Howletts Day Ticket

The Howletts Day Ticket offers an engaging visit to one of the UK’s most notable wildlife parks, located near Canterbury, England. Priced at $35.83 per person, this ticket provides access to the 90-acre park, which is dedicated to conservation, breeding, and reintroduction of endangered species. The experience typically lasts between 2 to 6 hours, making it flexible for different schedules. The tour operates every day from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM and features a mobile ticket, ensuring easy entry.

This wildlife park is famous for housing the UK’s largest herd of African elephants, a highlight for many visitors. It’s also the only place in Kent where you can see such impressive animals up close. While the park’s main focus is conservation, it also offers animal encounters like feeding lemurs and gorillas, which are highly praised. However, some visitors note that during busy times, enclosure conditions and cafe closures can be points of disappointment. This tour is ideal for families, animal lovers, and conservation supporters seeking an experience that combines wildlife education with family fun.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $35.83 per ticket for a full day of wildlife exploration
• Highly celebrated for feeding encounters with lemurs and gorillas
• Home to the UK’s largest herd of African elephants and many other species
• Open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with flexible visit durations
• Dedicated to conservation, with spacious enclosures and well-cared-for animals
• Some review concerns about enclosure conditions and cafe closures during peak times

The Location and How to Access Howletts

Howletts Wild Animal Park is situated just outside Canterbury, England, making it a convenient day trip destination. The park opens every day from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, providing ample time to enjoy the grounds at a comfortable pace. Visitors are encouraged to book their mobile tickets in advance, as most bookings are made about 5 days ahead.

While specific parking details are not provided, some feedback mentions challenges with parking organization, especially on busy days like Mother’s Day. Arriving early or during less crowded times can help avoid these issues. The park welcomes service animals and expects visitors to have a moderate physical fitness level, as some walking and physical activity are involved.

Exploring the 90-Acre Grounds of Howletts

The park spans 90 acres of beautiful ancient parkland—perfect for a family outing or a wildlife enthusiast looking for wide-open spaces. The grounds feature diverse animal enclosures that appear spacious and well-maintained, reflecting the park’s dedication to animal welfare.

Visitors often comment that the park is less crowded than larger zoos, which makes for a more relaxed experience. The grounds are large enough to allow for easy walking, yet accessible enough for those with moderate fitness levels. The scenery offers a pleasant backdrop for a day immersed in nature.

Key Animal Highlights: Elephants, Gorillas, and Tigers

Howletts proudly hosts the UK’s largest herd of African elephants, a major draw. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures, which are part of the park’s conservation efforts. The park also features gorillas, tigers, and other incredible animals, many of which are housed in enclosures that look spacious and well cared for.

Animal exhibits receive praise for the visible well-being of the animals and the size of enclosures. Some reviews note that not all enclosures are always filled, which can be disappointing, though staff clarify that most are occupied. Animal encounters such as feeding lemurs and gorillas offer interactive moments that many find brilliant and memorable.

The Animal Encounters and Interactive Experiences

A major highlight of the Howletts Day Ticket is the opportunity to add feeding encounters to your visit. These sessions are available for lemurs and gorillas, allowing visitors to get close to the animals and learn from experienced rangers.

Guests describe the feeding experiences as brilliant, providing a rare chance to observe the animals’ behaviors up close. Rangers like Tillie and Matt are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the experience. These encounters are extra, but many say they are well worth the additional cost.

Food, Drink, and Park Amenities

Visitors can find cafes within the park, including the Elephant Cafe and Kifu Cafe. However, some reviews mention that these cafes are often closed, which can be inconvenient. During busy periods or special days, food options may be limited, so bringing your own picnic is recommended.

The park allows visitors to take their own food, making it easier to manage meal times comfortably. There are also plenty of picnic areas throughout the grounds, ideal for families or groups wanting a relaxed break amid the wildlife.

Visitor Experience: Family-Friendly and Manageable Size

Many reviews highlight the size of the park as being just right—not overwhelming for young children but large enough to hold a variety of animals. The park is described as less busy than Port Lympne, making it a better choice for families with young kids who prefer a less hectic environment.

The size and layout make Howletts particularly suitable for families with children, as the enclosures are well-kept, and animals are visible and active. The park’s focus on conservation adds an educational element that appeals to those wanting to learn about endangered species.

Practical Tips for Visiting Howletts

Book your tickets early, about 5 days in advance, to secure your preferred day and avoid last-minute rush. Arrive early in the day to enjoy the park when it’s less crowded and to maximize your time for animal encounters.

Prepare for some walking, as the grounds are extensive but manageable for most visitors with moderate fitness. Bringing own food is permitted, and can help sidestep any issues with closed cafes or pricey options inside the park.

Be aware that enclosure conditions are generally good, but some areas may appear less active or less populated, which staff confirm as normal. Animal feeding experiences are popular, so booking these in advance is advised.

The Limitations and Considerations

While most reviews praise the animal care and spacious enclosures, some visitors express disappointment when enclosures appeared empty or cafe closures impacted their visit. These issues tend to occur during peak times or busy days, so planning accordingly helps.

Parking organization can sometimes be chaotic, especially during special occasions like Mother’s Day, when visitor numbers spike unexpectedly. Visitors should be prepared for potential delays and limited food options during these periods.

Conservation and Ethical Focus of Howletts

The park’s core mission is conservation, with ongoing efforts in breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species. Visitors can see the animals in environments that promote their well-being, which aligns with the park’s ethos.

The park does not currently offer lion cub cuddling experiences and does not support such activities, emphasizing its commitment to ethical treatment and conservation. This focus ensures that visitors’ experiences are educational and respectful toward animals.

Howletts Wild Animal Park: Final Thoughts

The Howletts Day Ticket provides good value for a day immersed in wildlife, especially for families and animal conservation supporters. The spacious enclosures, famous elephants, and animal encounters stand out as highlights.

While some cafe closures and enclosure conditions have been noted, these are often related to busy days or seasonal issues. The park’s commitment to conservation and the friendly staff involved in animal encounters make it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a meaningful wildlife experience near Canterbury.

Overall, Howletts offers a well-rounded, family-friendly day out that combines education, conservation, and animal interaction in a manageable setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Howletts Day Ticket suitable for children?
Yes, the park is highly recommended for families with children, offering animal encounters and a manageable size for young visitors.

Can I bring my own food to Howletts?
Absolutely, visitors can bring their own food and enjoy it in the designated picnic areas, especially as some cafes may be closed during busy days.

What animals are most notable at Howletts?
The African elephants are the main attraction, but the park also features gorillas, tigers, and other endangered species.

Are all enclosures occupied during the visit?
Most enclosures are occupied and well-maintained, although some may appear empty at times, which staff confirm as normal.

How far in advance should I book my tickets?
Booking typically occurs around 5 days prior to your preferred visit date, especially during busy periods, to ensure availability.