knowsley safari walk

Knowsley Safari Park drive and walk and how to book tickets

The safari drive and walk are both included in one admission ticket

• 14:19, 5 JAN 2024

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Knowsley Safari Park is one of the biggest attractions in the North West

The safari park, which is the longest safari drive in the UK, has been welcoming visitors for the last 50 years and is home to hundreds of wild animals from across the world.

Channel 4 has catapulted the park to a brand new audience of millions across the UK. A television programme, Secret Life of the Safari Park, goes behind the scenes to see what makes the attraction, animals and staff such a phenomenon.

READ MORE: The Liverpool Echo Premium app is just £12 for 12 months for a limited time

READ MORE: Win an incredible airport experience and flights to your chosen destination with Liverpool John Lennon Airport

If you're only discovering the park or want to step back into the wilderness, everything you need to know is below.

What is the Knowsley Safari drive?

This route is split into different continental zones where you’ll drive in your own car through habitats to see the park's collection of animals. From Bactrian camels and white rhinos to baboons and African lions, you can see them all as you drive around the grounds.

You'll travel through Asian territories before moving to the African savannah and woodlands, meeting the animals that call the areas home. Be careful, as the baboons and others aren't afraid to come right up to your car.

Once you’ve finished, you can head down to the foot safari, which is included in one admission price. Both experiences are included in your ticket

What is the Knowsley Safari walk?

The walking trail travels through the woodlands, tiger enclosures, animal habitats, rides and amusements for every age, and play areas and animal displays to keep your little ones entertained all day long.

Guests can meet meerkats, giraffes and sea lions before wandering past the stunning waterfall. As aforementioned, the foot safari is included in one admission price.

Special events

Throughout the year the park hosts one-of-a-kind events for all ages, families and seasonal activities. The Enchanted Christmas Light Trail is a must-see annual favourite while surprise appearances from newborn animals and summer explorer programmes spread the fun throughout the year.

If you simply want to make an occasion of your own, you can book safari parties for those special days.

You can see more about special events here.

Knowsley Safari opening times

The last safari admission is 2:30pm and the last entry to the safari drive is 3pm. Rides are open 11am - 3:30pm during weekends and school days.

Safari park opening times are 10am - 4pm and the safari drive is open from 10am - 3am throughout the week The park is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

How to book tickets

Admission is £17.50 with children under three free to attend. Special admissions and event prices vary. You can see more about bookings and tickets here.

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Knowsley Safari Park: Your Safari Playground

Knowsley Safari Park stands as a testament to the marvels of wildlife conservation and the splendor of nature. Nestled in the heart of England, this park offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness a diverse array of animals in their natural habitats. From thrilling safari drives to captivating animal shows, Knowsley Safari Park promises an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

Table of contents

Founding and establishment, evolution over the years, safari drive, walk-around areas, amusement rides, animal shows and performances, breeding programs, education and awareness initiatives, collaborations with conservation organizations, accessibility and location, size and diversity of animal species, interactive experiences for visitors, tips for visiting, family-friendly activities, accommodation options nearby, local community involvement, school programs and educational visits, charity events and fundraisers, green initiatives and practices, wildlife habitat preservation, efforts to minimize carbon footprint, ongoing conservation challenges, future conservation and sustainability goals, history of knowsley safari park.

Knowsley Safari Park was established in 1971 by the visionary efforts of the 18th Earl of Derby, Edward Stanley. Located in the picturesque surroundings of Knowsley Estate in England, the park was founded with the aim of providing a unique safari experience to the public. From humble beginnings, Knowsley Safari Park has grown into one of the most renowned wildlife destinations in the United Kingdom, offering visitors the opportunity to observe and interact with a wide range of animal species in naturalistic settings.

Over the years, Knowsley Safari Park has undergone significant evolution and transformation. What began as a modest safari venture has flourished into a sprawling wildlife sanctuary spanning over 500 acres. Through ongoing investment and innovation, the park has expanded its animal exhibits, enhanced visitor facilities, and introduced new attractions to ensure an enriching experience for guests of all ages. Knowsley Safari Park remains true to its core values. These include conservation, education, and wildlife appreciation.

Attractions at Knowsley Safari Park

This typically refers to a guided or self-driven tour through a wildlife park or reserve where visitors can observe animals in their natural habitat from the safety of a vehicle. It offers a unique and immersive experience of seeing wildlife up close without disturbing their natural behaviors.

There are designated spaces within a zoo or wildlife park where visitors can walk freely among certain animal exhibits. These areas have habitats that look like the animals’ natural homes. Visitors can approach animals closely. Safety barriers are in place.

There are attractions within a theme park or entertainment venue designed to provide thrills and entertainment. They can include roller coasters, carousels, Ferris wheels, and other rides that offer various levels of excitement and adrenaline-inducing experiences.

These are scheduled presentations within zoos, aquariums, or wildlife parks where trained animals showcase their abilities or behaviors to an audience. These shows may include performances by dolphins, sea lions, birds of prey, or other animals, often with an educational component to teach visitors about conservation and animal behavior.

Wildlife Conservation Efforts

These are initiatives undertaken by zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations to breed endangered or threatened species in captivity. The goal is to increase the population of these species and ensure their survival by maintaining genetic diversity and providing a safety net against extinction. Breeding programs often involve careful selection of breeding pairs, monitoring of reproductive health, and efforts to simulate natural breeding conditions.

Sure! Here’s a simplified explanation for a 5th-grade student:

Wildlife conservation programs are like fun adventures that teach us about protecting animals and nature. They have cool things like games, tours, and activities to help us learn. These programs show us why it’s important to take care of animals and their homes, like forests and oceans. They teach us how to help animals that are in danger of disappearing forever. By joining these programs, we can become heroes for nature!

Sure! Here’s a simplified version for a 5th-grade student:

Zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks love to team up with groups that help animals. Together, they make sure animals are safe and their homes are healthy. These teams help by giving money to projects in nature, sharing their knowledge, and doing research. They talk to governments to make rules for animals’ safety. Together, they help animals and their homes stay safe.

Unique Features of Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley Safari Park is really close to Liverpool, which means it’s easy for people to visit. It’s in a pretty place called Knowsley Estate and has lots of parking spaces. You can get there easily by driving on the roads. You can see animals and have fun without going too far away from home.

Spanning over 550 acres of lush parkland, Knowsley Safari Park is home to a diverse array of animal species from around the globe. Visitors can encounter majestic lions, towering giraffes, playful monkeys, and many more as they explore the park’s expansive habitats. With over 700 animals representing over 100 different species, including rare and endangered species, the park offers a comprehensive wildlife experience that appeals to nature enthusiasts of all ages.

At Knowsley Safari Park, there are lots of fun things to do and learn about animals. You can go on a special drive and see animals up close, or walk around and meet them face-to-face. You can even feed some of them! And if you like rides and playgrounds, there are lots of those too. Knowsley Safari Park is a great place for the whole family to have fun and learn together.

Visitor Experience

Prepare for your visit to Knowsley Safari Park with these helpful tips:

Book in Advance : Secure your tickets online to skip the queues and plan your day efficiently.

Arrive Early : Beat the crowds and increase your chances of animal sightings by arriving early in the day.

Vehicle Readiness : Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the safari drive and follow safety guidelines.

Dress Comfortably : Wear suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor activities, and be prepared for changing weather.

Bring Essentials : Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera to enhance your experience.

Safari Drive : Explore the park’s wildlife from the comfort of your car on the safari drive.

Walk-Around Areas : Get up close to animals in walk-around areas featuring meerkats, birds of prey, and more.

Adventure Playground : Let kids play and have fun at the park’s adventure playground.

Keeper Talks : Learn about the animals through informative keeper talks and feeding sessions.

Amusement Rides : Experience thrills and excitement on amusement rides in the park.

Hotels : Choose from various hotels and bed-and-breakfasts within a short drive from the park.

Camping : Enjoy outdoor adventure by camping at nearby campsites or caravan parks.

Self-Catering : Opt for self-catering cottages or holiday homes for added flexibility.

Farm Stays : Experience rural charm with farm stay accommodations offering unique experiences.

Serviced Apartments : Stay in serviced apartments or holiday rentals for a comfortable, home-like stay.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Knowsley Safari Park isn’t only for tourists. It’s important to the local community as well. The park actively engages with schools and community groups through educational programs and outreach initiatives. From hosting school visits to organizing charity events and fundraisers, Knowsley Safari Park fosters a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility among its visitors and supporters.

Knowsley Safari Park actively engages with the local community, fostering partnerships and initiatives that benefit the surrounding area. This involvement may include collaborating with local businesses, supporting community events, and participating in neighborhood improvement projects. By working closely with the community, the park helps the region’s social and economic well-being. It helps residents feel connected and a sense of belonging.

Knowsley Safari Park offers comprehensive school programs and educational visits designed to inspire and educate the next generation of conservationists. These programs provide students with hands-on learning experiences, guided tours, and interactive workshops that align with curriculum standards. From learning about animal behavior and habitat conservation to understanding the importance of biodiversity, these educational initiatives aim to instill a love for wildlife and environmental stewardship in young minds.

Knowsley Safari Park hosts a variety of charity events and fundraisers throughout the year to support worthy causes and charitable organizations. These events may include sponsored walks, fun runs, gala dinners, and themed fundraisers, all aimed at raising awareness and funds for important conservation projects or local charities.

Environmental Sustainability

Knowsley Safari Park really cares about nature. They use special ways to save energy and protect the environment.

Knowsley Safari Park does lots of things to help nature. They recycle stuff, save water, and use things that are good for the Earth. By doing these things, they make sure they don’t use too much of the Earth’s resources and show everyone how to take care of the environment.

Keeping homes safe for animals is really important at Knowsley Safari Park. They make sure there’s enough food, places to hide, and safe spaces for animals to have babies. By looking after the land, the park helps lots of different animals and plants stay healthy and happy.

Knowsley Safari Park is working hard to help the Earth by using less energy. By using less energy, the park shows that it cares about keeping the environment safe and healthy for everyone.

Challenges and Future Plans

Knowsley Safari Park faces big challenges in protecting wildlife. Things like losing homes, poaching, and climate change make it hard for animals to survive. We need to keep working hard to save them.

Knowsley Safari Park is determined to keep helping animals and making sure people have a great time. They want to make their programs to protect animals even better, make visits more fun, and help the environment. They hope to make the world better for animals and people by taking care of nature and all its creatures.

Knowsley Safari Park is a place where animals are kept safe, just like in a big school. It’s like their home, where they can live happily and safely. At the park, you can learn all about nature and the animals that live there. You can see the animals up close, which means you can get really close to them and watch them doing their everyday things. This means looking after the trees, plants, and all the living things around us. It’s like learning how to keep our planet clean and healthy for everyone, including the animals. It’s really important for us to love and protect nature. When nature is good, animals feel good too.

Yes, you can feed some animals at Knowsley Safari Park under supervision.

Visitors are allowed to take pictures for their personal use. For commercial photography and drone use, visitors require permission from park management.

At Knowsley Safari Park, they make sure all the animals are happy and healthy. They have special teams of animal doctors and experts who take care of them every day. These teams make sure the animals have everything they need to stay well and safe.

For everyone’s safety, pets are not allowed in the safari drive or walk-around areas of the park.

Visitors can contribute to wildlife conservation by participating in educational programs, donating to conservation initiatives, and spreading awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species.

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A Truly Wild Encounter

Face to face with nature, adventure calls.

We want you to enjoy a full day out and not miss any of the amazing things we have on offer. We love to see our guests exploring the safari park and discovering lots of new things to inspire and excite!

Our 5 mile safari drive is the longest in the UK, and home to everything from our cheeky baboons to our magnificent lion pride. The drive takes about an hour to complete and the best bit is …. you can go around as many times as you want!

Explore Knowsley Safari

Start your adventure, walk on the wild side, safari maps, download today, tickets and prices, plan your visit, download the app.

Find out all the exciting info on our awe-inspiring animals and exciting activities.

Plan your vists

Animal talks & displays.

Dare to get up close to a bird of prey or get splashed by a sea lion?

African Lions

Our Safari Drive takes you through Lion Country, allowing you to watch the pride without a fence between them and your vehicle!

Meerkats are small carnivorous mammals from Southern Africa. They live in underground burrows and chambers.

White Rhino

White Rhino are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. They are often hunted for their horn.

We're not just a safari drive you know!

Our Foot Safari offers everything from sea lion displays, Tigers, play areas, meerkats and giraffes. There’s so much to do you’ll struggle to fit it all in!

Stay safe when you explore and follow our rules of entry. Our animals behave as close to the wild as possible and can be unpredictable so you should stay inside your car at all times. If you breakdown while on the safari drive it is important that all passengers stay within the car, you should sound your horn and wait for a patrol vehicle to come to your assistance.

Guests are strictly prohibited from feeding the animals – that’s our job! If you are seen feeding the animals from your vehicle you will be asked to leave the safari park.

Safari Safety

Coaches and buses with roof-top skylights are only suitable for the car-friendly route.

Please do not touch or feed the animals in the safari park.

Soft-top cars are not allowed through the lion or monkey section, however are suitable for the car-friendly route.

Baboons may damage your car, so you can either use the car-friendly route or be prepared for this possibility.

Dogs are no longer allowed in any areas of the safari park.  We do however provide basic accommodation for your dog.

We remind guests that they should continue to follow the law to stay safe on the safari drive, please wear seatbelts at all times, do not allow children to sit on knees and stay within the 20 mph speed limit

Please read and comply with all signs, especially to keep windows and doors locked and closed when in the Baboon enclosure and Lion Reserves.

It’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure everyone stays in the car in the safari park, and precautions are taken for their car. For your own safety do not get out of your car as there are wild animals on the safari drive.

Sitting on your car roof on the safari drive is not permitted.

Please drive on if any large animal approaches the vehicle – it’s the driver’s responsibility to do so.

If you break down or need assistance, please stay in the car, sound the horn and wait for a patrol vehicle to come.

Children must be under the supervision of adults, and cars containing children must keep the doors locked at all times.

Dogs are  not allowed  in any areas of the safari park. This includes both the safari drive and also the pedestrian areas of the park.

We do however provide basic accommodation for your dog should you wish to bring them on your trip.

A £5.00 refundable padlock is available at reception on arrival.

Our kennels provide basic accommodation for your pet. Drinking water is available but we do not provide water bowls or blankets. Please feel free to bring with you any items that will make your pet as comfortable as possible.

Coming to visit? You can take advantage of an incredible overnight stay at the luxurious Suites Hotel with discount code SAFARI. Including special room rates, full or continental breakfast, free wifi and parking as well as access to the Suites leisure club and even 10% off spa treatments!

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Updated: Feb 7

Knowsley Safari Park is a fun filled day looking at animals by car and foot, fairground rides and a sealion show. A perfect day out for the whole family.

• Sea Lion and Birds of Prey Displays

• Foot Safari with Tigers & Giraffes

• 5 mile car safari with baboons & lions

• Animal talks

• Restaurant & Coffee House

• Fairground Rides and Playareas

• Annual passes available

• Open Every Day 10-5.30pm

• Prescot L34 4AN

• www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk

Safari Drive

This took us about an hour to go around, there are a couple of lanes so you can queue up in your car to have a good look when there is an animal to see or you can go in the faster if you don't want to wait. Its a 5 mile drive where you go through Bactrian Camels, White Rhino, African Lions and Baboons. We were really lucky with the Camels, they decided to get up from their shelter and started to walk along the road right next to the cars. This was great and the girls really enjoyed watching them walk along side us. We decided to by pass the Baboons as were weren't sure about them damaging our car. This is easy to miss and you can still see them through the fencing. The lions were sleeping sadly but we did also get a good view of the Rhinos. You can go round as many times as you want too.

Sea Lion Show

We parked our car and headed into the Knowsley Safari village. We went straight to the Sea Lion theatre as a show was about to begin. This was definitetly my favourite of the day. Two Sea Lions called Authur and Roger showed the audience their amazing skills for about 20minutes. They showed how they are different from seals and did mind blowing acts like balancing things on their nose and jumped up out of the water to hit a ball hanging from the ceiling. The Sea Lions looked like they really did enjoy the attention and the way the show was delivered by the animal trainer made it fun while being educational. There are 3-4 shows spread through the day.

Birds of Prey Show

With Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Vultures, Kites & Owls. Watch them being fed and soring over your head in flying displays. On a few times a day, just turn up and get a seat to watch the fully immersive family friendly show.

Amusement Rides

In centre there is a selection of about 12 fairground rides. These vary between 1-3 tokens per rider to go on. Or you can buy a wristband to have unlimited rides. These are a nice addition to the day and there are also a couple of small play areas near the rides too so you can easily break up the day with some playing between seeing all the animals. There is a Pirate Ship, Honey Pots, Swing Chairs and a rollercoaster called Rattlesnake!

On Foot Safari

Mischievous meerkats, graceful giraffes and an amazing Amur tiger trail! Sadly the tiger was fast asleep so we only saw him from a far. The Tiger Trail goes around the tiger compound with plenty of viewing areas. The Giraffes were gorgeous, we caught some of the giraffe talk and found out they were brothers and plenty of facts about them. It was great to see them walking about and pulling leaves from tall trees. There is also a woodland walk which leads you to a waterfall.

Food & Drink

There are plenty of places to refuel. You can choose to dine at the outdoor food court for loaded fries & delicious pizzas. There's the Oasis Restaurant where you can dine on delis, chill con carne, penne bolognese, rosemary focaccia & fish and chips. From the Coffee House there is hot & cold drinks and sweet treats. We took a picnic which we ate while going around the Car Safari but there are also lots of picnic benches.

We would have liked to have seen a few more animals on our visit, in particular the lions or tigers but the fact that the camels and Sea lions were so good it still made for a nice family day out.

Visit Oct 2023

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A walk in Moscow's grand new park, created by an American

October 7, 2018 / 9:30 AM EDT / CBS News

MOSCOW -- The hottest selfie destination in Russia's capital sits at the end of an elegant V-shaped walkway in Moscow's Zaryadye Park. The park itself is brand new – the result of an international collaboration led by New York-based architect Charles Renfro.

He is a partner in the firm, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, which also designed the wildly successful High Line in New York City.

Zaryadye, also wildly successful, is Moscow's first new city park in 50 years.

"It has become the most visited destination in central Moscow, and that makes me have chills and shivers," Renfro told correspondent Elizabeth Palmer.  

Visitors have flocked to the park ... walkers and lovers, dreamers, tourists, families and friends.  

But bringing Renfro's radically modern vision to Moscow caused some culture shock. Take the walkway that extends over but not across the Moscow River. "This bridge goes nowhere.  It goes nowhere! We had a hard time getting it through," said Renfro.

Why? "Well, because of the fact that it's not a bridge. And I think the Muscovites were wanting it to be functional. 'Why should we build a fairly expensive feature in the park that does nothing?' But you see how popular it is!"

Filled with light and life, this park is a prime example of how much Moscow has changed. Two decades ago, the site was home to the hulking Rossiya Hotel – a Soviet landmark famous for its 3,000 drab rooms, and its cockroaches. Finally, in 2006 it was demolished. For years the site stood derelict, until in 2012 President Vladimir Putin ordered up a park.

Renfro said, "We questioned whether we should do the competition, politics being what they were."

But Renfro was as stunned as anyone when Diller Scofidio + Renfro won the competition to design Zaryadye. "The idea that we could make something this intimate, this special, in the center of one of the world's busiest, biggest urban cities was just too titillating and too, too exciting," he said.

The Americans worked closely with their Russian partners, Citymakers, to design 32 undulating acres covered in native plants and trees … birds, drawn to this green refuge, which recreates all of Russia's landscapes.

Here, for example, are plants from the far north, underneath the fairytale domes of St. Basil's.

Renfro's partner, landscape architect Mary Margaret Jones, is the head of Hargreaves Associates based in New York.  She calls it "wild urbanism." 

"Here we are, right now we're lost in this birch forest, [and] the city is right there. So, it's wild but it's urban," Jones said. "What interested us is the fact that it is a park, it is a landscape. And landscape is something that speaks to all people."

When they enter it, they leave the city behind. "The park managers, they love this part of the park – they say it's a little too romantic sometimes.  We think that's great!" said Jones.

But tucked under every hill in this park are hidden treasure. 

Visitors can go inside to see a mock ice cave, a virtual reality tour of Moscow, or the Philharmonic Orchestra, in a magnificent new concert hall inaugurated just weeks ago that sits under a graceful glass dome.  Putin himself boasted that the hall was the best in Europe.

This summer, Renfro and Jones – along with their Moscow partner, Petr Kudryavtsev – spoke at the edgy Moscow Urban Forum. Renfro said, "I think the thing that worked out best was international cooperation."

Palmer said, "Russian-American relations are at their lowest point in a long time."

"Ohhh, you're going to go there," laughed Renfro.

"I have to go there!"

"I think it's wrong to say that American-Russian relations are at their worst point. What's at a bad point is our leadership around the world. But I think the people that are actually making this world a better place are doing so more cooperatively and more effectively than ever before."

Of Zaryadye Park, Renfro said, "This is a park for centuries. This is a piece of the city that will last well beyond anybody's lifetime.  It's a park for eternity."

        For more info:

• Zaryadye Park , Moscow
• Diller Scofidio + Renfro
• Moscow Urban Forum 2018

       Story produced by Randall Joyce.

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