Britains Best Safari Parks

A visit to one of Britain's amazing safari parks is a fantastic day out, sneakily disguised as an educational lesson that the kids will love. BritEvents has a look at the best safari parks across Britain.

Britain's best safari parks

Over the last few years safari parks have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, with more families than ever enjoying wild, exotic animals in their comfort of their own cars without having to break the bank on an African Safari.

The Highland Wildlife Park (Scotland)

Highland Wildlife Park, near Kingussie, is located within the Cairngorms National Park, and gives you the opportunity to witness local wildlife in a beautiful rugged setting. The park allows you to drive around in your own car and then discover the walk around area by foot. The park offers informal keeper led feeding talks on many of the animals such as polar bears, camels and tigers where you will learn so many interesting facts.

You can also experience being a keeper for the day, which allows you to get a more personal and close up encounter with the animals which you will never forget! Also the park offers daily Land Rover Tours which give you the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Bukhara Deer, European Bison and Przewalski's horses.

Blair Drummond Safari Park (Scotland)

Situated near Stirling, Blair Drummond Safari Park is Scotland's only African Safari Park and is a must see attraction. The park lets you experience a vast range of animals such as African lions, elephants, zebra and rhinos.

If driving bores you, the pedal boats on offer are also a great way to get the family about! Additionally, the park has a boat safari which gives you the opportunity to discover Chimp Island. Also fantastic daily shows which include the sea lion show and bird of prey displays which will entertain all the family.

Especially for the kids there are many extra facilities and attractions such as the fun fair, bouncy castle, pirate ship, flying fox, face painting and wooden fort which will keep them amused for hours.

South Lakes Wild Animal Park (North England)

Located in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, South Lakes Animal Park is said to be one of the best conservation parks in the UK. The park is home to a vast range of animals from across the globe including Australian western grey Kangaroos, Indonesian Gibbons, lemurs, South American jaguars and Caribbean flamingos.

The park gives you the opportunity to join the keepers and hand feed both the penguins and giraffs and also witnesses them feeding the big cat. There is also a fun mini train for all the family to hop on if your legs get a bit tired.

West Midland Safari and Leisure Park

Situated in Bewdley, Worcestershire the 4 mile safari contains many amazing species from around the world and is home to the only pride of white lions in the UK! The park also offer a large amusement park for the thrill seekers and a 'Discovery Trail' which is a brilliant all weather attraction where you can discover a variety of shows, talks and close encounters with the animals and don't forget to pick up a free scratch card quiz. If you are a fan of penguins there has recently been a newly completed 'Penguin Cove' which includes a beach/pool, penguin house and many great public viewing areas to see the great fun creatures all the way from Peru and Northern Chile.

Throughout the year the park also puts on special events including their 'Summer Nights' event during August which allows you to go on a magical 4 mile evening safari and see some amazing animals and the sun sets. Also during the Christmas period the park is decked from top to toe in festive decoration and Santa's little helpers come to help out- great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and get close with the amazing wildlife on offer.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens (England)

The Cotswold wildlife park is situated in Oxfordshire set in a stunning landscaped garden and parkland. Not only has the park got Wild big cats but also includes a children's farmyard where kids can approach and in some cases touch and feed the animals.

A new attraction to the park is the Giraffe Walkway which gives you the opportunity to get close and eye level with the beautiful creatures an experience you won't forget.

Manor House Wildlife Park (Wales)

The conservation led zoo is set within the beautiful 52 acres of Pembrokeshire Parkland where there are many endangered animals to discover from around the world located in a gorgeous part of Wales, Dyfed- there is something for everyone.

Not only can you get up and close with lemurs and wander with wallabies there is also something for food lovers as locally sourced snacks are available from the food outlet. Also for kids there is a secure hay- play area and wildlife trails to keep them greatly entertained all day. You can even witness local TV starts get up and personal with the wildlife and learn many amazing new facts.

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park (England)

Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire was the first ever safari park outside Africa and was voted the UK's best animal attraction in 2012, so it's well worth a visit.

Your visitor experience will be even more special this summer with the opening of the African Village where you can celebrate the vibrancy of African culture and species from watching a performance from the Masai tribal dancers to visiting the new lemur walkthrough and then take a break in the watering hole cafe.

The adventure park also has many attractions to discover from feeding time, the adventure castle, Longleat hedge maze and the bat cave are just a few on offer. Also many mind blowing shows like the spectacular 'hunters of the sky' where you can witness the world's top predators take to the skies.To see the amazing silverback lowland gorillas, hippopotami and sea lions hop on one of the jungle cruise voyages where you can watch these stunning species at feeding time but watch you don't get too wet.