Howletts Wild Animal Park sits in parkland near the village of Bekesbourne, a short drive from the centre of Canterbury, and it is the city's biggest family attraction beyond the historic core. The park is run by a conservation charity and is best known for its breeding programmes for endangered species, which is why the animals here include gorillas, elephants and a range of big cats alongside monkeys, deer and many smaller creatures. Enclosures are large and the paths wind through woodland and open lawns, so the day feels more like a long countryside walk than a zoo circuit. There is a strong focus on conservation and on the keeper relationships that the park is known for, and visitors can learn why many of the species are threatened in the wild. If you have children, or simply enjoy animals, it makes a lively contrast to a few days of cathedrals and museums.
A day ticket is the standard way in, and it can be bought in advance as a single product with a set date. Booking ahead is sensible at weekends and in school holidays, when the park is busiest, and it saves time at the gate. Check what is included in your ticket and whether any extras, such as keeper experiences, need to be added separately. Opening hours change with the season, with earlier closing in winter, so confirm the day you plan to go and aim to arrive soon after opening.
Plan on three to four hours, and more if you have small children who like to stop at every enclosure. The park covers a large area on gentle slopes, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a waterproof, because much of it is open to the weather. Start with the gorilla and primate areas while the animals are most active, then work towards the big cats and the elephant paddocks.
Feeding times and keeper talks are scheduled on the day, so look at the daily information when you arrive and plan around the ones you do not want to miss. Cafes and picnic areas are on site, and families often bring snacks and drinks for the walk round.
Getting there is easiest by car, with parking at the park, and it is about a ten minute drive from the centre of Canterbury. Taxis are also straightforward from the centre, and there are local bus links towards the village, though services are not frequent, so check times for your day. The park is not in the walkable core of Canterbury, so treat it as a half-day or full-day excursion rather than a quick add-on.
It pairs well with the Wildwood Trust, which focuses on British wildlife, if you want a second animal day, or with a quiet evening in the city afterwards. Visitors with limited mobility should ask the park about access and any restrictions on mobility vehicles before they go.
A few practical points are worth planning for. Bring layers, because the park is open to the weather and conditions can feel colder on exposed paths than in the city. Pack a reusable bottle, snacks and a rain jacket, and keep a small amount of cash or a card for the cafes and shop.
Remember that the animals are wild and some enclosures may be closed to the public for welfare or maintenance reasons, so treat what you see as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Visiting on a weekday outside the holidays gives the quietest experience, and the late afternoon is a good time for a calmer walk back to the car.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced day walking through large wildlife enclosures in parkland, on a dated day ticket.
Best time
Soon after opening on a dry day, when the animals are most active.
How long
About three to four hours, longer with young children.
Tips
Book ahead for weekends and school holidays, wear walking shoes and check feeding and keeper talk times on arrival.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and animal lovers who want a half-day outside the historic centre.
- Families
- Large enclosures, woodland paths and keeper talks suit children, but bring a pushchair that copes with paths.
- Couples
- A long countryside walk among rare animals, followed by dinner back in the city.
- Pair with
- The Wildwood Trust for British wildlife, or a quiet evening in Canterbury.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day.
Good questions
Where is Howletts Wild Animal Park?+
It is near the village of Bekesbourne, a short drive from the centre of Canterbury. Parking is available at the park.
What animals can I see at Howletts?+
The park is known for gorillas, elephants and big cats, as well as monkeys, deer and many other species. Animals on show can vary, so check the park before you go.
Do I need to book a day ticket?+
Booking ahead is sensible for weekends and school holidays, and a dated day ticket saves time at the gate.
How long should I allow?+
Plan three to four hours, more with young children.
Can I get there without a car?+
Taxis from Canterbury are straightforward, and there are local bus links towards the village, though services are not frequent. Check times for your day.
