Knowsley safari park is one of the UK’s best-loved wildlife attractions — a big, bold mix of a long safari drive, immersive foot-safari areas, keeper talks, family rides and conservation projects. If you’re planning a day out (or a short break) in Merseyside or the North West.
What is Knowsley Safari Park? — a concise definition
Knowsley Safari Park is a large wildlife park and family attraction near Prescot, Merseyside, centred on a drive-through safari experience that takes visitors through multiple animal zones covering species from Eurasia, Africa and Asia. The attraction pairs a multi-mile safari drive with a foot-safari area (walkabout enclosures, talks and rides), educational experiences and seasonal events. The park specialises in large mammals (lions, rhinos, tigers, giraffes) alongside mixed collections for habitat-based displays.
Why visit Knowsley Safari Park?
Drive-through safari: See many species from the safety and comfort of your car — great for families, photographers and anyone who prefers a private viewing space.
Foot Safari & up-close encounters: Areas such as the Giraffe Tower, sea lion pools, and trails let you move on foot and enjoy talks/demonstrations.
Conservation & learning: The park runs breeding, veterinary and educational programmes and shares conservation messaging for visitors of all ages.
Events & family programming: Seasonal events and activity weeks (e.g., Camp Knowsley in summer 2025) add experiential value for children.
Recent trends & developments
Camp Knowsley (August 2025): The park introduced a bushcraft-themed summer programme for younger visitors (4–10 years) involving shelter-building, fire lighting, tool crafting and practical outdoor skills.
Animal care & veterinary innovation: In 2024 Knowsley gained international coverage for a complex, pioneering operation on a southern white rhino, showcasing advanced veterinary collaboration with the University of Liverpool.
Habitat investment & masterplan: Long-range projects such as the creation of significant Amur tiger habitats and estate-wide redevelopment aim to improve animal welfare and visitor experience long-term.
Step-by-step planning: how to prepare for a visit
Step 1 — Choose your date and book online
Book early to secure entry and access the best ticket prices, especially for weekends and seasonal events.
Step 2 — Check opening times
Hours vary seasonally; confirm on the morning of your visit.
Step 3 — Plan transport & parking
Most visitors arrive by car. Parking is available and local bus/taxi links serve the area if needed.
Step 4 — Prepare your vehicle & family
Make sure your car is fuelled, with windows working properly. Bring snacks, water, binoculars, and jackets. Use the bypass route if you want to avoid the baboon zone.
Step 5 — Map out a rough itinerary
Do the safari drive early, then the foot-safari, followed by talks, lunch, and rides.
Step 6 — Pack essentials
Bring sunscreen, hand sanitiser, insect repellent and first aid basics.
Step 7 — Accessibility checks
If you need mobility support, contact the park before arrival.
How the safari drive works
Entry & orientation: Collect a map and follow staff instructions.
Choose your route: Decide if you’ll drive through the baboon area or take the bypass.
Drive slowly: Respect low speed limits.
Follow staff directions: Obey road signs and keepers.
Use viewing pull-ins: Never stop mid-road.
Timing matters: Early mornings and late afternoons show more animal activity.
Foot Safari — what to expect
Giraffe Tower & feeding: Iconic and often available as a bookable experience.
Sea lion demonstrations: A highlight with educational talks.
Meerkats & small animals: Ideal for young children.
Play areas & rides: Best saved for the afternoon.
Best times to visit
Low-crowd windows: Midweek outside school holidays.
Peak times: Weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays.
Weather: Cooler or rainy days are quieter, and many animals are more active.
Real-life examples
Family with toddler: Did the drive first, sea lion talk at 11:30, giraffe feeding at 12:30, and rides after lunch.
Wildlife photographer: Arrived early, did two loops of the safari drive for low light shots, then explored the Amur tiger habitat.
Money-saving tips
Book online in advance.
Visit midweek outside school breaks.
Consider annual passes if you plan multiple visits.
Look out for official voucher codes or promotions.
Accessibility & family-friendly features
Wheelchair-accessible paths in most areas.
Family toilets and baby-change facilities.
Seasonal children’s programmes like Camp Knowsley.
Educational talks designed for schools and groups.
Safety & rules
Stay in your vehicle during the drive.
Secure windows and doors in primate zones.
No feeding animals outside of supervised sessions.
Follow all staff instructions and signage.
Photography tips
Use a telephoto lens (200–400mm).
Shoot at fast shutter speeds for moving animals.
Avoid reflections by pressing your lens to the glass if shooting through car windows.
Take advantage of golden hour lighting.
FAQs
Where is Knowsley Safari Park located?
It’s near Prescot in Merseyside, easily reached from Liverpool and Manchester by car or public transport.
How long is the safari drive?
Around five miles, featuring over 700 animals including lions, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and zebras.
Are there seasonal events in 2025?
Yes — highlights include Camp Knowsley in summer and Enchanted Christmas in winter.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. Safety rules require families to stay in vehicles during the drive, while foot-safari areas are supervised and family-friendly.
What conservation work does the park do?
It supports breeding, habitat development and pioneering veterinary operations, such as a rhino surgery in 2024.
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https://liverpooldaily.news/zendaya-tom-holland/
https://liverpooldaily.news/sasha-johnson/
https://liverpooldaily.news/katie-price-carl-woods/
Final Verdict
Knowsley Safari Park remains one of the UK’s standout family attractions in 2025. With its multi-mile drive, foot-safari encounters, giraffe feeding, sea lion shows, ongoing habitat investments and real conservation work, it offers a balance of fun, education and welfare. Plan ahead, book in advance, and time your visit wisely to enjoy a memorable day.
To read more, Liverpool Daily News
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