Do you need a car to visit Woburn Safari Park?

Yes, Woburn Safari Park is a self-drive experience, and you must use your own vehicle to access all areas of the park, including both the Road Safari and the Foot Safari areas. It is not possible to enter the park on foot.

Are soft-top cars allowed at Woburn Safari Park?

Soft-top convertibles are permitted in the Safari Park, but there are restrictions for safety reasons. These vehicles cannot enter the Kingdom of the Carnivores or the African Forest sections due to the risk of animal interaction. A bypass route is available for these areas.

What animals can you see at Woburn Safari Park?

Woburn Safari Park is home to over 80 species. On the Road Safari, you can see large animals like African lions, Amur tigers, Southern white rhinos, Asian elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, North American black bears, and Canadian timber wolves. In the Foot Safari, you can encounter species such as Ring-tailed lemurs, Humboldt penguins, Californian sea lions, red pandas, meerkats, and various reptiles and farm animals.

ZooEngland, GB

Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park offers an exhilarating day out, inviting visitors to journey through sprawling reserves and encounter incredible wildlife up close.

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About

Woburn Safari Park offers an exhilarating day out, inviting visitors to journey through sprawling reserves and encounter incredible wildlife up close. As one of the UK's leading conservation parks, it provides a unique drive-through experience where majestic animals like lions, tigers, and rhinos roam freely, offering unforgettable photographic opportunities and a sense of adventure often found only in the wild. Beyond the thrilling Road Safari, a vibrant Foot Safari awaits, featuring a diverse collection of smaller creatures, interactive exhibits, and daily keeper talks, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

The park is home to a rich array of species, ensuring there's always something new to discover. On the Road Safari, you can witness Southern white rhinos grazing majestically, observe Amur tigers and African lions in expansive habitats, and even experience the playful antics of Barbary macaques as they interact with passing vehicles. The Foot Safari complements this with intimate walk-through enclosures where you can stroll among Ring-tailed lemurs, marvel at Humboldt penguins, and get to know mischievous meerkats, alongside Asian elephants and Rothschild's giraffes.

Woburn Safari Park stands out for its commitment to conservation and its engaging approach to wildlife education. It's not just a place to see animals; it's an opportunity to learn about their habitats, behaviors, and the crucial efforts being made to protect endangered species worldwide. With a blend of thrilling encounters, educational experiences, and family-friendly activities, Woburn Safari Park promises a memorable and inspiring day where connections with the natural world are forged and cherished. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

Woburn Safari Park first opened to the public in 1970, established by the 13th Duke of Bedford and Jimmy Chipperfield on the historic grounds of the Woburn Abbey estate. The park was conceived as a means to help restore the Abbey and improve the estate's financial standing, which had been impacted by World War II and high post-war taxes. The estate's zoological legacy, however, dates back much further, to the 11th Duke of Bedford, who, as president of the Zoological Society of London, had already introduced various species including American bison, deer, antelope, lions, and tigers to the park in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notably, Woburn played a pivotal role in conservation history, becoming the first captive breeding facility to save a species from extinction in the wild with its success in breeding Père David's deer. The park was instrumental in gathering the last remaining individuals of this species, which became extinct in its native China, highlighting Woburn's long-standing dedication to wildlife preservation.

What to do here

Drive through the various reserves multiple times to catch different animal activities. Take a walk through the Land of the Lemurs and Australian Walkabout. Attend scheduled animal talks, particularly for elephants, sea lions, and red pandas. Consider pedal boat rides on the lake.

Seasonal info

Woburn Safari Park is open daily from February half-term until just after October half-term, then Thursday to Sunday only during the winter months. Animals are accustomed to British weather; some, like rhinos, may wallow in mud during rain, and monkeys might play. In colder months, giraffes might be viewed in their indoor house.

Accessibility

The Road Safari is an excellent option for visitors with physical disabilities or reduced mobility, as animals can be viewed from your own vehicle. The Foot Safari has some naturally steep paths and areas with gravel or grass, which may be challenging for wheelchairs, but an accessibility map highlights the best routes. Disabled parking, accessible toilets, and a Changing Places facility are available. The park also offers social scripts, communication boards, and British Sign Language (BSL) boards to enhance inclusivity.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Plan for a full day. Most visitors spend around 3-5 hours, but you can easily stay longer to fully experience both the Road and Foot Safaris, including repeat circuits of the drive-through. The Road Safari alone typically takes 60-90 minutes per circuit.
Best time to visit: The park tends to be quieter on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. For the Road Safari, arriving first thing in the morning (around 10 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3 PM) is recommended, as animals are often more active early on, and queues are shorter later in the day. The Foot Safari can also be quieter in the afternoon. Off-peak seasons (during school terms and mid-week) generally result in shorter queues and fewer visitors.
Location: England, GB
Species in this guide: 9

Best for

Families With ChildrenWildlife Photography EnthusiastsNature And Animal LoversCouples Seeking An Adventurous Day Out

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Don't miss

Road Safari

Encounter Southern white rhinos, African lions, Amur tigers, North American black bears, Canadian timber wolves, Asian elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, Grevy's zebras, and Barbary macaques.

Foot Safari

Explore areas like Land of the Lemurs (walk-through), Humboldt Harbour (Humboldt penguins, Californian sea lions), Australian Walkabout (wallabies), Desert Springs (meerkats, porcupines), and Farmyard Friends (goats, pigs).

Interactive Experiences

Enjoy daily keeper talks and animal demonstrations, which offer insights into animal behaviours and conservation efforts.

Play Areas

Utilize the Mammoth Play Ark (indoor soft play) and other outdoor adventure play areas.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

African Lion

Horse

Giraffes

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early or Later

For a less crowded experience and potentially more active animals, aim to arrive right at opening time or visit the Road Safari later in the afternoon.

Repeat the Road Safari

Your admission allows for unlimited circuits of the Road Safari, offering new perspectives and chances to spot animals you might have missed.

Pack Snacks/Lunch

While cafes are available, bringing your own food can save time and ensure you have options, especially if visiting during busy periods.

Check the Timetable

Download the park map and keeper talk schedule in advance to plan your day around specific animal feeding sessions and demonstrations.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Ensure your car has enough fuel for the drive-through, as there are no refuelling stations on-site. Perform a quick vehicle safety check (tyres, oil, water) before your visit.

Dress for the Weather

British weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and bring waterproofs, as the park is open in all conditions and some activities are outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, Woburn Safari Park is a self-drive experience, and you must use your own vehicle to access all areas of the park, including both the Road Safari and the Foot Safari areas. It is not possible to enter the park on foot.
: Soft-top convertibles are permitted in the Safari Park, but there are restrictions for safety reasons. These vehicles cannot enter the Kingdom of the Carnivores or the African Forest sections due to the risk of animal interaction. A bypass route is available for these areas.
: Woburn Safari Park is home to over 80 species. On the Road Safari, you can see large animals like African lions, Amur tigers, Southern white rhinos, Asian elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, North American black bears, and Canadian timber wolves. In the Foot Safari, you can encounter species such as Ring-tailed lemurs, Humboldt penguins, Californian sea lions, red pandas, meerkats, and various reptiles and farm animals.