Wildwood Trust is a conservation charity and wildlife park set in about forty acres of ancient woodland, roughly halfway between Canterbury and Herne Bay on the A291. Its focus is British wildlife, past and present, with more than two hundred animals that range from the familiar, such as red squirrels, deer and owls, to the dramatic, such as wolves, bison and bears. Many animals live in large woodland enclosures that you view from shaded paths, and several walk-through exhibits let you stand among free-roaming creatures. The trust works on rewilding and species recovery, so the tone is educational without being dull, and keepers give regular talks. It is a calmer, smaller-scale day than a safari-style park, which makes it popular with families who have younger children, and it works equally well in wet weather because the woodland canopy provides cover.
Wildwood is easy to reach from Canterbury. By car it is a short drive up the A291, and parking is free, though arriving early is advised at peak periods. Stagecoach buses run between Canterbury and Herne Bay and stop outside, and the nearest railway stations are at Herne Bay and Sturry, with a short bus or taxi ride to finish.
Visitors who arrive by train, bus or bike can claim a discount on a standard individual ticket with proof of a same-day ticket or travel pass, which is a nice incentive for travellers without a car. Cyclists should take care on the country roads and wear high-visibility clothing.
Day tickets are the usual way in, and special offers appear from time to time. Check the trust's current opening days and times before you travel, because they change by season, and book ahead on weekends and in school holidays. Dogs, including assistance dogs, are not allowed on site, so plan for pets elsewhere, and visitors with accessibility questions can contact the trust, which says alternative arrangements may be possible.
Plan about three hours. A good route is to start with the walk-through areas while the animals are active, then take in the larger predators and finish at the cafe or picnic area. Paths are unsurfaced in places, so sturdy shoes are a good idea, and a waterproof lets you carry on in light rain. Wildwood pairs naturally with Herne Bay and the seaside at Reculver, which are close by, giving you a coastal afternoon after the animals.
It also suits a rainy day when a long city walk feels less attractive. If you only have time for one animal attraction, Wildwood is the calmer woodland option, while Howletts offers larger exotic species and a longer day. Together the two parks make Canterbury a surprisingly good base for a wildlife-themed family trip.
A few practical points will help you enjoy the day. Visit on a weekday outside school holidays if you can, because the woodland paths are narrower than in a large safari park and feel busy at peak times. Bring a picnic or plan to use the cafe, and carry water on warm days.
Keepers give talks and feeding sessions through the day, and the daily schedule is usually shown on arrival, so build your route around the sessions you want. Spring brings young animals and birdsong, while autumn colour in the trees makes the woodland especially attractive.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced walk through woodland enclosures and walk-through exhibits, with keeper talks through the day.
Best time
A dry morning, soon after opening, when the animals are active.
How long
About three hours.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, check seasonal opening times and leave dogs at home, as they are not allowed on site.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with young children and anyone interested in British wildlife and rewilding.
- Families
- Walk-through exhibits and shaded paths suit small children, and parking is free.
- Couples
- A relaxed woodland walk, followed by the seaside at Herne Bay.
- Pair with
- Reculver Towers and Herne Bay, or Howletts Wild Animal Park on another day.
- Time needed
- Allow a morning or afternoon.
Good questions
Where is Wildwood Trust?+
It is on the A291 Canterbury Road at Herne, roughly halfway between Canterbury and Herne Bay. Parking is free.
Can I get to Wildwood by bus?+
Yes, Stagecoach buses between Canterbury and Herne Bay stop outside. Check current timetables for your day.
Can I bring my dog?+
No, dogs including assistance dogs are not permitted on site. Contact the trust about accessibility arrangements.
What animals can I see?+
Wildwood focuses on British wildlife, with over two hundred animals including red squirrels, deer, owls, wolves, bison and bears.
Is there a discount for arriving without a car?+
The trust offers a half-price standard individual ticket for visitors who arrive by train, bus or bike with proof of a same-day ticket or travel pass.
