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4.8
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Howletts Wild Animal Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary situated in Bekesbourne, near the historic city of Canterbury in Kent, England. Established in 1957 by John Aspinall, this unique park, resting at an elevation of approximately 26 metres, is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of rare and endangered species. It is now managed by The Aspinall Foundation, a charity committed to protecting animals and reintroducing them to their natural habitats.
Visitors consistently praise Howletts for its significant conservation efforts…
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September 13, 2023
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October 10, 2020
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4.6
(15)
38
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
hikers
28.2km
07:26
250m
250m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
20.8km
05:30
190m
190m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Elevation 30 m
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Yes, Howletts Wild Animal Park is generally considered very accessible. The park's terrain is notably flatter compared to its sister park, Port Lympne, making it an ideal and pushchair-friendly option for families with young children or those seeking an accessible day out. Most pathways are well-maintained and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
No, for the safety and welfare of the animals and other visitors, dogs are not permitted inside Howletts Wild Animal Park. Only assistance dogs are allowed.
Most visitors find that a full day is needed to experience everything Howletts Wild Animal Park has to offer. With over 390 animals, various exhibits like the "Animals of the Ice Age" woodland walk, play areas, and educational talks, you can easily spend 4 to 6 hours or more exploring at a leisurely pace.
Howletts is accessible by public transport, though a final short leg may require a taxi. You can take a train from London Victoria to Bekesbourne station, which is approximately a 90-minute journey. From Bekesbourne, a short taxi ride is recommended to reach the park entrance.
Yes, many visitors recommend following the paths around the perimeter fence for excellent views of the rhinos. This route can also help hikers avoid any sections that might otherwise require a 'hike a bike' if you were on a cycling route, offering a clear and enjoyable walk around the park's boundaries.
Beyond observing the animals in their spacious enclosures, Howletts offers several unique experiences. You can explore the "Animals of the Ice Age" exhibit, featuring life-sized prehistoric creatures along a woodland walk. There's also a popular walk-through lemur enclosure, allowing for close-up interactions. For an additional cost, visitors can often partake in special animal encounters, such as feeding elephants or behind-the-scenes gorilla experiences.
Howletts is very family-friendly, especially for those with toddlers. The park's flat terrain makes it easy to navigate with pushchairs. There are dedicated play areas, such as Joshua's Jungle Play Park, designed for children to burn energy. Additionally, picnic areas, restaurants, and cafes are available, along with accessible restrooms and baby changing facilities.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is run by The Aspinall Foundation, a charity deeply committed to wildlife conservation. The park is renowned for its successful breeding programs for rare and endangered species, including Western Lowland Gorillas and black rhinos. A significant part of their mission involves reintroducing these animals back into their natural habitats, making your visit a direct contribution to these vital efforts.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is well-equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. You'll find various options for food and drink, including restaurants and cafes. There are also numerous picnic areas, some offering views of the animals, where visitors can enjoy their own packed lunches.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is designed to be enjoyed in all seasons. During colder months, while some animals might be less active or have access to indoor enclosures, many species remain visible. It's advisable to dress in warm layers, as you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors. The park also has indoor attractions and heated facilities like cafes to warm up in.
While both Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve are managed by The Aspinall Foundation, they offer distinct experiences. Howletts is generally considered flatter and more accessible for pushchairs and those with limited mobility, focusing on a walking safari experience. Port Lympne, on the other hand, is larger, more undulating, and offers a unique safari experience with vehicle access to some areas, often featuring a wider range of African and Asian animals in more expansive, open enclosures.