.

They will be integrated into the newly-updated reserves, with spectacular views overlooking the elephant and cheetah habitats.

Nestled into their own secluded area, there will be six lodges offering the only overnight accommodation experience with African elephants in the UK.

Two more lodges will offer incredible views of our majestic cheetahs.

Watch the wildlife as night falls over the reserves, whilst you enjoy a sumptuous evening meal, freshly-prepared by our chefs.

Wake up with views of elephants or cheetahs enjoying their morning feed while you feast on a delicious breakfast.

Safari Lodges short breaks include exclusive views of the animals, admission to the Park during the day and Theme Park wristbands*.

*Summer Season only.

• Conservation
• Accessibility
• Keep in Touch
• Privacy Policy

VIP ULTIMATE TOUR – EXTRA INFO 

What’s included:

• A half day experience
• Tour of the Safari in one of our jeeps
• A chance to feed a number of our animals
• Pictures from your day on a memory stick, taken by your guide

Important Info:

• Minimum age for participants is 6 years. Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full-paying adult.
• VIP Experiences can be booked for a specific date. Whilst we will always try to accommodate changes in date, this is subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed.
• Once an experience has been purchased refunds will not be considered.

VIP LION FEED – EXTRA INFO 

• A 45-minute experience
• Meeting and feeding our lions
• Minimum age for participants is 6 years.
• Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full paying adult

VIP RHINO KEEPER EXPERIENCE – EXTRA INFO

• A half-day experience
• Meeting, feeding and looking after our Indian rhino
• A keeper for the Day Certificate
• Minimum age for participants is 16 years.
• Only available during our Summer Season.

VIP GIRAFFE FEED – EXTRA INFO

• A 30-minute experience
• Meeting and feeding our herd of giraffes
• Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full paying adult.

VIP JUNIOR KEEPER EXPERIENCE – EXTRA INFO

• Meeting, feeding and helping to care for animals like rhinos, lemurs, meerkats and more.
• A certificate
• Suitable for children between the ages of 10-15 years.
• Maximum two children per day.

VIP GUIDED TOUR – EXTRA INFO 

• A 90-minute experience
• A guided tour of the Safari Drive-through in one of our jeeps
• Minimum age for participants is 3 years. Children aged 6-15 years must be accompanied by a full-paying adult.

VIP STAR OF THE SEA LION SHOW – EXTRA INFO

• Meeting and feeding our sea lions during a Sea Lion Show
• Certificate
• A picture from your day
• Minimum age for participants is 5 years.
• Only one ‘Star’ per Sea Lion Show.

LION LODGE – OPENING SOON

We will be offering luxury overnight stays with lions in early summer 2023! The accommodation will be authentically integrated into the brand-new lion habitat, located past our African Village. Guests will experience an immersive and unforgettable overnight wildlife encounter, like no other.

The Lion Lodges will feature open-plan living and luxury interiors, with breathtaking views from every room into the new lion habitat, through floor-to-ceiling windows.

More details will be announced soon. To be the first to hear about updates, sign up to our e-Newsletter! Click Here .

TIGER LODGE

We will be offering luxury overnight stays with Sumatran tigers in autumn 2022! The accommodation will be authentically integrated into the newly built tiger habitat, giving guests an immersive and unforgettable overnight wildlife encounter, like no other.

The tiger lodges will feature open plan living and luxury interiors, with breathtaking views from every room into the new tiger habitat through floor to ceiling windows.

Inspiring families to travel

Kids Pass Review – how much can you really save on family days out?

• Post author: Gemma
• Post published: 19 July 2019
• Post category: Days Out / England / Reviews
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Thinking of signing up for a Kids Pass membership? Not sure how much you will actually save on family days out? Wondering whether it will be worthwhile?

These are the questions that I asked before signing up.

As a new Kids Pass member (and someone slightly obsessed with saving costs), I wanted to know exactly how much I could save on different family days out. So, I decided to review the savings to be had by doing a little price comparison exercise!

I was definitey surprised with the results…

View Contents

Kids Pass review

For my Kids Pass review, I chose a number of top family days out across the UK and compared the ticket price when booking direct through the attraction website against the exact same ticket through Kids Pass.

Hopefully, this information will help you decide whether signing up for Kids Pass is worthwhile and exactly how much you are likely to save on your favourite family days out.

If you have a particular day out in mind, you might want to consider what other offers are available such as 2 for 1 etc. Then you can decide which offer works out the best.

Please note, prices are accurate at the time of writing based on both the attraction website and Kids Pass membership site. Prices may change but the information should still give you an indication of the savings you can make.

All prices are based on visit dates during the school summer holidays and our family members (2 adults and 2 children aged 6 and 3 years old).

How much does a Kids Pass membership cost?

Before I jump straight into the price comparison and savings, you’ll want to know how much a Kids Pass membership is. This way you’ll be able to quickly work out the difference between your membership fee and the savings you can make.

For us, we made our money back straight away plus an additional saving just on one day out.

Kids Pass are currently offering a 30 day trial for just £1.

You only need to buy 1 Kids Pass membership and this will cover the whole family. That’s £1 for 30 days full access to 1000’s of discounts on offer.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running! Thank you for your support!

If you love the savings you have made after your 30 day trial, you can continue with a monthly membership for £7.50 per month , which you can choose to cancel at any time. Or you can choose an annual subscription for £39.99 .

We saved the annual subscription cost plus an additional £26.51 from 1 visit to West Midlands Safari Park alone!

Here are the selection of family days out and the price comparison between buying direct from the attraction website and buying through Kids Pass.

Kids Pass savings on family days out:

West midlands safari park - worcestershire.

Prices based on an admission and rides ticket, which includes a wristband allowing unlimited access to the theme park rides.

West Midlands Safari Park Ticket Price

• Adult (16-64) – £38.50

Child (3-15) – £31.50

Total price for our family of 4 – £140

Kids Pass Discount Ticket Price

• Adult (16-64) – £19.75
• Child (3-15) – £16.25

£1.50 booking fee​

Total price for our family of 4 – £73.50

 £66.50 (47% off)

Drayton Manor Theme Park - Staffordshire

Prices based on a 1 day admission to the Park, which includes over 25 rides and attractions, Thomas Land, zoo and 4D cinema.

Drayton Manor Theme Park Ticket Price

• Adult (12-59) – £28
• Child (4-11) – £24

Child (2-3) – £8

Total price for our family of 4 – £88

• Adult (12-59) – £18
• Child (4-11) – £18
• Child (2-3) – £7
• £1.50 booking fee

Total price for our family of 4 – £62.50

 £25.50 (29% off)

Diggerland - Devon/Durham/Kent/Yorkshire

Prices based on a 1 day general admission ticket.

Diggerland Ticket Price

• Adults to age 65 & children 90cm or over – £19.95
• Children under 90cm – free
• £1 online booking fee

Total price for our family of 4 – £80.80

• Adults to age 65 & children 90cm or over – £16.75

Total price for our family of 4 – £68.50

 £12.30 (15% off)

Blackpool Pleasure Beach - Lancashire

Prices based on an Unlimited Ride Wristband, which includes access to the Park and unlimited all day riding including in Nickelodeon Land and on ICON. .

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ticket Price

• Wristband (Adult/Age 12 +) – £28
• Junior Wristband (Age 11 and under) – £26

Total price for our family of 4 – £108

• Wristband (Adult/Age 12 +) + Free Child – £39
• Wristband (Adult/Age 12 +) – £25
• Junior Wristband (Age 11 and under) – £23

Total price for our family of 4 – £79.50

 £28.50 (26% off)

Flamingo Land - Yorkshire

Prices based on a 1 day admission, which includes NEW Peter Rabbit adventure play area.

Flamingo Land Ticket Price

• Adults and Children, f our years old and over – £36
• Family Ticket (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children) – £116
• Adults and Children, f our years old and over – £27

Total price for our family of 4 – £82.50

 £25.50 (24% off)

Oakwood Theme Park - Pembrokeshire

Prices based on an online Day Pass tickets .

Oakwood Theme Park Ticket Price

• Standard Day Pass (Aged 13 years and over) – £30.15
• Junior Day Pass (Aged 3 – 12 years) – £20.25
• £1.50 online booking fee

Total price for our family of 4 – £102.30

• Standard Day Pass (Aged 13 years and over) + Free Junior – £33.50
• Additional Junior Pass (Aged 3 – 12 years) – £22.50

 £33.80 (33% off)

Edinburgh Zoo

Prices based on Early bird tickets .

Edinburgh Zoo Ticket Price

• Adult- £18.10
• Child (3-15) – £8.10

Total price for our family of 4 – £52.40

• Adult – £14
• Child (3-15) – £7

Total price for our family of 4 – £43.50

 £8.90 (17% off)

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Prices based on Advance online tickets .

Yorkshire Wildlife Park Ticket Price

• Child (3-15) – £15

Total price for our family of 4 – £66

• Child (3-15) – £12.45

Total price for our family of 4 – £54.40

 £11.60 (18% off)

Woburn Safari Park - Bedfordshire

Prices based on single admission online tickets .

Woburn Safari Park Ticket Price

• Adult (16-59 years) – £24.99
• Child (3-15 years) – £17.99
• Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) – £80.96

Total price for our family of 4 – £80.96

• Adult (16-59 years) – £17.25
• Child (3-15 years) – £11.50

Total price for our family of 4 – £59

 £21.96 (27% off)

Blue Reef Aquarium - Newquay

Prices based on flexi online tickets.

Blue Reef Aquarium Ticket Price

• Standard – £10.17
• Junior (3-12 years) – £7.88
• Family (2 Standards, 2 Juniors) – £35.19

Total price for our family of 4 – £35.19

• Standard and Free Junior – £11.30
• Additional Junior (3-12 years) – £8.75

Total price for our family of 4 – £22.60

 £12.59 (36% off)

For this Kids Pass review, I’ve listed a total of 10 family days out and found that Kids Pass offered savings of between 15% and 47% , compared to booking directly online.

For our family of 4, we would save a total of £247.15 across all 10. That’s an average of nearly £25 per family day out.

Based on the savings I found, this really could be the best £1 you will spend!

Even the annual subscription at £39.99 is well worth the money, giving you 1000’s of family-friendly offers to use during school holidays and weekends.

There’s also lots of discounts on cinema tickets and restaurant deals.

Kids Pass App & Customer Service

Signing up is really simple and within minutes you have all of the Kids Pass offers in the palm of your hand with the free Kids Pass App.

You can also access via the website but I find the Kids Pass App so user friendly and simple to use.

I’ve also found the customer service to be really good. We wanted to confirm whether the West Midlands Safari Park tickets included unlimited access to the theme park rides, so we emailed them. They emailed back within a few hours to confirm this was included.

We purchased the tickets and they came the following day.

Kids Pass Review Summary...

For a monthly subscription at £7.50 per month , you’re likely to make your money back on just 1 family day out per month.

And for the annual subscription of £39.99 , you should easily make your money back after two family days out during the year.

But the £1 trial is just too good an offer not to take up!

Special Offer – remember, sign up using any link on this post to get the 30 day trial for £1 .

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Heights of Abraham – Cable Cars and Caverns (Peak District)

Understand [ edit ]

Tyumen was founded in 1586 as the first Russian settlement in Siberia. During World War II, the city grew rapidly as many industries relocated further away from the war.

The region has plentiful oil resources and the city is now home to many companies in the Russian oil and gas industry. As a result, Tyumen has the highest GDP per capita of all cities in Russia, even higher than that of Moscow.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by train [ edit ].

All Trans-Siberian trains stop at Tyumen . Travel time is 36-48 hours from Moscow . 57.145886 65.522885 2 Tyumen railway station is located at ulitsa Privokzal'naya, 22, south of the city centre.

By marshrutka [ edit ]

By taxi [ edit ].

Taxis are plentiful and you can even negotiate hourly rates.

See [ edit ]

Monuments [ edit ]

Tyumen has many unique statues and monuments.

• Monument to the Homeless Dog
• Monument to students from Tyumen Schools Who Did Not Come Back From The War
• Monument to Conductor
• Lenin Statue
• Monument to Machine Tool Builders
• Sculpture Harp
• Father Statue
• Happiness Tree Sculpture
• Sculpture of Street Cleaner
• Monument of Mother
• Monument to the Janitor
• Monument to Yuri Hervieu
• Monument to Liquidators
• Fountain-Monument to Tyumen Oblast
• Monument to Afghan Soldiers
• City Garden Monument
• Monument to Country Doctor
• Monument to the Postman
• Monument to Workers in Rear Area
• Monument to Grigoriy Rasputin
• Globe Monument

Religious buildings [ edit ]

• Church of the Saviour
• Holy Trinity Men's Monastery
• Znamenskiy Cathedral
• Saint Archangel Michael Church
• Holy Cross Temple
• Saint George Ascension Church
• Saint Dmitriy of Don Temple
• Saint Nicholas Temple
• The Temple in Honor of the Annunciation
• Tyumen Chapel
• Tyumen Synagogue

Museums [ edit ]

• The Kolokolnikovs' Estate Museum Complex
• City Council Local History Museum
• Fine Arts Museum
• Masharov's House Museum

Do [ edit ]

• Walk along the embankment of the Tura River. Walk across the Bridge of Lovers, a pedestrian bridge.
• Tyumen Drama Theatre - ul. Respubliki, 129 (+7 345 240-98-23)
• Tyumen Puppet Theater

Parks [ edit ]

• Tsvetnoy Park is a beautiful park that includes the Monument to the Homeless Dog.
• City Park of Culture and Leisure
• Forest Park of Gagarin
• Park of Deputies
• Gilevskaya Grove
• Siberian Cats Park
• Victory Park

Buy [ edit ]

• Solnechnyy Mall
• Premyer Mall
• Galeria Voyage Mall

Eat [ edit ]

There is a McDonald's restaurant in the park at ul. Lenina #54.

• Assorti Restaurant , ul. Babarynka, 1к6 , ☏ +7 345 223-42-34 . Pizza, sushi, soups, and various menu options.  

Sleep [ edit ]

With the exception of some high-end hotels, all hotels and hostels offer free WiFi and many have computer terminals. Almost all accept credit cards. Hotels and hostels will usually provide a visa invitation and registration for an additional fee.

Splurge [ edit ]

• 57.153643 65.547471 1 DoubleTree by Hilton Tyumen , ul. Ordzhonikidze, 46 ( in the city centre ), ☏ +7 345 249-40-40 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . 40-inch LED TVs, indoor heated swimming pool, beauty salon, solarium, room service. ( updated Nov 2018 )

Learn [ edit ]

There are 3 universities and several colleges.

Connect [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Listing with multiple email addresses
• Has routebox
• Has Geo parameter
• Tyumen Oblast
• All destination articles
• Outline cities
• Outline articles
• City articles
• Pages with maps

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The 12 best places to visit in Tyumen (the oldest siberian city)

It is the oldest city in siberia and has many points of interest. find out about the best places to visit in tyumen, russia..

The first Siberian city was founded in 1586. Tyumen has been unofficially titled the oil and gas capital of Russia. The city’s population is 707 000 people, which continues to increase. According to RBC Holding, Tyumen is one of ten the most quick-growing towns in Russia. Don’t let the mention of oil-hungry businesspeople leave you thinking this is a dull, money-focused city, though. The city has a buzzing street life in summer and a couple of worthwhile sights that, taken together, will keep you entertained for a day or so.

Tyumen is also the stepping stone to the gorgeous old town of Tobolsk, a few hours’ bus or train ride away. Tyumen is a cultural, business, educational and administrative center of the Tyumen region. Most of the city’s population comprises young people under 35.

Here are always places to go in the evening and to see during weekends. Cozy cafes, luxurious restaurants, the best theatres and philharmonic concert hall, and museums reminding about the rich history of the city — all that is Tyumen. These are the best places to see in Tyumen, Russia.

1. Tyumen’s Holy Trinity Monastery

Tyumen’s Holy Trinity Monastery is located in the historical center of Tyumen. It is just a few minutes walk from the Tura Embankment. The monastery was founded on the picturesque bank of the Tura River in 1616. Almost a century later, in 1708, the old wooden monastery was rebuilt with stone. Shortly after, the monastery was named Holy Trinity. The building process was conducted under the leadership of metropolitan Philophey Leschinsky. Later, he took monastic vows and lived in seclusion for the rest of his life. After he died in 1727, he was buried at the monastery’s entrance.

During the Soviet period, the monastery was used as a dormitory for a military platoon and the headquarters of the city’s water control system. The monastery was returned to the Tyumen diocese in 1995, but the first service was not held there until 2003. In 2005 the relic of prelate Philophey was uncovered and is now kept in the Peter and Paul Cathedral monastery. In 2007 a square was dedicated to Philophey near the monastery. Today Holy Trinity Monastery is open for everyone to see and tour while it continues to hold regular liturgical services.

2. Znamensky Cathedral

The history of Znamensky Cathedral found its roots in the first half of the 17th century, when a small wooden chapel was first erected at the site of the current Cathedral. The old wooden chapel was replaced with the construction of a stone church which began on September 1st, 1768. The church’s previous name was given in honor of Mary, the Mother of God, and her icon within the church. The building was dedicated only 33 years later, in 1801. The church’s first stone building was painted white and consisted of the main chapel, a bell tower, a refectory, and a porch.

After the Revolution of 1917, the Cathedral was used as a transit prison. Still, between 1933 and 1941, the church was returned to the diocese. With the beginning of World War II, however, it was again taken over and used to house dislocated army forces. Finally, the Cathedral was returned to the eparchy. On June 19th, 1994, the clergy held a liturgical service for the first time. Today Znamensky Cathedral is a functioning church and one of the most beautiful symbols of Tyumen.

3. Tyumen Bolshoi Drama Theater

In 2008, The Tyumen Bolshoi Drama Theater got a new building built in record time for one year and eight months. With a 158-year history, the theater is the most prominent Drama Theater in Russia. The history of the Tyumen theater began even before the first building. It is known that in 1858 the St. Petersburg guest expressed his admiration for Amateur performances.

This fact was recorded, and the city’s theatrical history was reckoned from it. History tells us that in 1890, the first Guild merchant, an honorary citizen of the municipality Tekut’ev Andrei Ivanovich, founded a permanent theatre, which entered the town history called Tekut’evsky. Andrei Ivanovich, in love with the spectacle of dramatic scenes, supported theatre for 26 years.

In 1916, before his death, he bequeathed the theatre to the city. The City Council accepted the gift, and newspaper announcements began to inform about the performances not in the Tekut’ev’s theater but in the city theatre named Tekut’ev. After the October revolution, the theatre received the name of V. I. Lenin.

Under the leadership of the Petrograd director Valmar, it was staged such performances as “Idiot”, “the Power of Darkness”, “the Living corpse”, and “the Day”. In subsequent years the core of the repertoire included Russian and foreign classics, the best works of modern drama.

4. Saint George Ascension church

Through the parishioners’ efforts, this church was erected on the Tura River’s left bank. The church began as a stone two-storied building with a bell tower and two thrones: one is on the first floor in honor of Saint George and the other in honor of the Ascension of God is on the second.

After the October Revolution in 1929, the church was closed, and a workshop of tanners and chemists used its building. In 1934-35 the church became a dormitory for driving school students and combined operators. Later the building was under the governance of Tuymen’s fur coat fabric company.

Only in 1996 was the building returned to the diocese of Tobolsk and Tyumen. Two years later, services were resumed there. Step by step, in 2005, the bell tower was restored. In 2006, the church participated in the government program entitled “Cultural memorials restoration.” Now it is a functioning church that adorns the historical center of Tyumen.

5. Church of the Saviour

The Church of the Saviour, also known as the Church of the Image of “The Saviour Not Made by Hands” or shorter Spasskaya Church, is a church in Tyumen, Tyumen Oblast, Russia, located at Lenin Street, 43, at a crossroad between the Chelyuskintsev Street. Built-in a late 18th-century Siberian Baroque and early 20th-century neorussian style, the building is one of Siberia’s oldest and most expressive churches, under monument protection.

It is believed that the early wooden church was raised in 1586 and reconstructed after several fires into a stable stone building in the late 17th century. The Church of the Saviour saw another two rebuildings in the late 19th century. However, after the 1917 October Revolution, the church was subject to confiscations of its property in 1922, and in 1930 was closed and became a momentary prison.

After the failed attempt to destroy the church two years later, it has been used as an archive and a library. The building storage material for the Tyumen Local Historical Museum is expected to be returned to the local eparchy in 2019.

6. Tura Embankment

The only thing in the Russian four-level structure of this kind and one of the favorite holiday destinations among residents and visitors alike. Here, close to each other is full of the city’s attractions: Lover’s Bridge, historical area, the museum “City Council” Architecture and Construction University, and Holy Trinity Monastery. Embankment and bridge of lovers – the city card is depicted on the magnets, postcards, and other souvenirs tourists bring from Tyumen.

Construction of the promenade continues today, and it planned its expansion on both sides of the river Tura. Throughout the embankment, scattered monuments of famous people, life, and activity were somehow linked to Tyumen. Summer, early Fall, and spring – are the best time for walking and spending time on the waterfront.

It is always noisy: many people are playing songs with a guitar, working fountains, flash mobs, and holding various events, to the bridge of lovers traditionally come to the newlyweds. In the summer promenade Tours – the most popular holiday destination for residents.

7. The Lovers’ Bridge

The Lovers’ Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Tura River in the Central District of Tyumen. The bridge was built in 1987 – five years after the collapse of an old wooden bridge in the exact location. The last name of the bridge was Peshehodniy (Pedestrian). Still, in 2003 local DJs Maria Kondratovich and Timur Shkval arranged an unusual contest called “The most unusual kiss”.

After this event, the city mayor Stepan Kirichuk offered to rename the bridge the Lovers’ Bridge. Then, on July 26th, newly married couples, the director of the Red Army Radio Station V. Bogodelov, and the city’s mayor performed an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the bridge.

8. Kolokolnikovs Estate Museum

The Kolokolnikovs Estate Museum is the only remaining classical merchant’s estate in Tyumen. The building’s facade combines classical and baroque architecture elements and traditional Siberian carving. The doors open to a luxurious, brightly lit hall with lofted ceilings and walls decorated with vivid paintings of the Kolokolnikovs family.

One painting depicts an old trade shop, representing the collective image of the city’s shops. Stepping through the doors of the Kolokolnikovs Estate transports one back to the unique atmosphere of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The permanent exhibit of the Kolokolnikovs Estate Museum is called “The History of the House”. It is dedicated to the history of the merchant families, such as the Ikonnikovs and the Kolokolnikovs. The exhibit will also explain the historical events in this house, one of which was the monumental meeting between the future Emperor Alexander II and the great Russian poet V. Zhukovsky in 1837. In 1919 the estate was used as the headquarters of Marshal V. Blyukher.

9. Gorodskaya Duma Museum

The building of the Tyumen regional Museum of Local Lore Gorodskaya Duma was built in the second half of the XIX century. It is a magnificent example of Russian provincial architecture. The high ladder and a stepped attic give the museum its slenderness, combined with a Corinthian portico and massive columns — the traditional buildings of public institutions and architectural elements.

The Window into the nature constant exhibition introduces the variety of Flora and Fauna of the Tyumen region and its ancient inhabitants. An integral part of the museum is a small paleontological Museum. The skeleton’s collection of mammoth, fossil bison, woolly rhinoceros, and cave bears is presented at the museum. In addition, visitors can get acquainted with the Botanical, Zoological, and entomological collections.

10. House Masharova Museum

The House Masharova Museum is an old house built in the neoclassical style and previously belonged to N. Masharov, a famous manufacturer and one of the founders of the iron industry in Tyumen. The museum is a monument to late 19th and early 20th-century Siberian architecture and is renowned for its luxurious décor.

Traditional musical events and temporary exhibitions are regularly organized in the House Masharova Museum. They take place in the chamber-like atmosphere of the welcoming hall of the merchant’s house.

The permanent exhibition called the Family Book tells the tale of the family’s life at the end of the 19th century. During a tour of the house built, you will see many authentic items of a past era and discover the etiquette of a traditional family from Tyumen.

11. Alexandrovsky Garden

The original name of the Alexandrovsky Garden is the Country Garden. The garden appeared on a vacant plot of land in 1851 when thousands of linden, birch, spruce, and pine trees were planted in the area of about 100 acres (40 000 m²) with the money of the merchant Ivan Ikonnikov.

The garden was named after the crown prince Alexander, the future Tsar Alexander II, who visited Tyumen on May 31st, 1837, during his journey through Siberia. After the October Revolution of 1917, the garden was abandoned until 1948, when a small portion of it was restored through the employees’ efforts of a ship-building plant.

The landscape of the garden was adorned with a pond, a small bridge built traversing the ravine, a shooting range, and a restaurant with a terrace. In the 1960s, it was abandoned again, and by the 1970s, it fell into disrepair. Later a development effort began on the garden’s premises with the construction of houses, a kindergarten, and garages. A road to the Profsoyuzny Bridge was also built through the park.

However, the renewal of the garden did not begin until 2007. Although ten times smaller than the original garden, the grounds were restored, and the Alexandrovsky Garden became its official name. The fountain was rebuilt as well as sculptures of citizens styled after the 19th century. Some statues include the Hussar, Ladies on a Walk, A Girl at Rest, and the Boy.

12. Rasputin Museum

Grigory Rasputin was a friend of the last Russian emperor Nikolay II and his family. Rasputin is one of the most mysterious and exciting personalities of the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. In the 1900s, among Saint Petersburg’s high society, he had the reputation of the Tsar’s family friend, a religious elder, a seer, and a healer.

The exposition includes a cosmetic mirror, broken down in the middle that symbolizes the broken life of its owner, an icon of St. Simeon Verhotursky the Righteous, who is highly honored in Siberia, and the plate of the famous Kuznetsovky porcelain factory with the monogram of the empress, which Rasputin gave to his god-daughter Iraida Kolesnikova during her christening, an old Viennese chair from the Rasputin’s house. There is an authentic platband from the famous home of Rasputin, and the only thing remained of the building.

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• COUNTRY Russia
• POPULATION 600,000
• LANGUAGES Russian
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• Getting Around
• Sightseeing

Tyumen, the first Russian settlement in Siberia, lies 2,500km (1,600 mi) east of Moscow and behind the Ural Mountains. The Tyumen Oblast (region) has seen significant economic growth over the past twenty years, fuelled by the discovery and exploitation of significant oil fields.

Tyumen is also an educational centre, with more than forty thousand students.

Originally Tyumen was called Chimgi-Tura and its origins probably lay with the merchants from the ancient trade centres of Samarkand and Bukhara, who needed Siberian rivers to transport their goods to northern markets. For a long time Chimgi-Tura was the capital of Tyumen Khanate, which was a part of the Mongol Golden Horde Empire. With time Chimgi-Tura was renamed Tyumen, a Mongol word meaning “Ten thousand people.”

Russian Tyumen was established in 1586, when the first military mission sponsored by the Tsar and led by Ermak, mainly to respond frequent attacks of Khan Kuchum, seized the town. It then remained a quiet provincial Siberian city up until the 1960s. Most of its inhabitants lived in wooden houses along the Tura and Tyumenka rivers, for which it became known as the “capital of villages.”

Being a major transportation point to Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East, Tyumen has experienced all major historical events in Russia. It has seen the Decembrists on their way to exile in Irkutsk, Tsar Nicholas II and his family to their final destination of Ekaterinburg, Revolution turmoil, Civil War, bloody uprisings against the new Bolshevik food policy ( prodrazverstka ), Gulag prisoners, and more. Many famous people were born or studied in Tyumen. Among them is the famous writer M. M. Prishvin. His essays about nature are filled with harmony and the art of words.

One resident was the most controversial figure in Russian history – Grigory Rasputin. His house can be visited in the village of Pokrovskoe, near Tyumen. It is believed that “the devil monk” was born sometime between 1864 and 1872.

Rasputin was an impoverished, drunken, dirty and foul-mouthed man. Even so, people claim that he had great powers. Many said that he was a healer and also a prophet. During his twenties, Rasputin supposedly became a holy man after a long religious conversation with one of his superiors. He lived off the charity of people who admired his asceticism. It is said that one time Rasputin accurately predicted a three month drought. This Siberian mystic arrived in St Petersburg in 1911 and within a few years had become one of the most influential men in government circles.

Tyumen is a city for walking, a city of contrasts. There are two main streets in the centre: Republics and Lenin. Amongst wooden houses and old churches you will see the modern glass buildings of the World Trade Centre and the Law Department of Tyumen State University as well as Soviet style neighbourhoods with multi-storey apartment buildings.

Optional Sightseeing

The historic city of Tobolsk, Siberia’s former capital, displays considerable charm to reward a short detour from Tyumen. The sights include the white-walled 18th-century Kremlin, incorporating the 17th century St Sofia Cathedral, and a weatherbeaten old town described by some as ‘wonderfully dilapidated’.

Winter in Tyumen

The winters are cold in Tyumen and outlying regions. However, they have one attraction that helps to cope with the winter, being open air hot springs. Thousands of people gather there, both locals and visitors from as far as Yekaterinburg and Moscow. this is truly a way to experience the contrast of the cold Siberian winter (-20℃ plus or minus) with the hot spring water (55℃).

It can be fun to change to your swimwear in the car and then dash to the water (100 m) from the parking area. Just taking a few steps out of the water means the water residue on your body turns into solid ice instantly. Good therapeutic skin pore treatment, we are told.

RELATED PLACES

Yekaterinburg

ACCESSIBILITY

To ensure all visitors can enjoy an incredible day at West Midlands Safari Park, we are dedicated to enhancing accessibility throughout the Park and its fantastic attractions. You can find plenty of helpful information about our services here, but if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our team.

NIMBUS DISABILITY

We are proud to partner with Nimbus Disability, the operators of the Access Card scheme, to streamline the process for obtaining 'Essential Companion' Tickets (previously known as 'Carer' tickets).

We take pride in offering complimentary essential companion tickets to guests requiring additional assistance during their visit to the Safari Park. With this new approach, you no longer need to bring sensitive documents on the day. Instead, please apply online through Nimbus Disability at least 7 working days before your first visit. If you've already applied, there's no need to reapply, as all approved applications are valid for 3 years.

Click the button below to start your FREE APPLICATION . There is also the option to upgrade to a physical Access Card, widely accepted across thousands of venues in the UK.

KEY POINTS  TO REMEMBER:

- Online Application: Apply online at least 7 days before your visit. Same-day applications are not accepted. - Individual Assessment: Nimbus Disability will assess your needs based on supporting documents through a secure application process. West Midlands Safari Park won't view the details of why you need assistance. - Free Companion Ticket: You'll receive a free Essential Companion Ticket when accompanying a paying guest. Children under 3 years don't pay admission, so no companion ticket is issued for them. - Beneficial Services: Essential Companion services aim to benefit those who simply couldn't attend without assistance. Nimbus Disability, a recognised authority on accessible tickets in the UK, ensures fair and impartial assessments. - Booking and Collection: Once approved, you can book your companion ticket online. If you have been awarded +2 or more, please book one companion ticket online and then contact [email protected]  to book the second companion. Alternatively, collect tickets at the Ticket Office on the day, with your Access registration details or Access Card. - Validity Period: Access Card and free WMSP Access Registration are valid for 3 years. Renew if planning a visit after expiry. - No On-the-Day Documentation: We can only accept an Access Card or successful Nimbus registration with the required +1 symbol for a free Essential Companion Ticket.

NIMBUS FAQS:

What is an essential companion ticket.

An Essential Companion ticket allows an additional guest to enter the park accompanying a paying guest, to assist with their visit, free of charge. An Essential Companion ticket is available for guests where support is needed that is significant, substantial and in excess of what could be reasonably expected of family/friends already accompanying the guest. The support must be due to disability-related needs.  

Following a successful application through our partner Nimbus, you can book your essential companion ticket online  here . If you have been awarded +2 or more, please book one Companion ticket online and then contact  [email protected]  to book the additional companions. You will need to provide the full name and Nimbus ID number in order to book the essential companion ticket. If you have not been awarded a +1 on your Nimbus account, you are not entitled to a free essential companion ticket and will need to pay admission for everyone.

By accepting the Essential Companion ticket, your companion accepts responsibility for providing you with support when visiting the park. This includes supporting you with any additional assistance in the event of an emergency. WMSP staff are unable to provide assistance in excess of their typical roles and general reasonable adjustments.  

Who is eligible for an essential companion ticket?

An Essential Companion ticket is available for guests where support is needed that is significant, substantial and in excess of what could be reasonably expected of family/friends already accompanying the guest. The support must be due to disability-related needs. 

If eligible, a guest may be entitled to more than one (but no more than 3), essential companion tickets. The number of tickets will be allocated depending on the assessment from Nimbus and with the appropriate +1/+2/! symbol, assigned to your application/Access Card. 

Essential Companion tickets are only available when accompanying a paying guest, we will not issue a companion ticket for guests who do not pay for admission (children under 3 years old). Essential Companions must be over 12 years of age. If aged between 12-17 years, they must still be accompanying a guest over 18 years of age. 

How do I apply for an essential companion ticket?

All applications need to be submitted via the Nimbus Disability website at least 7 working days before your visit, please use the link at the top of this page to apply. Applications are free of charge for guests who only wish to register their need to visit West Midlands Safari Park.  

You will also have the option to upgrade to a full Access Card at a cost of £15. Access Cards are valid for 3 years and are widely accepted across thousands of locations across the UK and beyond, including many other amusement parks and leisure attractions who offer similar assistance. 

If you are not able to use online forms and would be unable, because of the nature of your impairment, to apply online, Nimbus will be able to assist with telephone registration on 0330 808 5108. 

The Nimbus team will aim to process your application within 7 working days, although during peak dates this may be longer. We ask, where possible, to apply with at least 7 working days’ notice. You will have the option to give your planned visit date on the application, Nimbus will take this into consideration when processing your application. 

What do I do if I already have an Access Card?

If you already have a full, valid Access Card with an essential companion awarded, you can book your Essential Companion ticket online by using the link above the FAQ’s. If you have been awarded +2 or more,  please book one online and then contact  [email protected]  to book the additional companions.

You will need to provide the full name and Nimbus ID number in order to book the essential companion ticket. If you have not been awarded a ‘+’ icon on your Nimbus account, you are not entitled to a free Essential Companion ticket and will need to pay admission for everyone. 

You will need to ensure you bring your Access Card/Nimbus account details with you for our staff to check on entry alongside all tickets. Your companion tickets will be given an ‘open’ Safari Drive time slot, so they can join with your chosen time slot for the Safari Drive. 

You will be able to show your Access Card/Companion Admission ticket again at the Wristband Office to pick up a free Essential Companion wristband, provided you have paid for a wristband for yourself, and they will be assisting you on a 1:1 basis. 

What do I do if I have an Annual Pass?

If you have an Annual Pass with us and have previously had free carers, you will need to apply for Essential Companion through Nimbus. You will be able to apply for free or you can upgrade to a full Access Card. 

If your application is successful, you will be able to visit main Reception on your next visit and provide your Nimbus account details to our team. If you have been awarded the ‘+’, they will be able to issue you with an Essential Companion annual pass, on the same tier as the guest who requires the support. 

Alternatively, if you struggle with walking to Main Reception, please email our team on [email protected], including your annual pass membership number, your Nimbus account details and a photo of the pass holder with the Nimbus account (this will be required for the team to create the companion pass as below). 

The companion pass will need to have the photo and name of the guest requiring support. The pass will only be valid when using in conjunction with the named pass holder on the Access Card and the same annual pass expiry. You will be able to book in your visits online and will not need to collect a ticket on the day from Ticket Office.

How do I book an Essential Companion Ticket?

Following a successful application through our partner Nimbus, you can book your Essential Companion ticket online by using the link above the FAQ’s.

If you have been awarded +2 or more, please book one Companion ticket online and then contact  [email protected]  to book the additional companions.

Can I apply on the day for an essential companion ticket?

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the applications and to ensure that the team at Nimbus have enough time to process all your supporting documents, you will not be able to apply with less than 24 hours’ notice. Applications are still possible in less than 7 working days, however this provides significantly less time for an application to be reviewed.   

If you are purchasing tickets on the day (with Tesco vouchers) you can still apply in advance of your visit date, with at least 7 working days notice. 

Any guest who has not applied online through Nimbus, or if they have applied but have not had a reply so have no confirmation or card details, will not be able to collect a free Essential Companion ticket. All members of your party will have to pay for their admission to enter the Park, as all guests require a valid ticket. 

Please note, our staff are unable to review or approve any supporting documentation presented on arrival other than a valid Access Card or a WMSP Nimbus approval for a visit. Any such requests will be declined, and all guests will be required to pay the full on the day admission price to enter the Park.   

I'm visiting with a group from a care home/SEN organisation, do I need to apply?

We ask for all guests who require Essential Companions to apply through Nimbus, where possible.

If you are private carer for a client, their guardian will need to apply through Nimbus in advance of your planned visit.

For groups visiting from care/residential homes, SEN organisations or similar, who are not able to apply through Nimbus (whether you’re bringing a large group, do not have access to the documents required when making an application or cannot due to GDPR), we will instead accept a dated, headed & signed letter from the manager of your organisation, to be presented along with your staff ID at the Ticket Office on arrival. The letter must state how many guests are visiting (their tickets can be prebooked online or purchased on the day) and how many Essential Companions/carers are attending with them. 

You will need to head to the Ticket Office when you arrive with the letter and your staff ID and our team will be able to issue the required number of Essential Companion tickets.

We regret that we will not accept staff ID on its own; failure to produce a headed and dated letter alongside ID will require payment for all remaining guests, no refunds will be considered.  

If you have any concerns about applying through Nimbus when accompanying residents/clients, please email [email protected] who will be able to assist.

PARK ACCESSIBILITY FAQS:

Is the park wheelchair accessible.

The natural contours of the land mean that some areas have differing gradients, however, these have been minimised where possible. The Safari Walk has a mix of surfaces including tarmac and compressed gravel. Due to the differing gradients, wheelchair users may require assistance in some areas. Some areas feature anti-slip wooden decking paths and bridges.  

The path leading to the African Walking Trail has a steep incline with a compressed gravel surface, we do not recommend this route for wheelchair or mobility scooter users. Guests with pushchairs may also find this section difficult to navigate. You can instead use the tarmacked road past Marmoset Mischief to access the African Walking Trail by keeping right, taking the 2nd exit road and up a smaller incline. This is a shared route so please keep to the side and beware of vehicles.  

Please read our Accessibility Statement for more details.  

Can I hire a wheelchair?

Limited manual wheelchairs are available for free hire at our Main Reception. To reserve one, please pre-book via email at [email protected] or by phone at 01299 402114. You will need to leave your driving license as a deposit.  

Is there disabled parking?

We have free on-site parking for all vehicles, with 41 dedicated disabled spaces located adjacent to the entrance to the Safari Walk. It is a tarmac area on a decline towards the pedestrianised area. Parking bays are clearly marked, and spaces are on a first-come first-served basis. A valid  Blue Badge must be displayed in this area. 

The nearest toilets from the disabled parking bays are 100 to 200 metres up a modest incline and over the zebra crossing. 

What disabled toilets do you have on site?

Our disabled access toilets are strategically located throughout the Park, ensuring level access, lever arm taps, and handrails. Additionally, we offer adult changing facilities in the main car park area with a Changing Places approved Adult Changing Room. The room is fitted with an adjustable changing table, WC and fixed wash basin. Unfortunately, there is no shower facility. There is an XY track system and powered hoist with a Standard 2 point spreader bar – no harnesses are provided. 

This facility will require a RADAR key, keys are available from the Main Reception if required, with a driving license or £5 cash left as a returnable deposit. 

Do you have first aid assistance?

For your convenience, the First Aid post is conveniently located at the front of the Park, next to the Ticket Office and near the car park. Please be aware that our First Aid staff are unable to dispense medication.

Although the post isn't always staffed, assistance is just a phone call away using the phone located outside. Rest assured, a trained first aider is available in every area of the Park to provide immediate assistance if needed. 

Do you have concessions for blind/visually impaired guests?

We offer free admission for guests who are blind or visually impaired. You will not be able to book a ticket online, but will need to pick up a ticket from the Ticket Office on the day. You will need to bring with you a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) or similar (issued by your local council).  

You will also be entitled to an Essential Companion ticket, you will not need to apply in advance for this provided you are able to show your CVI for your own admission. All other guests in your party must book online in advance or pay on the day.  

To use the rides in the Adventure Theme Park, you will need to purchase a full price ride wristband and we would issue an Essential Companion wristband free of charge. You will need to show your CVI and admission ticket at the Wristband Office again.  

Can I bring my assistance dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome in pedestrianised areas, but are not permitted in certain animal habitats for safety reasons. Please ensure they are wearing an identifiable harness or jacket denoting their working status. Please note, Emotional Support Animals are not allowed access to the Park. 

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the Safari Drive for safety reasons and would constitute a breach of Zoo Licensing Regulations. Kennels are available a short walk from Main Reception. 

In all cases, the owner of the assistance dog must: 

• Only access the Safari Walk areas: Ice Age, Land of the Living Dinosaurs, Explorers’ Play Park and Theme Park.  
• Leave dogs in our purpose-built kennels, if accessing the Safari Drive. Bedding, food, bowls, any toys and a small padlock will need to be provided by the animal’s owner. A key and padlock are available from Main Reception when checking the dog in, a £5 returnable cash deposit will be required. There is a water tap available to fill up water bowls.   
• Leave dogs in our purpose-built kennels, if staying in our Safari Lodges. You must make your own adjustments to ensure their safety (such as have a companion with them) to meet their needs. We suggest, where possible, that dogs are left at home if staying overnight with us.  
• Not enter the Discovery Zone buildings (Aquarium, Creepy Crawlies, Reptile World and Twilight Cave), Penguin Cove, Sea Lion Theatre, Lorikeet Landing, Red Panda Retreat, African Village (Meerkats and Lemur Woods), African Walking Trail, Tiger Tropics, or Lion Ridge. 
• Not attend any VIP sessions, animal education talks or any other situations where the presence of the dog may distress animals or affect their behaviour. 
• Always keep the dog on a lead and under control. 
• If the assistance dog starts barking or growling, move their dog to an area where no Safari Park animals are present until the assistance dog stops vocalising. 
• Only allow the dog to urinate or defecate on the grass car park next to the owner’s vehicle before entering the park and to clean up after. 

Do you have ride queue assistance?

If a guest struggles with queues, we do have limited provision to allow queuing at the ride exit. Please speak to a staff member at the wristband office. We will only consider guests for this service who have been assessed by Nimbus Disability as having Standing/Queuing requirements, you will need to show your access card or Nimbus account details for our staff to check the access requirements on your account. 

If we are able to accommodate you at the ride exits, the supervisor will issue you with a sticker to pop on both wristbands. This will be on a 1:1 basis, on quieter days we may be able to allow the family group to go on together. Please note that there may still be an element of queuing and you may need to wait a cycle or two of the rides, the operator will load a number of guests who arrived before you onto the ride first where required. If a guest is unable to wear their wristband, their adult companion can wear it on their wrist in their stead, our team will just write a brief clothing description on the band. 

If a guest has loose articles they would like to wear on the rides, like ear defenders or a cap/hat, they must inform a member of staff at the Wristband Office, who will issue you with a sticker to denote the authorisation of the items on the ride. We cannot allow loose items on the ride unless you have been issued with this sticker. 

PLEASE NOTE:  ALL GUESTS MUST BE ABLE TO SIT UP AND HOLD ON UNAIDED ON ANY RIDE. 

Do you have a help guide/social story?

We’ve put together a Social Story document that we hope will be useful, to show to guests who may be anxious about their visit to the Safari Park. It explains more about what guests will see, smell and hear during their visit.  Click to View Social Story.

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